Luleå University of Technology is growing rapidly with world-leading expertise in several research areas. We shape the future through innovative education and groundbreaking research results, and based on the Arctic region, we create global social benefits. Our scientific and artistic research and education are conducted in close collaboration with international, national and regional companies, public actors and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has a total turnover of SEK 2 billion per year. We are currently 1,500 employees and have 17,900 students. In the coming years, billions of kronor will be invested in Norrbotten and Västerbotten in major projects aimed at a more sustainable society nationally as well as globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these highly topical research projects and the social transformation that follows. We have a wide range of programs to match the skills that are in demand. We hope you will help us build the sustainable businesses and communities of the future. Architecture is one of our 19 research subjects within the Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering. The research group includes around 25 people with different competencies in architecture, urban design and transportation planning. Our research and education help shape future policy and planning for the cities of the future. The department employs around 400 staff, including some 50 nationalities, 180 PhD students and over 50 professors. 70% of our research is externally funded and we have a well-developed international collaboration with universities on all continents. Our research and education has a strong experimental and applied profile with several large and well-equipped laboratories. Project description This PhD position offers a unique opportunity to participate in a research project focused on Active Independent Mobility (AIM), child health and digital engagement. The project aims to translate research findings on AIM into scalable practices that promote physical activity among children through improved urban planning, community engagement and digital tools. In response to the rapid industrial growth and green initiatives in northern Sweden, the project addresses the need for inclusive and socially sustainable urban environments. Working closely with municipalities and urban planners, the aim is to design safe and accessible infrastructures that promote children's independent walking and cycling, with the ambition to increase AIM participation among Swedish children from 52% to 80%. In addition, the project aims to use digital platforms - such as VR and generative AI - to engage different stakeholders, improving joint urban planning efforts and effectively expanding AIM initiatives. Work tasks As a PhD student you will work on: - Developing community-centered AIM solutions: Analyze local conditions to adapt AIM initiatives to specific community needs and ensure that urban planning and infrastructure support children's safe and active mobility. - Collaborative municipal planning with digital engagement: Work with municipalities and urban planners to integrate AIM strategies into municipal plans and use digital tools, such as virtual reality and generative AI, to engage stakeholders and visualize AIM concepts. - Impact evaluation and scalability: Evaluate the effectiveness of AIM interventions, develop models for scalability and integrate AIM solutions into municipal planning. This interdisciplinary project combines urban planning, public health, behavioral science, and digital engagement, offering a holistic approach to creating healthier, sustainable urban environments. For more information on a specific topic: Technical Sciences General Curricula Qualifications The basic eligibility requirements for doctoral studies are as follows: applicants must have 1) an advanced degree, 2) completed courses of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits at advanced level, or 3) equivalent qualifications acquired either nationally or internationally. We are looking for a motivated person who can conduct advanced research independently and in collaboration within our research group. Strong interpersonal skills and a background in architecture, urban planning, geography or a related field are essential. Applicants with practical experience and/or previous scientific publications are particularly preferred. Desirable qualifications include: - Experience with or strong interest in digital engagement tools for urban planning, such as VR (virtual reality e.g. Unity Engine), generative AI (generative model e.g. Generative Adversarial Networks) or digital stakeholder engagement platforms. - Knowledge of urban mobility and community planning. - Experience in participatory planning and community engagement. - Good knowledge of both Swedish and English. This is a full-time PhD position directly linked to the described project. Luleå University of Technology offers dedicated support through a qualified supervisory team and a structured PhD training program leading to a PhD in Architecture. Active participation in the international research community is strongly encouraged. Information about the position This is a full-time position of four years (renewable up to a maximum of five years) according to the Higher Education Ordinance. Institutional duties, such as teaching, may constitute up to 20% of full-time. The position is expected to start in spring 2025 and is located in Luleå. For more information, please contact: Kevin Lau, Senior Lecturer, 0920-491492 kevin.lau@ltu.se Agatino Rizzo, Professor and Head of Subject, 0920-493438 agariz@ltu.se Glenn Berggård, Head of Division, 0920-491711 glenn@ltu.se Trade union representatives: SACO-S Diana Chroneer, 0920-49 2037 diana.chroneer@ltu.se OFR-S Lars Frisk, (+46)920-49 1792 lars.frisk@ltu.se How to apply We prefer that you apply for this position by clicking on the button below. Applications should include a CV, a cover letter and copies of verified secondary school and university transcripts. Your application, including grades, should be written in Swedish or English. Please mark your application with the reference number below. Deadline for applications: December 18, 2024 Reference number: 4559-2024