Doctoral student in Industrial Design in Society and Production

Description of the workplace

The position is located in the division of Industrial Design at the Department of Design Sciences at LTH, Lund University. Design Sciences is an interdisciplinary department that integrates design, technology, and people in its research and education. Industrial design is a creative and intellectual activity that questions, shapes, and visualizes objects, systems, and interactions

Subject description

Industrial design as a professional field strives to create meaningful experiences and interactions with both tangible and intangible objects, influencing society and the environment.

As a research discipline, industrial design examines knowledge generation as a phenomenon, aiming to enhance understanding of industrial design from epistemological and practice-oriented perspectives.

The research methods and opportunities span a broad field, enabling the integration of scientific and practice-based approaches to generate knowledge.

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 can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

The doctoral student will be an integral part of a team of doctoral students and faculty members in the Industrial Design division.

The doctoral position requires a research approach that combines analytical and empirical study modules with experimental and practice-based modules.

This doctoral position in Industrial Design offers several possible directions: productivity-related, interdisciplinary, sustainability-oriented, and artistic.

Investigating learning, communication methods, and the effects of design education practice in relation to various societal contexts. Examining design in relation to and interaction with materials, industry, and society. Exploring existing and new methods and processes within the design field.

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 Industrial Design if the applicant has:

• At least 30 higher education credits relevant to the subject area, of which at least 15 credits must be at an advanced level, or
• An in-depth study of at least 20 higher education credits at an advanced level relevant to the subject area, or
• A degree in fine arts, engineering, master's, or magister's degree relevant to the subject area.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• An analytical and empirical research approach combined with artistic exploration.

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:

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

Other assessment criteria:

• Ability to manage and complete complex projects independently and efficiently.
• Understanding of interdisciplinarity, with the ability to operate in both a technical and artistic context.
• Participation in design research.
• Experience with practice-based projects in a multidisciplinary setting.
• Ability to establish and maintain connections and networks with research partners in academia, industry, or other organizations.
• Design portfolio.

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. It is advisable to enter information on what your unit specifically can offer as a workplace.
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 §§.

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.). If you have a portfolio*, we would like for you to submit it.

*Please attach the portfolio in a digital format, such as a link to a website or a PDF (max. 10 MB). If/when group work and/or professional projects are presented, clarify and reflect on your role/contribution.

Welcome to apply!