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 Department of Education, Language and Subject Didactics 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 looking for a PhD student in the didactics of mathematics and natural sciences towards teaching and student learning in mathematics to strengthen the competence in our research subject and contribute to knowledge and competence in schools in our region. The 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 initiative that drives both research and school development forward and contributes to strengthening the quality of education throughout Norrbotten. Subject description The didactics of mathematics and natural sciences is about teaching and learning in the mathematical and nature-oriented subjects at different levels of the education system. The research creates a scientific basis for developing and strengthening teaching by investigating teaching and learning processes, how the specific subject content is communicated in different contexts, and how individuals and groups within different educational levels develop and use knowledge. Particular focus is on students' motivation, skills and approaches to the subject area, and the development of teaching methods in modern learning environments. Project description In this PhD project, we focus on how students develop their mathematical thinking and how teaching can be designed to strengthen their understanding and problem-solving skills. A current challenge in today's classrooms is to create conditions for deep and meaningful learning, especially when digital tools are used as an integral part of teaching. The project explores how different teaching strategies can help students formulate, test and make their reasoning visible. Digital resources - such as AI, programming and other ICT - are studied both as support for metacognitive processes, motivation and exploration, and as technologies that require critical and conscious use. Particular emphasis is placed on how students and teachers can relate to the fact that AI-generated solutions are not always reliable at the detailed level. The overall goal is to develop teaching methods that are based on students' needs and that strengthen their ability to interpret, understand and use the central concepts of mathematics and physics in their own thinking and problem solving. As a PhD student, you will be able to create your own project and research questions within the framework of this project. Duties and responsibilities 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 department 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 qualifications with a degree at second-cycle level, completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at second-cycle level. In addition to the requirement for basic qualifications, at least 90 credits are required in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology or technology, of which a maximum of 30 credits can consist of courses in the subjects' didactics. You must have good collaboration skills and good ability to express yourself orally and in writing in Swedish and English. A teaching degree and work with school development and collegial processes is an advantage. For more information about specific doctoral education, see the study plans for doctoral education in the Faculty of Philosophy Further information Employment as a doctoral student is limited to 4 years, where teaching and other departmental duties are added with 20% of full-time, making the position 5 years. Part of the departmental service will be carried out together with the school principal in their activities or in development work. Place of employment: Luleå. Access according to agreement. For more information, please contact Professor Timo Tossavainen, 0920-49 3698, timo.tossavainen@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 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: 7089-2025