Postdoctoral position in in Sustainable Food Logistics and Packaging

Description of the workplace

The position is located at the division of Packaging Logistics at the Department of Design Sciences at LTH, Lund University in collaboration with the division of Technical Logistics. The work will be carried out within the interdisciplinary research center FORCE – Centre for Food Resilience and Competitiveness - at Lund University which focuses on strengthening the sustainability and preparedness of Sweden's food system. The centre collaborates with food companies and public actors to enhance value chains for grains, peas, and beans, aiming to build a food system that is both competitive in peacetime and resilient in times of crisis. For more information, visit FORCE – Centre for Food Resilience and Competitiveness.

Subject description

The postdoctoral position focuses on developing sustainable and resilient food logistics and packaging systems within the framework of Industry 5.0, emphasising the shift towards circular food production in Sweden. Specifically, the postdoctoral researcher will contribute to exploring how logistics and packaging innovations can improve food system preparedness and sustainability. The work integrates multiple tensions: the need for resilience versus cost-efficiency in supply chains; centralised versus decentralised storage and distribution; and short-term food security needs versus long-term circularity and environmental goals.

This shift is vital given Sweden’s current vulnerability in food logistics—marked by high import dependency, lean inventories, and fragile global supply chains. By focusing on circular food logistics—especially for grains, beans, and peas—this research will critically investigate how digitalisation, collaborative risk-sharing strategies, and energy-efficient logistics solutions can enhance food system performance during both normal and crisis conditions. It will also address packaging innovations that improve food safety, reduce microbial risks, and extend shelf-life, thereby aligning logistics design with food quality and crisis readiness.

The position is embedded within a strong interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral environment involving academic partners from Lund University’s Divisions of Packaging Logistics and Engineering Logistics, and industrial collaborators. Together, these actors will co-develop frameworks for logistics-optimised food storage, national capacity mapping, and emergency response strategies to ensure resilient, circular, and safe food systems.

The postdoctoral researcher will work closely with supervisors Professor Fredrik Nilsson and Dr Sandeep Jagtap, as well as with industry stakeholders, to generate impactful insights at the intersection of logistics, circular economy, and food systems resilience. This role forms part of a broader interdisciplinary effort to position Lund University as a leader in sustainable and crisis-prepared food systems research.

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.

Detailed description of the work duties, such as:

• Conducting collaborative and interdisciplinary research in the area of sustainable food logistics and packaging, with a focus on Industry 5.0 and circular food systems.
• Development of data-driven models and frameworks to improve supply chain resilience and energy efficiency.
• Mapping and analysis of nationwide food storage and distribution capacities, particularly for grains, beans, and peas.
• Evaluation of packaging innovations to enhance food safety and shelf-life under both normal and crisis conditions.
• Co-creation of theoretical and methodological frameworks in collaboration with academic and industrial partners.
• Collection and analysis of empirical data, including participation in joint workshops and industry-led fieldwork.
• Publishing peer-reviewed journal articles and presenting findings at national and international conferences.
• Contributing to supervision of master's theses and doctoral students within the broader project context.
• Engaging in external research funding applications and collaborative project development.
• Collaborating actively with industrial stakeholders and contributing to the translation of research insights into practice.
• Participating in interdisciplinary research meetings and knowledge exchange across Lund University and partner institutions.
• Teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels as needed.
• Carrying out administrative tasks associated with research, teaching, and project coordination.

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.

Demonstrated research experience and publication record in the area of food logistics, packaging, or sustainable supply chains. Proven ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral research teams. Quantitative modelling and data analysis skills relevant to logistics and supply chain simulation. Experience in engaging with industry partners and translating research into practical outcomes.

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:

• Proven experience collaborating with industry or public-sector stakeholders, particularly in food logistics, packaging, or supply chain resilience.
• Experience with advanced modelling techniques for logistics and supply chain analysis (e.g., simulation tools, digital twins, or data-driven optimisation methods).
• Knowledge of food quality and safety considerations in logistics and packaging.
• Familiarity with circular economy strategies and Industry 5.0 approaches relevant to food systems.

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. 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.

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. http://www.lth.se/english/working-at-lth/to-apply-for-academic-positions-at-lth/

Alternatively

Applications are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system. The application should include a CV and a personal letter justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include a degree certificate or equivalent and any other document to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.)”

Welcome to apply!