Doctoral student in Packaging Logistics, specializing in retail and logistics

Lund University, the Faculty of Engineering (LTH), and the Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI) jointly announce a doctoral (PhD) position in packaging logistics, focusing on commerce and logistics.

Description of the workplaces

The Division of Packaging Logistics at the Department of Design Sciences at LTH and Traffic Analysis and Logistics at VTI are seeking a PhD student for an exciting interdisciplinary project at the interface of logistics, transport, commerce, and sustainability. This opportunity offers a unique chance to delve into the dynamic world of modern commercial logistics with a focus on circular, fossil-free flows of goods.

The department at LTH offers a stimulating and international environment with doctoral students, postdocs, senior researchers, and professors from various parts of the world. Research, innovation, and education take place in an open and creative climate that promotes collaboration both within academia and with industry partners. A doctoral degree provides an excellent foundation for an exciting career in academia or in the business sector.

The Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute, VTI, is a government agency commissioned to conduct applied research and advanced investigations within the transport sector. The recruiting unit works with applied and socially motivated research, as well as advanced investigations in logistics, transport, energy supply, digitalization, and traffic systems.

This PhD position is funded under the Triple F (Fossile Free Freight) program. Triple F is the Swedish Transport Administration’s research and innovation initiative aimed at contributing to the transition of the Swedish freight transport system to fossil-free operations. The project is carried out in collaboration between Lund University and VTI, with supervision from both parties. The position is shared between the two organizations, which means that applicants must apply to both Lund University and VTI. Although it is a shared position, the PhD student will be admitted to the doctoral program at LTH (100%). The doctoral student will be based in Lund but will spend half of their time at each institution, i.e., Lund University and VTI.

Application links to both organizations are at the bottom of this advertisement. PLEASE NOTE that this position is a joint recruitment with VTI and applications are required to both organizations. 

Subject description

Packaging logistics is a multidisciplinary research field that integrates and develops logistics and packaging. It applies various theoretical approaches and methods to understand, explain, and improve the efficient and sustainable use of resources in supply chains. Research in packaging logistics contributes to sustainable development by integrating packaging with logistics, innovation, and product development in the areas of technology, economics, and the environment.

Returns management is a central aspect of sustainable development, focusing on optimizing the collection, sorting, and reuse of products to reduce resource consumption and transport. Digital transformation plays a crucial role in automating and streamlining return flows, enabling sustainable solutions that support the green transition in the retail and logistics sectors. The research is conducted through case studies in close collaboration with, for example, retail companies and logistics operators, focusing on qualitative methods and practical application.

Work duties

The primary task of a doctoral student is to pursue their doctoral studies, which includes both participation in research projects and doctoral courses. The duties also include involvement in teaching and other departmental/institute work, but at a maximum of 20% of the working time.

The doctoral project focuses on the digital transformation of the returns processes in retail, aiming to create more efficient and sustainable solutions. The PhD student will have a key role in the project, combining theoretical and practical approaches to investigate and drive the digital transformation of return management processes. This includes collecting and analyzing data through interviews, site visits, focus groups, and business system data from companies. The work involves close collaboration with companies and organizations to implement fossil-free returns and develop standards for sustainable logistics solutions. The PhD student will also contribute to formulating policy recommendations and creating innovative solutions that promote circular flows. Dissemination of results will take place through the publication of scientific articles, conference presentations, and collaboration with industry, while the student advances their skills through coursework and supervision.

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 Packaging Logistics if the applicant has: 

• at least 50 credits in subjects of relevance to the field, including at least 25 second-cycle credits, or 
• an MSc in Engineering, or one- or two-year Master’s degree of relevance to the field

Other requirements

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Good analytical skills.
  Creativity and strong collaborative skills.
• Ability to work independently.

Assessment criteria

Selection for doctoral studies is based on the assessed ability of the applicant to successfully complete the program. Assessment is primarily based on academic results from undergraduate and advanced studies. The following factors are considered:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis work and the research subject.
2. Assessed ability to work independently and to formulate and address scientific problems.
3. Ability in both written and oral communication.
4. Other experiences relevant to the doctoral program, e.g., professional experience.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority, which means you receive certain benefits, generous vacation time, and a favorable occupational pension. We also offer an exciting interdisciplinary collaborative project between two public authorities.

More abolut working at Lund University (Lund University website)
More about working at VTI (vti.se) 

Other information

Only those who are admitted to doctoral studies may be employed as doctoral students. The doctoral program covers four years of full-time study. If teaching and other departmental duties are performed, the employment is extended accordingly, up to a maximum of five years (i.e., up to 20%). Regulations regarding doctoral studentships can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 5, Sections 1-7

How to apply

Applications may be submitted in Swedish or English. The application must include a personal letter explaining your interest in the position and how the research project aligns with your interests and academic background. The application must also include a CV, degree certificates or equivalent, and any other documents you wish to cite (copies of transcripts, reference information, letters of recommendation, etc.).

Please note: even if the selection process is unified for both organisations, potential candidates MUST apply to both Lund University and VTI (i.e. the same application needs to be sent in twice). Apply to VTI here: Vacancies at VTI - vti.se. 

We look forward to receiving your application!