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.
Here you have the opportunity to belong to an innovative research environment that develops new knowledge about one of the great societal challenges of our time - to support and understand the digital transformation of business and society. At the Research Group for Information Systems at Luleå University of Technology, we need to employ a PhD student in information systems with a focus on data science in health and social care. The Information Systems Research Group is part of the Division of Digital Services and Systems, which also includes the Center for Distance-Spanning Technologies and the Center for Security in Society and Critical Infrastructure. The division consists of approximately 35 employees, including researchers, teachers and project managers.
Subject description
Information Systems focuses on the design and use of information technology in relation to people, organizations and societies.
Project description
As a PhD student, you will be part of a research team working within a project, focusing on how data science can be used in health and social care. The project User-driven innovation in elderly care aims to strengthen the use of digital solutions for better quality of life for the elderly and reduced workload for care staff, especially in sparsely populated municipalities in Norrbotten. The work is conducted from a socio-technical perspective on innovation development, with particular emphasis on social and human science aspects of information systems. The project is based on proven methods such as Living Labs and Design Thinking.
The project has three main components:
- Needs analysis and collaboration: identifying the needs of older people and health professionals in collaboration with municipalities, companies, associations and individuals.
- Implementation: development and testing of digital services in real-life environments together with the target group.
- Evaluation and model development: analysis and model development of user experiences, effects on work environment and quality of life in the digitalization of elderly care.
The project is based on collaboration between municipalities, companies, research, users and care professionals. Through active user participation, ethical awareness with a focus on social sustainability.
Work tasks
As a PhD student, you will conduct research activities in both theoretical and applied areas. The research area is fundamentally socio-technical, which means that you need to understand both technical aspects as well as human and organizational dimensions. You will have the opportunity to influence your focus within the field in consultation with your supervisors. In addition to research-related activities, you will be expected to participate in teaching activities in the department's training program.
Qualifications
To be qualified for a PhD position, you must have at least a four-year university degree in information systems or other relevant subject. Good scientific skills and experience in qualitative and quantitative research and good communication skills in speech and writing. You will represent the group in different contexts, locally, regionally and nationally in Sweden, as well as abroad, hence very good knowledge of Swedish and English is a requirement.
We are looking for committed people who have:
- An interest in research and innovation.
- A solid educational background, such as a master's degree in information systems or related fields. Alternatively, have completed at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 credits at advanced level, including an independent project of at least 15 credits.
- interest in social and human science aspects of information systems
- good communication skills to convey complex ideas clearly and convincingly
Knowledge in the following areas would be an advantage:
- Experience working in the health and social care sector, e.g. supported housing, personal assistance, retirement homes, etc.
- Experience in teaching and supervision at university level, especially in areas such as digital service development, systems science and data science.
- Experience in research and development at university level
- Experience working with Living Labs methodology
For further information on specific doctoral programs, see the curricula for doctoral programs in the Faculty of Arts
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 employment: Luleå. Access by agreement.
For further information, you are welcome to contact:
Acting Head of Department Diana Chronéer, 0920-49 2037,
diana.chroneer@ltu.se
Assistant Professor Abdolrasoul Habibipour, 0920-49 2357,
abdolrasoul.habibipour@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.
The application should include the following:
- CV
- Degree certificate and transcript of records (in English or Swedish)
- Master's thesis in PDF format and publications (not a must)
- A motivation (maximum one full A4 page)
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Two references with contact information (name, affiliation and e-mail)
Deadline for applications: 2025-11-27
Reference number: 4629-2025