Would you like to conduct research on how innovation can contribute to a circular and sustainable industrial transition—in close collaboration with companies and other societal actors? With us, you’ll become part of a creative and international research environment where product innovation combines product, production, and business development with a focus on innovation. Product Innovation is part of the Department of Economics, Technology, Art, and Society (ETKS) and the Division of Human and Technology. Our research includes the development and design of sustainable products, services, and production processes, in collaboration with companies across many industries—from aerospace and advanced manufacturing to food production. The research results are translated into knowledge, methods, tools, and guidelines for industrial and societal application.
Course Description
Product innovation encompasses theories and methods for needs- and knowledge-driven development processes in which product and service development are linked.
Project Description
Advanced industry is evolving rapidly through new technologies, materials, digitalization, and increased demands for resource efficiency, resilience, and circularity. At the same time, small and medium-sized enterprises need to be able to establish a foothold in new value chains, develop their innovation capacity, and meet the demands of complex and knowledge-intensive markets. In this doctoral project, you will study how product innovation, production development, and business development can be combined to strengthen circular and sustainable transition in advanced industrial ecosystems. The research may, for example, address supplier development, collaboration, and innovation capacity in small and medium-sized enterprises; circular value flows and business models; and the development of robust and future-proof production systems. A particularly exciting application environment exists in knowledge-intensive sectors such as Big Science, aerospace, and aviation, but the research may also encompass other areas of the advanced manufacturing industry.
Job Responsibilities
A doctoral position involves both theoretical and practical work. As a doctoral student, you will be trained in scientific work through doctoral courses, the publication of scientific articles, and participation in national and international conferences. You will plan and conduct empirical studies in collaboration with companies and other stakeholders in the food sector, analyze innovation and development processes, and contribute to the development of methods, models, and tools that can be applied in practice. The work may include interviews, workshops, case studies, and other qualitative and quantitative methods. You are expected to work independently but also to actively contribute to the research group and our collaborative projects. In addition, you may have the opportunity to try your hand at teaching.
Qualifications
Eligibility requires a master’s degree in, for example, industrial economics, technical design, mechanical engineering, product development, innovation management, sustainable production, food technology, or another field deemed relevant to the project. You must have a very good ability to express yourself in English, both verbally and in writing.
Experience or knowledge in one or more of the following areas is considered an asset: product innovation, product or production development, circular economy, sustainable production, business development, innovation management, small and medium-sized enterprises, supplier development, or collaboration in industrial value chains. Experience in advanced manufacturing and/or knowledge-intensive sectors such as Big Science, aerospace, or aviation is particularly advantageous. Knowledge of Swedish is advantageous.
We are looking for someone who is curious, analytical, and proactive. The position requires strong collaboration and communication skills, while also requiring the ability to plan and carry out your work independently and with determination.
For more information about specific doctoral programs, see
http://www.ltu.se/research/Utbildning-pa-forskarniva/Studieplaner/Allmanna-studieplaner-Teknisk-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 employment. Place of employment: Luleå. Expected start date: by agreement.
A preliminary https://www.ltu.se/om-universitetet/arbeta-hos-oss/att-soka-en-anstallning#h-Informationomlonetransparens is specified for each position, based on the position’s requirements, responsibilities, and market conditions.
For further information, please contact Anna Öhrwall Rönnbäck, Product Innovation Representative, at 0920-49 3262, mailto:anna.ohrwall.ronnback@ltu.se or Department Head Jörgen Normark, 0920-49 1480, mailto:jorgen.normark@ltu.se.
https://www.ltu.se/om-universitetet/arbeta-hos-oss/att-soka-en-anstallning#h-Fackligakontaktpersoner
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.
Application deadline: November 2, 2026
Reference number: 5391-2026