Postdoctoral position in Human Centered Design

Description of the workplace

The postdoctoral position is placed at the Division of Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology at LTH, Faculty of Engineering at Lund University. The Ergonomics research group at the Faculty of Engineering focuses on studying and enhancing the interaction between humans and the products, systems or environments they engage with. As an Ergonomics research group, we are committed to making a positive impact on society, particularly in the realm of digitalisation. We acknowledge the significance of gender issues and ethics in our work, striving to foster inclusivity and contextually appropriate solutions. Through our collaborative partnerships, user-centered research approach and commitment to societal improvement, our Ergonomics research group endeavours to enhance people's lives and contribute positively to society in the context of digitalization.

Subject description

Human-centred design (HCD) is an iterative design approach that places users’ needs, expectations, and limitations at the heart of the development process. The aim is to create solutions that are not only functional but also meaningful for the people who will use them. HCD is grounded in a deep understanding of the user’s context – their goals, experiences, habits, and challenges – and involves them actively throughout all stages of the design, from needs analysis to testing and further development. The process is cyclical, with design ideas being continuously tested, evaluated, and refined based on user feedback. By combining qualitative methods such as interviews, observations, and user testing with creative techniques like prototyping and scenario development, HCD ensures that the final product is usable, accessible, and aligned with real-world needs.

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. The purpose of the position is to develop the independence as a researcher and to create the opportunity of further development.

The postdoctoral position is placed at the Division of Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology at LTH, Faculty of Engineering at Lund University.

The work duties include:

• To articipate in two research projects that, in different ways, explore the future interfaces between humans and machines.

1. One project investigates how wearable sensorimotor interfaces and robotic arms can be designed to support bodily capability and independence for people with disabilities. Through a speculative design perspective, we examine not only what is technically possible today but also what kinds of future bodies and relationships might become possible and desirable.
2. The second project looks ahead to a labour market where automation and robots play a greater role. We explore what might define meaningful work in such a future. What do we want work to be—and for whom? Through future design, scenario building, and participatory methods, we engage various stakeholders in exploring alternative futures where the human role is not replaced but reimagined in new, value-creating ways.

• To contribute to teaching in interaction design at both undergraduate and advanced levels, as well as supervise master's students.
• To participate in activities to communicate and disseminate project results at national and international conferences, among other things.

In the projects, you will:

• Conduct future design and speculative design workshops to address design, ethical, gender and social aspects and considerations relevant to assistive augmentation and robots in rehabilitation, as well as robotisation in the automotive industry.
• Explore and analyse gender and equality aspects, as well as ethical issues related to the solutions developed in the projects. Translate the identified design, ethical, gender and social factors into requirements.
• Provide recommendations on future assistive augmentation and robots in rehabilitation, and meaningful work with robotisation in the automotive industry.

Qualification requirements

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position. The certificate proving the qualification requirement is met, must be received before the employment decision is made. Priority will be given to candidates who have graduated no more than three years ago before the last day for application. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English
• Documented/proved knowledge of future design and speculative design methods
• Documented/proved knowledge of the scientific field of future design and speculative design
• Documented/proved experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team
• Demonstrate adaptability and flexibility, as the position requires frequent travel and collaboration with researchers and users from different fields and cultures

Assessment criteria

Assessment criteria
This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Teaching skills.

Other qualifications:

• Knowledge in gender studies and ethics
• Personal drive and good ability to work independently.

Consideration will also be given to how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. We offer you inspiring and innovative working tasks in a multi-disciplinary research environment with cutting-edge lab facilities. Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee. Work at Lund University

Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of two years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”). The start date for this position is 250818.

How to apply

Applications shall be written in English. Please draw up the application in accordance with LTH’s Academic qualifications portfolio – see link below. Upload the application as PDF-files in the recruitment system (including your PhD certificate). Read more: To apply for academic positions at LTH.

Welcome with your application!