Doctoral student in Technology and Society with focus on railway technology

Description of the workplace

Transport and Roads is a division within the Department of Technology and Society. We have around 40 employees and are situated on LTH campus. The PhD student will join the research group Railway operation, a group of currently five PhD students and one senior research staff. The research group has ambitions for a great work environment with close and frequent supervision, a nice atmosphere, and a welcoming group.

More about the research group on Lund University’s Research Portal.

Subject description

The doctoral subject Technology and Society encompasses multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary studies of technology’s role, interplay and importance in different sectors of society. The research entails both qualitative and quantitative studies, and is often characterized by a diversity in methods and theories from technological perspectives, social sciences, law and natural sciences. 

The focus for this specific position is railway punctuality. 

Work duties

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties will also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

You will work in and be responsible for a research project focusing on railway punctuality – both sources of systematic unpunctuality, and on the duration and spread of disruptions from a traffic management point of view. You will be part of a research group working on related topics, and work in close collaboration with the Swedish Transport Administration and other industry partners. Travel will be part of the position, both inside Sweden and internationally. 

Detailed description of the work duties:

• Collection, management and analysis of large amounts of data.
• Writing research papers and reports.
• Active participation in seminars and conferences.
• Reading research papers.
• Contact with industry.

Admission requirements 

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant: 

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Technology and Society if the applicant has: 

• at least 30 credits awarded in the second cycle relevant to the subject area.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Experience working with or studying railway operations.
• Experience of data analysis. 
   

Assessment criteria

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following: 

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study. 
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems. 
3. Written and oral communication skills.
4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.
    

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. 
Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University. 

Terms of employment 

Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

Start as soon as possible, but no later than in February 2025.

How to apply

Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

Welcome to apply!