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 companies and societies of the future. We are looking for a PhD student for the project "Human-centered Design-for-Change: co-design for collective thinking and systemic transformation". The project is based on the idea that the public sector needs new ways of working that not only include citizens, but also see them as active co-creators of value, policy and community development. Design plays a central role here, as a tool to make complexity visible, to support collective foresight and to enable experimental and co-creative processes in practice. Subject description For the subject description of design, see link https://www.ltu.se/en/research/research-subjects/design. Project description The project focuses specifically on northern municipalities and regions and is carried out in close collaboration with local needs owners to create relevance, data access and opportunities for implementation and scaling. Through policy labs, living labs, speculative design and reflexive methods, the project will develop concrete tools and structures for inclusive governance. At the same time, it will examine how institutional logics - chains of command, distribution of responsibilities, power relations - need to change in order for design and co-creation to have a real systemic effect. The PhD student will be part of and thus funded by the Graduate School for the Future Public Sector, FOFOS. This is a national research school led by Mälardalen University and hosted by the Center for Welfare Change. KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm University, University of Gothenburg, Lund University and a large number of need owners (public organizations) and network partners (organizations with specific expertise in innovation, change work, sustainability issues, etc.) Work tasks A PhD position involves both theoretical and practical work, with the aim of completing a doctoral thesis. You will be trained in scientific work through doctoral courses, publication of scientific articles, presentations at national and international conferences, and exploration through design work communicated in different forms and media, such as exhibitions, prototypes, performances, films, etc. Qualifications You have the general entry requirements for third-cycle studies if you have completed a second-cycle degree, have completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits are at second-cycle level, or have acquired essentially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad. See entry requirements in the current general syllabus for the subject design here. The position requires experience in working with people with different competences and in different roles and types of organizations, as well as knowledge of and interest in the challenges facing the public sector. The position also requires solid experience in design work, for example, own design work, employment in industry or as a consultant, which you should be able to communicate via a portfolio. The applicant must be motivated to pursue doctoral studies, be able to express themselves orally and in writing in both Swedish and English, and have good collaboration and communication skills with different target groups. The ability to benefit from the doctoral program will be an important criterion for the appointment. We invite applicants to submit a short research proposal that highlights specific areas of interest and clearly shows how these can be explored within the framework of the project Human-centered Design-for-Change: co-design for collective thinking and systemic transformation. The research proposal should include: - Introduction describing your design philosophy related to sustainability and societal transformation in the North and your chosen research questions. - Research overview of relevant design research. - Implementation. What design practices, studies, methods and techniques you intend to use and/or develop. - Potential contribution of your research to the field of design and sustainability practice. - Portfolio of your previous work. Your research proposal will be instrumental in our assessment of your suitability for the PhD program in Design. We are looking for candidates who are prepared to challenge conventions and norms, who are creative in their exploratory practice and who have a strong desire to push the boundaries of the role of design in sustainable societal transformation. For more information For full advertisement see, ltu.se/ledigajobb Employment as a doctoral student is limited to a maximum of 4 years effective time, teaching and other departmental duties may be added up to 20% of full time. Place of employment Luleå. Expected to start in 2026. For further information, you are welcome to contact: Åsa Wikberg Nilsson, 0920-49 1342, asa.wikberg-nilsson@ltu.se or Head of Department Jörgen Normark, 0920-49 1480, jorgen.normark@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 Application form We prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below, attaching 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. Deadline for applications: February 04, 2026 Reference number: 480-2026