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 almost SEK 2.1 billion per year. We are currently 1,900 employees and have 18,700 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 societies of the future. The Department of Health, Education and Technology at Luleå University of Technology offers degree programs at bachelor's, master's and master's level and in several subjects also education at doctoral level leading to a doctoral degree. The Division of Education, Language and Subject Didactics at the department has extensive activities with research, development and teaching in undergraduate education, advanced education, contract education and independent courses linked to teacher education and special education programs as well as to preschool and school. We are now looking for a doctoral student in Education with a focus on Language development in preschool education and teaching to strengthen the competence in our research subject and contribute to knowledge and competence in schools in our region. This PhD position is part of the research school PROFS and is part of the third, revised and further developed round - PROFS 3 - where Luleå University of Technology collaborates closely with Luleå and Skellefteå municipalities and Region Norrbotten. In this unique graduate school, research questions are shaped jointly between municipalities and universities, with a clear starting point in the school's needs and opportunities to translate new knowledge directly into practice. As a doctoral student, you will be a key person in a strong regional investment that drives both research and school development forward and contributes to strengthening the quality of education throughout Norrbotten. Subject description Pedagogy encompasses learning, education, teaching, training and other processes of influence in formal and non-formal contexts. A special focus is directed towards relationships, participation, collaboration, communication, the teaching profession, digital technology, and governance and management. Education has three specializations: general education, special education and early childhood education. Research within the specializations is based on their specific target groups, and in relation to conditions, content, actors and contexts in pedagogy. Project description In this doctoral project, the focus is on language development approaches in preschool education and teaching. Basic reading and language development approaches are gaining a more prominent role in preschool education, which places demands on the preschool teacher's leadership in planning, leading and developing teaching where language development approaches are at the center. The project is based on these requirements and deepening the knowledge of how preschool teachers organize education and teaching that promotes children's early reading and language development is therefore of central importance. As a PhD student, you will be able to create your own project and formulate your own research questions within the framework of this overall research direction. Duties and responsibilities A PhD position involves both theoretical and practical work. As a PhD student, you will be trained in scientific work in the form of publishing scientific articles in journals and at national and international conferences. You will take compulsory and optional doctoral courses, totaling at least 60 credits. In addition, you will work with teaching and supervision. As a doctoral student, you will be part of the research environment within the Division of Education, Language and Subject Didactics and you are expected to contribute to the development of the research environment within the research subject. This includes scientific work with international publications and participation in national and international conferences. Qualifications You are qualified to apply for this position if you have basic eligibility with a degree at second-cycle level, completed course requirements of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are at second-cycle level. In addition to the requirement for basic eligibility, special eligibility in the form of a major/major subject in education, or a related subject, corresponding to 90 credits, of which 30 credits are at second-cycle level, including an independent project (degree project) of at least 15 credits, is required for admission to doctoral studies in education. You must have good oral and written communication skills in Swedish and English. A preschool teacher degree and experience of working with school development and collegial processes is an advantage. For further information on specific doctoral education, see the study plans for doctoral education in the Faculty of Philosophy Further information Employment as a doctoral student is limited to 4 years, where teaching and other departmental duties are added with 20% of full-time, making the position 5 years. Part of the departmental service will be carried out together with the school principal in their activities or in development work. Place of employment: Luleå. Planned start date: by agreement. For more info contact acting head of department, assistant professor Anna Öqvist , 0920-49 3037, anna.oqvist@ltu.se Trade union representative: SACO-S Diana Chroneer, 0920-49 2037 diana.chroneer@ltu.se OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, 0920-49 1721 marika.vesterberg@ltu.se How to apply You apply for the position via the application button below where you attach a cover letter, CV/resume, research outline and copies of verified diplomas. Please mark your application with the reference number below. Both the application and the degree certificate must be written in Swedish or English. Deadline for applications: January 20, 2026 Reference number: 7085-2025