PhD Candidate in the Didactics of Mathematics and Natural Sciences

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.

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 offerings 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 Education, Language, and Subject Didactics has an extensive operation with research, development, and teaching in 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 candidate in the didactics of mathematics and natural sciences focusing on motivation and effective study habits to strengthen the competence in our research area and contribute to knowledge and skills in the 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 formulated between municipalities and the university, with a clear focus on the needs of schools and opportunities to implement new knowledge directly in practice. As a PhD candidate, 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

The didactics of mathematics and natural sciences deals with teaching and learning in mathematical and natural science subjects at various levels of the educational system. Research creates a scientific basis for developing and strengthening teaching by investigating teaching and learning processes, how specific subject content is communicated in different contexts, and how individuals and groups at different educational levels develop and use knowledge. Special focus is on students' motivation, skills, and attitudes towards the subject area as well as the development of teaching methods in modern learning environments.

Project Description

In the project, we study the relationships between students' motivation, self-concept, learning strategies, and their perceptions of the nature of mathematics – that is, how they understand what mathematics really is and entails. We have also observed that social learning strategies and active participation in mathematical discussions during lessons are strategies that promote learning.

At the same time, math anxiety can pose a significant barrier affecting students' mathematical self-concept and, in turn, their learning outcomes. Against this background, the project's overall goal is to identify how teachers can plan and design instruction that strengthens students' motivation, supports the development of effective learning strategies, and promotes a deeper understanding of mathematics. As a PhD candidate, you will be able to design your own project and formulate your own research questions within this research direction and thereby contribute to new knowledge that can develop mathematics education.

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 credits. In addition, you will work with teaching and supervision. As a PhD candidate, you will become part of the research environment within the Department of Education, Language, and Subject Didactics, and 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 credits, of which at least 60 credits at the advanced level. In addition to the requirement for basic eligibility, at least 90 credits in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, or engineering are required, of which a maximum of 30 credits can consist of courses in the didactics of the subjects.

You should have good collaboration skills and a good ability to express yourself verbally and in writing in Swedish and English. A teaching degree and experience in school development or process management are meritorious.

Information

Employment as a PhD candidate is time-limited to 4 years, with teaching and other institutional duties amounting to 20% of full-time, which makes 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 by agreement.

For more information, contact Professor and Subject Representative Timo Tossavainen, 0920-49 3698, [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 (1-2 pages), 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: 7088-2025