PhD Candidate in Ecotechnology and Environmental Science

The Department of Natural Sciences, Design and Sustainable Development (NDH) operates at Campus Östersund and Campus Sundsvall, where we educate and conduct research in the department's subjects with a focus on sustainable development.

The subject of ecotechnology and environmental science at Mid Sweden University deals with the interdisciplinary study of human societies in interaction with nature, with particular emphasis on the development of new systems for the long-term sustainable use of natural resources. The research methodology is interdisciplinary and, where appropriate, systems-oriented.

Job Responsibilities

Independent doctoral education including research (80-100%) as well as teaching and administrative work (0-20%).

We are looking for a PhD candidate in the field of Ecotechnology and Environmental Science. The doctoral project aims to develop new knowledge about more sustainable textile production. The goal is to map and quantify how different textile fibers and production methods affect nature, specifically in the first part of the value chain before the raw material is refined. You will work with analyses of land use and ecosystem impact related to different types of fiber production: agricultural-based (e.g., cotton, flax, hemp), livestock-based (e.g., wool, silk), regenerated cellulose fibers (e.g., viscose, lyocell), and fossil-based synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester, acrylic). The position is interdisciplinary and contributes both to method development and system analysis in close dialogue with the project's academic and industrial partners.

This doctoral project is part of the larger project “Textilkompassen - The Path to Sustainable Textile Production,” which is partially funded by Interreg Sweden-Norway with support from the European Union. As a PhD candidate, you will engage in research and doctoral studies.

The research may include:

• analysis using tools such as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Environmental Product Declarations (EPD), and textile-specific tools like the Higg Index.
• biosphere indicators for Textilkompassen, such as carbon sinks, water regulation, biodiversity, and resilience to disturbances (drought, extreme precipitation, erosion).

Field data collection may occur.

Eligibility

Basic eligibility is granted to those who have completed a degree at the advanced level or have completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at the advanced level or in some other way acquired substantially equivalent knowledge within or outside the country. Special eligibility is granted to those who have at least 90 higher education credits in environmental science or environmental technology or have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way within or outside the country.

Assessment Criteria

In addition to the eligibility requirements, applicants with good knowledge of system analysis and understanding of resource extraction, land use, biomass, biodiversity, and ecosystem services from a systems perspective will be prioritized.

Previous experience in:

• interdisciplinary work where technology, natural sciences, and societal perspectives meet
• textile production, fiber development, or textile value chains.
• business or national economics
• practical innovation work in collaboration between academia, industry, and the public sector.
• textile recycling, circular processes, or sustainable product development.

is meritorious.

Personal Qualities

In addition to good subject knowledge, great importance will be placed on creative thinking, collaboration skills, initiative for independent work, and personal suitability for doctoral education. The ability to collaborate and build partnerships across sector boundaries is meritorious. Being present on campus and active is seen as essential for you to perform your tasks in the best way and thrive in the work community.

Other Assessment Criteria

Good knowledge of Swedish and English (spoken and written) is a requirement, as a large part of the communication with external actors will take place in Swedish.

Processing

The processing of the employment follows the forms specified in Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance and proceeds in accordance with here (https://www.miun.se/medarbetare/styrdokument/ny-styrning-planering-och-uppfoljning/Personal/Anstalla-personal/?item=311447).

Employment and Start Date

The doctoral position corresponds to an employment that equates to two years of full-time studies and is expected to lead to a licentiate degree. The employment can be extended up to the doctoral degree provided that additional funding is obtained. Start date 2026-03-01 or by agreement.

A new employment as a doctoral candidate applies for a maximum of one year, and the employment may thereafter be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time. Regulations regarding employment as a doctoral candidate can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 5, Sections 1-7.

Place of Employment

Östersund

Salary

According to Mid Sweden University's salary scale for doctoral candidates.

Information

Further information can be obtained from Henrik Haller, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]), 10-142 8136 or deputy head Oskar Englund, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]), 010-142 88 00.

Application

Application documents must be in Swedish or English. The application must include your CV, certificates from previous education, and a statement of your research interests, visions, and goals.

Welcome with your application via our recruitment system by 2026-02-02.

Mid Sweden University, with campuses in both Sundsvall and Östersund, is an institution close to students, colleagues, and the surrounding community. At the same time, we are located next to the sea, forests, and mountains, which creates conditions for a fantastic quality of life. New knowledge is created here through internationally successful research and education that contributes to societal development. In this way, we contribute to a sustainable future and a better world.

As an employee at Mid Sweden University, you should be able to combine work with leisure and have a good balance in life. We offer, among other things, flexible working hours, support for wellness activities, salary supplementation during parental leave and illness. You also receive generous vacation days.

Mid Sweden University actively works for equal opportunities and strives to take advantage of the qualities that diversity and gender equality bring to the organization. Your personal data is processed and stored in accordance with the Data Protection Regulation. We welcome inquiries from those interested in working with us but decline offers from those selling advertising and recruitment services.