Luleå University of Technology is growing rapidly with world-leading expertise in several research areas. 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 an annual turnover of over SEK 2.3 billion. We are more than 1,800 employees and have nearly 21,600 students.History examines and explains social changes, events and phenomena in the past. At Luleå University of Technology (LTU), the research subject of history often participates in interdisciplinary research initiatives aimed at solving important societal challenges in our time. As a PhD student in the project Campus Total Defense Upper Norrland, you will work within a dynamic network of researchers in different subject areas, with expertise in total defense issues in the Arctic region, especially northern Sweden. You will be part of the graduate schools Campus Totalförsvar Övre Norrland, and Natural Resources for Sustainable Societal Transformation (SUN). Subject description History encompasses the study of humanity with an emphasis on the development, organization and change of societies over time. The subject is particularly focused on research in the history of technology at the interface between natural resources, humans and the environment, including both how technology has affected humans and society and how humans have affected the development of technology. Project description The doctoral project deals with a hot social issue - total defense - with a focus on the Arctic part of Scandinavia, especially northern Sweden. The background is the increasing importance of the Arctic for security, preparedness and total defense due to global geopolitical tensions, the consequences of climate change, natural resource needs and the geo-strategic importance of the region. These developments place demands on total defense in the northern parts of Sweden and our neighboring countries. Similar conditions have existed during several periods in the near past. The PhD project will map how and why different societal actors have defined and managed security challenges in the north linked to areas such as natural resources, energy, infrastructure and communities, including indigenous peoples and minorities, during crisis periods in the past, focusing on the Cold War and the two world wars. By analyzing similarities, differences, path dependencies and experiences from the past, the project will contribute with knowledge that is relevant and useful today. Work tasks A PhD position involves both theoretical and practical work. You will be trained in scientific work in the form of publication of monographs or scientific articles in journals and participation in national and international conferences. You will take both compulsory and optional doctoral courses and participate in the activities organized within the framework of the CTF ÖN and SUN research schools. In addition, you may have the opportunity to try out the role of teacher. Qualifications You need to have basic eligibility for doctoral education, which means that you must 1) have completed a second-cycle degree, 2) have 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, within or outside the country, have acquired essentially equivalent knowledge. In addition to the general entry requirements, admission to a doctoral program in history also requires at least 120 credits in history, of which at least 30 credits, including an independent project of at least 15 credits, at advanced level or equivalent knowledge. The work also requires very good skills in oral and written communication in Swedish and English. In addition to the above, the following are meritorious for the position: - If you have undergone training in, or conducted research on, themes of relevance to the research area that the doctoral position will address. - Strong grounding in the theories and methods of history. - Interest and ability to work across disciplinary boundaries. - Good collaboration and initiative skills. For further information on specific doctoral studies, see the Study Plan for Doctoral Studies. Information about the program Employment as a doctoral student is limited to 4 years. Teaching and other departmental duties may be added up to 20% of full-time. Place of placement is Luleå. Start date June 2026. For further information, please contact Professor and Head of Department Dag Avango, 073 065 02 96, dag.avango@ltu.se or Head of Department Jerry Blomberg, 0920-49 2335, jerry.blomberg@ltu.se Trade union representative: SACO-S Diana Chroneer, 0920-49 2037 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: 2273-2026 Deadline for applications: April 30, 2026