Postdoctoral Researcher in Industrial Engineering, Focusing on Sustainable Transformation of the Food System

Do you want to work on the transformation of the food system, supported by competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Do you want an employer that invests in sustainable employment and offers secure, favorable working conditions? Welcome to apply for a postdoctoral position at Uppsala University.

The Department of Civil Engineering and Industrial Technology consists of three divisions: Industrial Technology, Quality Technology, and Construction Technology and Built Environment. The department has about 100 employees and conducts its research and education both at the Ångström Laboratory in Uppsala and at Campus Gotland. For more information, see here (https://www.uu.se/institution/samhallsbyggnad-och-industriell-teknik/). This position will be located at the Division of Industrial Technology in Uppsala.

Industrial technology is a broad, interdisciplinary field that spans several subfields from organization and management, innovation and entrepreneurship, to industrial and social marketing within technology- and innovation-intensive operations, covering automation and optimization to machine design, production, and production systems. For more information, see here (https://www.uu.se/institution/samhallsbyggnad-och-industriell-teknik/avdelningen-for-industriell-teknik).

The food system faces significant challenges but also great opportunities. The challenges, at many levels, cannot be addressed with old solutions but require interaction. The opportunities lie in contributing solutions within food production to meet the UN's sustainability goals and promote sustainable consumption, for our own health and for a sustainable world. Here, Sweden's food system can make a difference, but we must act powerfully and together. At the same time, it is important to have a reflexive and critical approach to transformation initiatives to ensure that the transition occurs inclusively and with consideration for all relevant stakeholders.

Job Responsibilities

The job responsibilities mainly include research and up to 20 percent teaching. This means that you contribute to the implementation and development of the research conducted in the area, as well as develop new ideas and research directions. The work includes, among other things:

• initiating, leading, and contributing to all steps in the research process, including applications to external funders, planning and designing studies, formulating research questions, qualitative data collection and analysis, and writing scientific articles,
• contributing to the development of the subject area through participation in internal and external seminars, workshops, and conferences, and
• contributing to the administration that the above entails.

Qualifications

PhD in industrial engineering or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a PhD in industrial engineering. The degree must be completed by the time the employment decision is made. Primarily, candidates who have completed their degree within the last three years should be considered. In calculating the three-year timeframe, the last application date is the starting point. If there are special reasons, such a degree may have been obtained earlier. Special reasons include leave due to illness, parental leave, or trust assignments within trade unions, etc.

Experience and knowledge of qualitative research methods. A good understanding of the food system and its actors, as well as very good skills in oral and written Swedish and English. Previous research on sustainable transformation of the food system.

Desirable/meritorious

Desirable are knowledge of critical perspectives on sustainable transformation, as well as publications in highly ranked journals. Also meritorious is proven ability to co-author scientific articles, seek and obtain research funding, and good oral and written communication and presentation skills.

About the Position

The position is temporary for two years according to central collective agreements. The extent is full-time. Start date is March 1, 2026, or by agreement. Location: Uppsala.

For inquiries about the position, please contact: Thomas Lennerfors, +46(0)701679553, [email protected]

Welcome with your application by January 30, 2026, UFV-PA 2025/4063. In this recruitment, we have replaced the personal letter with questions that you will answer in connection with your application. The answers will be used as part of the selection process.

Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international position. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all 7,600 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of the country's most exciting workplaces.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University here (https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/).

The position may be subject to security clearance. A condition for employment during security clearance is that the applicant is approved.

We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising assistance.

Applications are received in Uppsala University's recruitment system.

Union representatives: Saco-S - [email protected], Seko - [email protected], ST (OFR/S) - [email protected]