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 science towards motivation and effective study habits 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 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 the project, we study the connections between students' motivation, self-concepts, learning strategies and their perceptions of the nature of mathematics - that is, how they understand what mathematics really is and means. Our previous studies show that teaching that emphasizes precise reasoning and central mathematical concepts leads to better learning than teaching that mainly emphasizes the applications of mathematics. We have also found that social learning strategies and active participation in mathematical discussions during lessons are strategies that promote learning. At the same time, math anxiety can be a significant barrier that affects students' mathematical self-concept and, by extension, their learning outcomes. Against this background, the overall aim of the project is to identify how teachers can plan and design lessons that enhance students' motivation, support the development of effective learning strategies and promote a deeper understanding of mathematics. 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 the teaching of mathematics. 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 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 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at second-cycle level. In addition to the requirement for basic eligibility, 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: 7088-2025