Postdoctoral position in Human factors/Ergonomics with a focus on work organisation

Description of the workplace

The postdoctoral position is placed in the Ergonomics group at the Division of Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology (EAT) at the Department of Design Sciences at LTH, Lund University. The ergonomics group consists of approximately 20 people. The group conducts research on ergonomics and human factors in a broad sense. The research focuses on producing new knowledge about the interaction between people, technology and organisation, about the relationship between the work environment and human health, safety, well-being, job satisfaction, motivation and work performance, and about the relationship between the design of the human-technology-organisation system on the one hand and quality of life, efficiency and risk on the other. Emphasis is placed on knowledge that is needed, in order to achieve the goals of quality of work and efficiency in workplace and work design, in the development of new technology, and in the development of work organisations/leadership.

In total, the Division of Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology consists of about 50 employees, of which about half are doctoral students and the rest are senior researchers and postdocs. Here, research and teaching take place for the benefit of society in an open and progressive climate, in collaboration both within academia and with external partners, both nationally and internationally.

The postdoctoral position is linked to the research project "A manager who is well is a better manager: How can the work environment for managers in municipal elderly care be improved?"

Subject description

The postdoctoral position focuses on the organisational parts of the ergonomics subject, specifically on the work environment for managers. Great emphasis is placed on organisational design and on how the conditions for the work affect health, well-being, motivation and work performance. The research is interdisciplinary with both qualitative parts such as interviews and focus groups, and quantitative parts such as questionnaire studies. The project uses a design approach, which means that the focus is not only on mapping, but also on developing proposals for improvements with regard to work organizational problems and challenges that the project identifies. This means that the project also includes design methodology such as workshops and concept development regarding solutions to work organisational problems.

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 duties include:

• participation in research within an existing research project investigating the work environment for managers.
• teaching at undergraduate and graduate level.
• supervision of degree projects at master's level.
• collaboration with business and society.
• administration linked to the tasks above.

Within the research project, you will:

• interview managers about their work environment and work.
• participate in conducting design workshops and focus groups
• analyze qualitative data
• analyze quantitative data.
• work with publication and dissemination of research results

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.
• very good oral and written knowledge of Swedish, as data collection related to the research will take place in Swedish workplaces and analysis of collected data will be done in Swedish. This means, for example, that the ability to conduct interviews in Swedish without hindrance is required.
• demonstrated ability to analyze both qualitative and quantitative data.
• documented previous experience of working with qualitative data collection methods such as interviews.
• a PhD in ergonomics/human factors, work organization or related subject area.
• own drive and ability to work independently.
• good collaboration skills as the research takes place in project form and requires collaboration with external actors, such as the organisations studied in the project.

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:

• Previous teaching experience in the field of ergonomics/human factors.
• Previous experience of research in the field of work organization.

We will place great emphasis on personal qualities such as good collaboration skills, drive and independence. 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. 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 2 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”).

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 to apply!