PhD Candidate in Nursing

Luleå University of Technology is experiencing strong growth with world-leading expertise in several research areas. We shape the future through innovative education and groundbreaking research results, and with a focus on the Arctic region, we create global societal 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 nearly 2.1 billion SEK per year. We currently have 1,900 employees and 18,700 students.

In the coming years, multi-billion investments will be made in Norrbotten and Västerbotten in large projects aimed at creating a more sustainable society both nationally and globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these highly relevant research projects and the societal transformation that follows. We have a wide range of educational programs to match the skills that are in demand. We hope you want to help us build the sustainable companies and societies of the future.

The Department of Health, Learning, and Technology offers education at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. The department provides education for nurses, radiology nurses, several programs for specialist nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists, as well as a bachelor's degree in health guidance and psychology. Research and doctoral education within the department are conducted in the fields of occupational therapy, physiotherapy, nursing, and psychology. We are now looking for a PhD candidate in nursing.

Subject Description

Nursing focuses on areas aimed at improving people's health, preventing ill health and disease, as well as restoring and preserving health, alleviating suffering, and safeguarding human integrity and dignity. Central areas include the person and health, environment, and nursing actions and processes related to these areas.

Project Description

The project is based on a health-promoting approach where health is not only seen as the absence of disease but as a state that can be strengthened through protective and health-promoting factors. The starting point is a nursing perspective where people's resources, life situation, and relationship to their environment are central. A particular focus is to study the significance of nature as a resource in health-promoting work. Through age- and situation-adapted interventions, the project examines how individuals' ability to take control of their own health can be strengthened. The project is based on a holistic view of the person and includes both preventive measures to prevent disease and interventions aimed at alleviating the effects of existing illness.

The project also takes a lifespan perspective into account, considering the specific needs and conditions of different age groups. The goal is to promote health throughout life – from childhood and youth to adulthood and old age. Therefore, we are looking for a PhD candidate in nursing with an interest in research on health-promoting interventions, the interaction between people and the environment, and the development of health through different life phases.

Job Responsibilities

A PhD position involves both theoretical and practical work. As a PhD candidate, 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 mandatory and elective doctoral courses, totaling at least 60 higher education credits. Within the project, you may also have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues at other Swedish universities and internationally.

Qualifications

You are qualified to apply for this position if you have basic eligibility with a completed degree at the master's level, completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at the master's level. In addition to the requirement for basic eligibility, a minimum of a master's degree in nursing is required to be admitted to doctoral education in nursing. Degrees in other related subjects may be considered as special eligibility. The applicant must have good collaboration skills and the ability to express themselves verbally and in writing in both Swedish and English.

We are looking for you who are a licensed nurse with specialist training as a district nurse, or with another relevant focus on care and health from an individual, organizational, and societal perspective. Experience in teaching, supervision, and assessment of nursing and specialist nursing students is an advantage.

Information

Employment as a PhD candidate is limited to 4 years, teaching and other departmental duties may be added up to 20% of full-time. Place of employment: Luleå. Expected start date: by agreement.

A work sample will be conducted as part of the selection process, a link to the work sample can be found here: Luleå University of Technology | Work Sample PhD Application - Focus on Health-Promoting Interventions (https://www.ltu.se).

For further information, please feel free to contact:
Professor Åsa Engström, 0920-49 38 75, [email protected]
Päivi Juuso, 0920-49 38 97, [email protected]

Union representatives:
SACO-S Diana Chroneer, 0920-49 2037 [email protected]
OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, 0920-49 1721 [email protected]

Application

We prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below, where you attach a personal letter and CV/resume and copies of verified degree certificates. Also attach your master's thesis and other research and development work relevant to the position. The completed work sample should also be attached, see link above. Based on the literature, scientific writing and analytical ability will be assessed. Please label your application with the reference number below. Both the application and degree certificates should be written in Swedish or English.

Application deadline: January 4, 2026
Reference number: 4362-2025