The research subject Human 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 Human Work Science, you will belong to a research group in close collaboration with industry and universities worldwide. Labor Science was established in 1974 and today has 24 employees conducting research and education in both societal and technical areas. More information can be found at http://www.ltu.se/arbetsvetenskap.

Description

Occupational Science includes research on the 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 is about 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.

Tasks

As a doctoral student, you will work in and write your doctoral thesis linked to one or more research projects. A doctoral 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 postgraduate 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 analyze 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 developing knowledge about how digital systems, work organization and skills interact in practice
• The work involves presence in real work environments, which requires autonomy, adaptability and the ability to interact with different professional groups and also to travel on duty.

Qualifications

The eligibility requirements are a Master's degree in engineering or another degree at Master's level with a focus relevant to work science research, such as production environment, production design, work environment or socio-technical systems.In addition to this, we would also like you to have:

• Documented experience of or knowledge in ergonomics, work environment, 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 collaborative skills in interdisciplinary teams.

It is meritorious if you have experience of working with digitization, industrial maintenance, the mining sector or the waste management sector, as well as an interest in sustainability and work environment issues.

For further information see:

https://www.ltu.se/forskning/utbildning-pa-forskarniva/forskningsamnen-och-allmanna-studieplaner/tekniskt-vetenskapsomrade-allmanna-studieplaner

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, please contact:

• Lena Abrahamsson, +46 920 49 2107, mailto:Lena.abrahamsson@ltu.se
• Phillip Tretten, +46 920 49 2855, mailto:phillip.tretten@ltu.se
• Joel Lööw, +46 920 49 3411, mailto:joel.loow@ltu.se

Trade union representative:

SACO-S Diana Chroneer, 0920-49 2037 mailto:diana.chroneer@ltu.se

OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, 0920-49 1721 mailto:marika.vesterberg@ltu.se

For full advertisement see, ltu.se/ledigajobb

Application

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 project themes and preferably describe your experience in human engineering, industrial maintenance, waste management and/or other relevant research background 3) essay/report or other longer text written by you 4) copies of verified diplomas 5) study results 6) list of publications or projects, if any. Please mark your application with the reference number below. The application and degree certificates must be written in Swedish or English.

Last date for application: April 28, 2026 

Reference number: 2625-2025