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 communities of the future. Are you passionate about driving the green transition and shaping a more sustainable, circular future for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)? We are looking for a highly motivated and curious PhD student to join our dynamic research team. In this position, you will be part of a European research project focused on accelerating the green transition of SMEs through cutting-edge digital innovation and circular business models. Your work will help companies reduce their carbon emissions, minimize waste and build resilient, future-proof value chains using data-driven approaches. You will be based in the Entrepreneurship and Innovation research group - one of Sweden's leading research and teaching environments - where you will collaborate with experienced researchers who regularly publish in top-ranked scientific journals. Here you will find a driving and supportive environment to grow as a researcher and make a real difference. Subject description Entrepreneurship and Innovation covers organizational development with a particular focus on business development based on innovative products, services, production solutions or ways of managing and organizing the business. Project description We are recruiting a PhD student to conduct research linked to our interdisciplinary project focusing on business transformation, circular economy and digital innovation. The research aims to understand how SMEs can adopt new digital tools and strategies to reduce waste, use resources more efficiently and create sustainable business models. A key focus is to investigate how digital technologies can help companies make better decisions around product design, supply chains and sustainability practices. The project is collaborative and involves working closely with companies, public organizations and international partners to test and implement practical solutions. The PhD student will be part of a multidisciplinary research team and collaborate with academic and industrial partners to contribute to practical outcomes that support long-term sustainability and competitiveness. The position is part of an Interreg project within the Baltic Sea Region with partners from several countries around the Baltic Sea. It requires active engagement with SMEs as well as participation in transnational cooperation, workshops and knowledge exchanges in the region. Duties of the position A PhD position involves both theoretical and practical work. As a PhD student, you will be trained in scientific work by publishing scientific articles in journals and at national and international conferences. You will take both compulsory and elective courses, plan and carry out your research projects independently and have the opportunity to participate in teaching. Qualifications General entry requirements for doctoral studies are those who have 1. completed a second-cycle degree, 2. completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits are at the second-cycle level, or 3. in some other way acquired essentially equivalent knowledge within or outside the country. You can also apply if you are in the final semester of your Master's degree. In addition to the basic qualification, knowledge of business administration, industrial economics, management or related subjects is required. You should be highly motivated to pursue postgraduate studies and have good interpersonal and communication skills. It is important that you can express yourself well in speech and writing in English. It is an advantage, but not a requirement, if you can also express yourself in Swedish. For more information about the subject, see: Humanities and Social Sciences general study plans | Luleå University of Technology. Further information The employment as a PhD student is limited to 4 years. Teaching and other institutional tasks can be added with a maximum of 20%, which means that the employment period can be extended accordingly. The position is located at the Department of Social Sciences, Technology and Arts on the university campus in Luleå. We would like you to start as soon as possible. Contact persons: Nerine Mary George, +46 920-49 2266, nerine.george@ltu.se Trade union representatives: SACO-S: Diana Chroneer, +46 920-49 2037, diana.chroneer@ltu.se OFR-S: Lars Frisk, +46 920-49 1792, lars.frisk@ltu.se In case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of this advertisement, the Swedish version shall prevail. Application form You apply via the application button below. Attach a cover letter (1-2 A4 pages) reflecting on the theme of the project and why you are a suitable PhD student for this project; CV/resume; degree certificate (or certificate of achievement) and grades; and a master's thesis/essay/report or other text you have written that demonstrates your scientific competence. Please mark your application with reference number: 2341-2025 Both the application and the degree certificate must be written in Swedish or English. Last day to apply: 2025-07-20