PhD Student in Education with a Focus on Special Education

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 based 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.

The Department of Health, Learning and Technology at Luleå University of Technology offers degree programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels in several subjects. The Department of Education, Language, and Subject Didactics has extensive activities in research, development, and teaching related to teacher education and special education programs, as well as preschool and school. We are looking for a PhD student in education with a focus on special education to strengthen the competence in our special education programs.

Subject Description

Education encompasses learning, upbringing, teaching, education, and other influence processes in formal and informal contexts. A particular focus is directed towards relationships, participation, collaboration, communication, the teaching profession, digital technology, as well as governance and leadership. Education has three orientations: general, special, and preschool education. Research within these orientations is conducted based on their specific target groups and in relation to conditions, content, actors, and contexts within education.

Job Responsibilities

As a PhD student in education with a focus on special education, you will engage in research studies, doctoral courses, and dissertation work. The interplay between the individual's conditions and the school's and society's conditions and resources to meet all individuals' differences is central. The interdisciplinary nature of special education involves a range of knowledge areas such as education and learning, philosophy, psychology, sociology, physical environment, and health sciences. The special education research conducted involves, among other things, philosophical discussions in various special education contexts, digital technology in special education contexts, participation and inclusion, as well as students with special talents, with a particular focus on students who also have disabilities (so-called twice exceptionality, 2e), especially students with the diagnosis of NPF. We are looking for a PhD student to strengthen ongoing research in the field, particularly within the described area of 2e in special talents. As a PhD student, you will be part of the research environment within the department and are expected to contribute to the development of the research environment in special education. This includes scientific work with international publications as well as participation in conferences.

Qualifications

To be admitted to doctoral education in education with a focus on special education, you must meet the requirements for basic and specific eligibility and be assessed to have such ability in other respects as is needed to benefit from the education. Good knowledge of Swedish and English, both orally and in writing, is an additional requirement.

For employment as a PhD student in education with a focus on special education, relevant education in the field is required. A teaching degree is a requirement. A special education or special teacher degree is also required. Particularly meritorious is experience with students with so-called twice exceptionality (2e), especially regarding NPF. Experience in teaching and development work in school activities within the field of special education is also meritorious. Experience in teaching and supervision at university/college level in special education is also advantageous. Great emphasis is placed on personal qualities such as good collaboration skills as well as the ability to work independently.

A driver's license is required.

For complete qualification requirements, see the advertisement at here (https://www.ltu.se/om-universitetet/arbeta-hos-oss/lediga-jobb?rmjob=9671).

Information

Employment as a PhD student is time-limited to 4 years, teaching and other departmental duties may be added up to 20% of full-time. Place of employment: Luleå. Start as soon as possible. The doctoral education is campus-based and cannot be studied remotely. Salary according to the doctoral salary scale.

For more info: Professor Åsa Gardelli, 0920-49 2370, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or Department Head Åsa Bjuhr, 0920-49 1552, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

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

Application

We prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below, attaching a personal letter (max 1 page), CV/resume, research sketch/research idea for the intended dissertation area (max 2 pages), essays/other publications (attached as full text in PDF format), other merits relevant to the position, copies of verified degree certificates, and contact information for two referees. Please mark your application with the reference number below. Both the application and degree certificates must be written in Swedish or English.

Application deadline: December 30, 2025

Reference number: 6607-2025