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 want to help us build the sustainable businesses and societies of the future. We want to strengthen our research group in construction production and construction technology at the division of industrial and sustainable construction with a new PhD student to build knowledge about future sustainable business models for installation in buildings, with a focus on the electrical engineering industry. The research group conducts research and education in the construction process - from early planning and design through construction to management. Our core competencies are currently in management and automation of the construction process and in industrial construction and production systems. The research group is a leader in Sweden in its core area and has about 20 employees, of which 8 are PhD students. The research is applied and based on current issues in close collaboration with the construction sector's stakeholders; companies and other organizations. Project description Sustainable development requirements are driving the need for new business models in the construction and installation sector. Within this sector, the electrical engineering industry plays a key role, with particular challenges and opportunities linked to digitalization, AI and the green industrial transition. To meet the demands of the future, industry players need to develop business strategies that combine economic sustainability with reduced climate impact, resource efficiency and social responsibility. This doctoral project is carried out within the framework of the research initiative "Sustainable business models of the future - a survey and analysis in the electrical engineering industry in Norr- and Västerbotten", funded by the Electrical Engineering Industry Development (ETU). The aim is to build new knowledge about what sustainable business models mean in an industry that has traditionally acted as subcontractors in the construction process, but which is now expected to take a more active role in the value chain through innovation, business development and its own customer offering. Work tasks 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 also take compulsory and optional doctoral courses. In addition, you will have the opportunity to try out the role of teacher. As a researcher, you will work as a neutral party in many contexts, which provides a great opportunity to learn how to run challenging development projects. The research focuses on the development of business models by electrical engineering companies that meet new demands from customers and society. The project combines quantitative and qualitative methods, and is carried out in close collaboration with electrical installers and other relevant actors in the industry ecosystem. Norrbotten and Västerbotten constitute a dynamic and highly topical context, where large investments and rapid industrial green transition make the region a natural test bed for future business models. The aim is to develop research-based recommendations that support the transition of electrical engineering companies towards more competitive, digitally mature and sustainable businesses. Qualifications Eligibility requires a Master of Science in Engineering (or equivalent basic eligibility requirements, Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 7, Section 39) in a relevant field, i.e. civil engineering, architecture or industrial economics. You are expected to take initiative, develop your own ideas and work independently but also have a high level of cooperation. Research results will be presented at project meetings, conferences and in scientific journals, so it is good if you feel comfortable in that environment. As the research work is highly communicative, we require you to have very good ability to express yourself in speech and writing in English. Meritorious criteria are: - knowledge of business models, business model innovation and business strategy - experience in analyzing and developing business models using theoretical tools - knowledge of digitalization, AI and technological innovation - understanding of the construction process, installation and electrical engineering - good knowledge of Swedish, in speech and writing For further information on specific doctoral education, see: Study plans for doctoral education in the Faculty of Engineering. A continued academic career at Luleå University of Technology can be an opportunity for further development. Further 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 Location is Luleå, but travel and short stays elsewhere also occur. Intended access 2025-11-01. As a PhD student, you will receive a salary according to a union-negotiated salary scale with the current starting salary of 35,200 SEK. The doctoral student salary scale is revised annually in connection with the general salary movement. In addition to the annual revision, there is also a salary increase in connection with a passed licentiate degree / mid-seminar. For further information, please contact Johan Larsson, Head of Department, 0920-492263, johan.p.larsson@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 We prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below where you attach a cover letter, CV/resume and copies of verified diplomas. Please mark your application with the reference number below. Both the application and the diplomas must be written in Swedish or English. Reference number: 2614-2025 Deadline for applications: September 15, 2025