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 almost 21,600 students.The research subject Work Science at Luleå University of Technology is looking for a PhD student to an exciting research environment that researches the work environment, advanced technology and sustainable social development, to work in research projects that deal with the role of humans in socio-technical systems and how these systems should be designed for sustainable green and digital transformation. As a PhD student at Work Science, you will be part of a research group in a dynamic research environment in close collaboration with industry and universities worldwide. Work Science was established in 1974 and today has 24 employees conducting research and education in both societal and technical areas. More information about us can be found on our website www.ltu.se/arbetsvetenskap. Subject description Human Work Science includes research on work environment, technology and production systems, work organization and other societal processes and environments based on people's conditions and needs to create safe and attractive jobs and socially sustainable development in working life, industry and society. Project description One research project deals with a central and unsolved problem: how the interaction between people and technology in safety-critical maintenance work affects risk and productivity in the Swedish mining industry. Good maintenance is the foundation of a sustainable industry. At the same time, digital decision support, sensors, AI and augmented reality are increasing complexity. The goal is to develop knowledge and concrete design principles for how socio-technical systems in safety-critical environments should be designed to strengthen human judgment and performance. The results will contribute to the development of future decision support that increases both safety and robustness. The project is carried out together with Boliden, Epiroc and is also part of SUN's graduate school. The second research project develops new knowledge to increase circularity in waste management. You will research how municipalities and other actors organize and implement waste management to improve Norrbotten's sustainability transition. Based on work science and socio-technical perspectives, you will map and conduct in-depth case studies to identify user needs and frameworks for digital tools and working methods to improve circularity in waste management. The project is carried out in close collaboration with Region Norrbotten, municipalities and other actors in waste management, which enables both practice-oriented research and implementation of project results. Work tasks As a PhD student, you will work in and write your doctoral thesis linked to one or more research projects. A PhD position involves both theoretical and practical work. As a PhD student, you will be trained in scientific work through the publication of scientific articles in international journals and presentations at national and international conferences. You will also take compulsory and elective doctoral courses. Teaching and other departmental duties may be included up to 20%. In your work you will: - Plan, organize and conduct independent field studies - Study and analyse work processes, decision-making and the interaction between people, technology and organization - Conduct observations, interviews and other qualitative and quantitative data collection methods - Analyze empirical data and integrate results into theoretical frameworks Develop knowledge of how digital systems, work organization and skills interact in practice - The work involves presence in real work environments, requiring autonomy, adaptability and the ability to interact with different professional groups and also to travel on duty. Qualifications Eligibility requires a master's degree in engineering or other master's level degree with a focus relevant to work science research, such as production environment, production design, work environment or socio-technical systems. In addition, we would also like to see that you have - Documented experience or knowledge in ergonomics, work environment management, human factors or socio-technical systems - Experience of both quantitative and qualitative research methods - Very good knowledge of Swedish and English, in speech and writing - Ability for independent analytical work and strong collaboration skills in interdisciplinary teams. Experience in working with digitalization, industrial maintenance, the mining sector or the waste management sector, as well as an interest in sustainability and occupational health and safety issues, is an advantage. For further information on postgraduate studies see: Faculty of Engineering General Curriculum | Luleå University of Technology 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 Luleå and intended access as soon as possible. For further information, you are welcome to contact: - Lena Abrahamsson, +46 920 49 2107, Lena.abrahamsson@ltu.se - Phillip Tretten, +46 920 49 2855, phillip.tretten@ltu.se - Joel Lööw, +46 920 49 3411, joel.loow@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 For full advertisement see, ltu.se/ledigajobb Application form We prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below where you attach: 1) curriculum vitae (CV), 2) short personal letter in which you analytically reflect on one of the projects' themes, and preferably tell about your experience of human-technology issues, industrial maintenance, waste management and / or other relevant research background, 3) essay / report or other longer text that you have written, 4) copies of verified diplomas, 5) study results, and 6) any list of publications or projects. Please mark your application with the reference number below. The application and degree certificates must be written in Swedish or English. Deadline for applications: April 14, 2026 Reference number: 2625-2025