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 will help us build the sustainable businesses and societies of the future. The Division of Education, Language and Subject Didactics at the department has extensive activities with research, development and teaching in undergraduate education, advanced education, contract education and independent courses linked to teacher education and special education programs as well as to preschool and school. We are now looking for a PhD student in Language and Literature with a didactic focus on early literacy to strengthen the competence in our research subject and contribute to knowledge and competence in schools in our region. This PhD position is part of the research school PROFS and is part of the third, revised and further developed round - PROFS 3 - where Luleå University of Technology collaborates closely with Luleå and Skellefteå municipalities and Region Norrbotten. In this unique graduate school, research questions are shaped jointly between municipalities and universities, with a clear starting point in the school's needs and opportunities to translate new knowledge directly into practice. As a doctoral student, you will be a key person in a strong regional investment that drives both research and school development forward and contributes to strengthening the quality of education throughout Norrbotten. Subject description Language and literature with a didactic focus has its emphasis on research in relation to language and literature in school, subject didactics and the content of teacher education. The research includes cultural, literary and linguistic perspectives. Central objects of study are didactic aspects of children's, young people's and adults' communicative practices and conditions for language development as well as cultural and literary socialization. The research is mainly practice-oriented, primarily involves the school subjects Swedish and English, and is characterized by collaboration with those active in school practice. Project description In this doctoral project, we focus on literacy learning in the early school years - how children develop basic literacy skills and what factors influence this development. Research in this area examines, among other things, how teaching, language stimulation, play, digital resources and the social context of the classroom interact and shape children's opportunities to develop literacy skills. A central focus is to identify methods and conditions that support the linguistic development of all pupils and contribute to equal education. The project aims to deepen the knowledge of how teaching can be designed to promote early literacy development in a way that includes the entire student group. As a PhD student, you will be able to design your own project and formulate your own research questions within this research direction, thereby contributing to new knowledge that can develop teaching and strengthen students' early language and literacy development. Work tasks A PhD position involves both theoretical and practical work. As a PhD student, you will be trained in scientific work in the form of publishing scientific articles in journals and at national and international conferences. You will take compulsory and optional doctoral courses, totaling at least 60 credits. In addition, you will work with teaching and supervision. As a doctoral student, you will be part of the research environment within the Division of Education, Language and Subject Didactics and you are expected to contribute to the development of the research environment within the research subject. This includes scientific work with international publications and participation in national and international conferences. Qualifications You are qualified to apply for this position if you have basic eligibility with a degree at second-cycle level, completed course requirements of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are at second-cycle level. In addition to the requirement for basic eligibility, you must have a pass grade on an independent degree project totalling 30 credits at second-cycle level in the relevant subject. You must have good collaboration skills and very good language skills in oral and written communication in Swedish and/or English. A teaching degree and experience of working with school development and collegial processes is an advantage. For further information on specific doctoral studies, see the study plans for doctoral studies in the Faculty of Philosophy Information about the position The employment as a doctoral student is limited to four years. Teaching and other departmental duties are added with 20 percent of full-time, which means that the employment is extended to a total of five years. Part of the departmental service will be carried out together with the school principal in their operations or in development work. Place of employment: Luleå. Planned start date: by agreement. For further information, please contact Professor Caroline Graeske, 0920-49 10 05, caroline.graeske@ltu.se Trade union representative: SACO-S Diana Chroneer, 0920-49 20 37 diana.chroneer@ltu.se OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, 0920-49 17 21 marika.vesterberg@ltu.se How to apply You apply for the position via the application button below where you attach a cover letter, CV/resume, research outline and copies of verified diplomas. Please mark your application with the reference number below. Both the application and the degree certificate must be written in Swedish or English. Deadline for applications: January 20, 2026 Reference number: 7087-2025