PhD Student in Pedagogy focusing on Special Education and Language, Writing, and Reading Development

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 in 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 Education, Language, and Subject Didactics has extensive activities in research, development, and teaching within undergraduate education, advanced level education, commissioned education, and independent courses related to teacher education and special education programs as well as preschool and school. We are looking for a PhD student in Pedagogy focusing on Special Education and Language, Writing, and Reading Development to strengthen the competence in our research area and contribute to knowledge and skills in schools in our region.

This PhD position is part of the PROFS graduate school and is part of the third, revised, and further developed round – PROFS 3 – where Luleå University of Technology collaborates closely with the municipalities of Luleå and Skellefteå as well as Region Norrbotten. In this unique graduate school, research questions are jointly shaped between municipalities and the university, with a clear focus on the needs of schools and the opportunities to implement new knowledge directly in practice. As a PhD student, you will be a key person in a strong regional initiative that drives both research and school development forward and contributes to enhancing the quality of education throughout Norrbotten.

Subject Description

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

Project Description

This project focuses on language, writing, and reading development. The interplay between linguistic abilities and executive functions is an area where concurrent difficulties are common. There is a growing need for research that reflects the complexity characterizing language, writing, and reading difficulties and takes into account that reading and writing difficulties/dyslexia often occur alongside other development-related conditions, such as NPF (language disorder/DLD, autism, ADHD) and specific mathematical difficulties.

The project aims to investigate how support and pedagogical interventions can be best designed to meet this diversity of needs. A central starting point is to not only focus on difficulties but also highlight individuals' strengths, to identify strategies that enhance students' opportunities to participate in and develop through language, writing, and reading instruction. The goal is to generate new knowledge that can contribute to increased inclusion and higher quality in the school's support measures.

This knowledge is important both for special education activities and for the development of special education and special teacher programs as well as other teacher education programs. As a PhD student, you will design your own project and formulate your own research questions within this overarching research direction.

Job 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 mandatory and elective PhD courses, totaling at least 60 higher education credits. Additionally, you will work with teaching and supervision. As a PhD student, you are expected to contribute to the development of the research environment within the research subject. This includes scientific work with international publications as well as participation in national and international conferences.

Qualifications

You are qualified to apply for this position if you have basic eligibility with a completed degree at the advanced level, completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at the advanced level. In addition to basic eligibility, to be admitted to doctoral education in pedagogy, specific eligibility is required in the form of a major subject in pedagogy or a closely related subject, corresponding to 90 credits, of which 30 credits at the advanced level, including an independent project (thesis) comprising at least 15 higher education credits. You should have a good ability to express yourself orally and in writing in Swedish and English. A special teacher or special education degree and experience in school development and collegial processes are meritorious.

Information

The employment is temporary for 4 years. Teaching and other institutional duties will be added with 20% of full-time, making the position 5 years. Part of the institutional duties will be carried out together with the school principal in their operations or in development work. Place of employment: Luleå. Start date according to agreement.

For more information, contact acting subject representative, associate professor Anna Öqvist, 0920-49 3037, [email protected]

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

Application

You apply for the position via the application button below where you attach a personal letter, CV/resume, research proposal, and copies of verified degree certificates. Mark your application with the reference number below. Both the application and degree certificates must be written in Swedish or English.

Application deadline: January 20, 2026
Reference number: 7084-2025