PhD Student in Education with a focus on Language Development Approaches in Preschool 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 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 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 that you will help us build the sustainable companies and societies of the future.

The Department of Health, Learning, and Technology at Luleå University of Technology offers degree programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels, and in several subjects also offers education at the doctoral level leading to a PhD. The Department of Education, Language, and Subject Didactics has an extensive operation with 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 to preschool and school. We are now seeking a PhD student in Education with a focus on Language Development Approaches in Preschool Education to strengthen the competence in our research area and contribute to knowledge and skills in schools in our region.

Subject Description

Education encompasses learning, upbringing, teaching, education, and other influencing 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 education, special education, 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.

Project Description

This PhD project focuses on language development approaches in preschool education and teaching. Basic reading instruction and language development approaches play a more prominent role in preschool education, which places demands on preschool teachers' leadership in planning, leading, and developing teaching where language development approaches are central.

The project is based on these demands, and deepening the knowledge of how preschool teachers organize education and teaching that promotes children's early reading and language development is therefore of central importance. As a PhD student, you will be able to create your own project and formulate your own research questions within the framework of this overarching research direction.

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 ECTS credits. Additionally, you will work with teaching and supervision. As a PhD student, you will become part of the research environment within the Department of Education, Language, and Subject Didactics and 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 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS credits at the advanced level. In addition to the requirement for basic eligibility, specific eligibility for admission to doctoral education in education requires a major subject in education or a closely related subject, corresponding to 90 ECTS credits, of which 30 ECTS credits at the advanced level, including an independent project (thesis) of at least 15 ECTS credits. You must have a good ability to express yourself orally and in writing in Swedish and English. A degree in preschool education and experience in school development and collegial processes are meritorious.

Information

Employment as a PhD student is time-limited to 4 years, with teaching and other departmental duties amounting to 20% of full-time, making the position a total of 5 years. Part of the departmental duties will be carried out together with the school principal in their operations or in development work. Place of employment: Luleå. Expected start date: by 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, attaching 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 should be written in Swedish or English.

Application deadline: January 20, 2026
Reference number: 7085-2025