PhD Candidate in Smart Circularity Implementation

Mälardalen University (MDU) is Sweden's newest university. With our vision to be a progressive and collaborative university where we together shape a sustainable future, we aim to make a real difference.

Do you want to contribute to our development?

Together, we contribute to a more sustainable future through knowledge and innovation. We believe that new knowledge and perspectives are best created and achieved in collaboration with others - colleagues, students, industry, and the public sector both nationally and internationally.

At the Academy of Innovation, Design and Technology, our students study to become computer scientists, innovators, entrepreneurs, information designers, network technicians, and engineers. We have five research orientations with different research profiles and doctoral schools. We have a large number of international collaborations both in research and education, as well as in collaboration and strategic agreements with companies, organizations, and authorities in the region.

Employment Information

Employment type: Fixed-term employment
Extent: Full-time
Number of positions: 1
Application deadline: 2025-01-29
Location: Eskilstuna
Academy/unit/section: Academy of Innovation, Design and Technology (IDT)

Access to doctoral education and basic eligibility requirements are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 7, Sections 34–41. Read more about doctoral education at MDU here (https://www.mdu.se/utbildning/forskarutbildning). A full-time doctoral position is linked to the educational period, which corresponds to four years.

Job Responsibilities

The PhD position is expected to join a funded research project SmartCircle on Smart Circularity Implementation. The candidate will conduct research with 10 partner companies in the project and will work on five use cases for implementing smart circularity using advanced digital technology. The doctoral student will perform the following main tasks:

• Conduct a systematic literature review on smart circular economy in the manufacturing industry
• Work on five use cases for implementing smart circularity
• Design and conduct empirical data collection and analysis through case studies from partner companies
• Disseminate research work in the form of articles to conferences and journals
• Co-production with partner companies in the project

Eligibility Requirements

For basic eligibility for doctoral education, one of the following is required:

• Master's degree
• At least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 at an advanced level
• Otherwise, acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or abroad.

Special eligibility for admission to Industrial Systems is granted to those who have the above basic eligibility with a technical orientation with a relevant main area/subject or equivalent.

Assessment Criteria

A fundamental assessment criterion is the ability to benefit from doctoral education. We are looking for a student with a background in product development, production development, industrial technology, industrial economics, business technology, or related disciplines. In addition, particular emphasis will be placed on the following qualities:

• Strong background in product or production or industrial or business technology
• Good knowledge of circular economy, business models, and digital technologies
• Good knowledge of digital technology integration in the use case
• Good knowledge of qualitative case studies
• Good knowledge of co-production with companies
• Good knowledge of the manufacturing industry
• Sufficient knowledge of oral and written English
• Experience in teaching

In a comprehensive assessment of suitability, personal abilities will also be emphasized. All employees at MDU are expected to collaborate and treat colleagues and students with respect, take responsibility for the operations and their own tasks, and contribute to a good working environment. The abilities/qualities that are particularly important for the position are:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and oral.
• Self-motivated person who can work independently and in group or team environments while effectively contributing in team settings.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to think critically.
• Adaptability and openness to learning new concepts, theories, and technologies.

The following is an asset:

• Good knowledge of circular economy, business models, and digital technology
• Good knowledge of conducting qualitative research
• Experience working in research assignments or with companies

We value the qualities that a balanced age and gender distribution as well as ethnic and cultural diversity contribute.

Application

You can submit your application by clicking the “Apply” button below.

As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete in accordance with the advertisement and submitted to the university by the application deadline.

Welcome with your application!

Union representatives:

Saco-S [email protected]
Susanne Meijer ST-OFR/S, tel: 021-10 14 89

We kindly ask for no contact from advertising sales representatives. We have made our strategic choices for this recruitment.