Are you ready to take the next step in your academic journey? As a doctoral student with us, you’ll work closely with leading researchers in a strong, international research environment, with access to advanced lab equipment and excellent funding opportunities. You’ll be offered a secure position, high-quality supervision, and the opportunity to grow, both as a researcher and as a person.

Here, you’ll have the opportunity to be part of an innovative research environment that is developing new knowledge about one of the major societal challenges of our time—supporting and understanding the digital transformation in business and society. The Information Systems Research Group at Luleå University of Technology is seeking to hire a Ph.D. student in Information Systems with a focus on participatory design and Living Labs. The Information Systems Research Group is part of the Department of Digital Services and Systems, which also includes the Center for Distance-Bridging Technologies and the Center for Security in Society and Critical Infrastructure. The department consists of approximately 35 employees, including researchers, faculty members, and project managers.

Subject Description

Information Systems focuses on the design and use of information technology in relation to people, organizations, and societies.

Project Description

As a doctoral student, you will be part of the research team in the Byars Resilient Digital Transformation (BraDT) project, focusing on tasks related to consolidating Norrbotten’s Regional Digital Service Ecosystem (RDSE) among its stakeholders. The work is conducted from a socio-technical perspective on digital transformation.

The project tasks are specifically linked to:

 - Living Labs as an innovation process, where villages, micro-enterprises, civil society, municipalities/government agencies, and researchers jointly develop, test, and manage digital solutions in real-life everyday and crisis situations.

 - Community-based management of digital services and systems, with a focus on local ownership, long-term sustainability, and institutional anchoring within Norrbotten’s RDSE.

 - Self-organization in rural communities, where digital and mobile services serve as catalysts for local initiatives, participation, and resilience.

 - Digital social equity, with a particular focus on female entrepreneurs active in rural communities and local/regional support structures for equitable digital development.

 - Utilization of digital services as initiatives for digital participation, safety, and preparedness, including through the development of bookmobiles into DigidelCenters.

The project’s areas of application include digital service development for rural areas, social sustainability, and sustainable innovation environments in sparsely populated areas.

Job Responsibilities

As a doctoral student, you will conduct research in the field of digital transformation in rural areas, with a particular focus on Living Labs and implementation research and their role in regional digital service ecosystems. You will conduct research activities in both theoretical and applied areas. The research field is fundamentally socio-technical, which means you will need to understand both technical aspects and human and organizational dimensions. Within the framework of the project, you will have the opportunity, in consultation with your advisors, to develop your own research profile within the project’s overall research area.

Qualifications

To be eligible for a doctoral position, you must hold a five-year university degree in information systems or another relevant field. You must possess strong scientific skills and experience in qualitative and quantitative research, as well as excellent verbal and written communication skills. You will represent the group in various contexts, both in Sweden and abroad; therefore, a very good command of English is required.

We are looking for dedicated individuals who have:

 - An interest in research and innovation.

 - A solid educational background, such as a master’s degree in information systems or related fields. Alternatively, have completed at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 credits must be at the advanced level, including an independent project worth at least 15 credits.

 - An interest in the social science and humanities aspects of information systems.

 - Strong communication skills to convey complex ideas clearly and persuasively.

For further information on specific doctoral programs, see http://www.ltu.se/research/Utbildning-pa-forskarniva/Studieplaner/Allmanna-studieplaner-Filosofisk-fakultetsnamnd

Information

Employment as a doctoral student is limited to 4 years; teaching and other departmental duties may be added up to 20% of full-time hours. Place of employment: Luleå. Start date to be agreed upon

For further information, please contact:

Associate Professor and Departmental Representative Christine Grosse at 0920-49 1992, christine.grosse@ltu.se

Senior Lecturer Johanna Lindberg, 0920-49 1630, johanna.lindberg@ltu.se

Union representative:

SACO-S Diana Chroneer, 0920-49 2037 mailto:diana.chroneer@ltu.se

OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, 0920-49 1721 mailto:marika.vesterberg@ltu.se

Application

We prefer that you apply for the position using the application button below, where you should attach a cover letter, your resume, and copies of your verified diplomas. Please include the reference number below in your application. Both the application and degree certificates must be written in Swedish or English.

The application must include the following:

1. Resume

2. Degree certificates and transcripts (in English or Swedish)

3. Master’s thesis in PDF format and publications (not required)

4. A statement of purpose (maximum one full A4 page)

5. Two letters of recommendation.

6. Two references with contact information (name, affiliation, and email)

Application deadline: August 15 2026

Reference number: 3886-2026