Postdoctoral Researcher in Product Innovation

Luleå University of Technology is experiencing strong growth with world-leading expertise in several research areas. 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 an annual turnover of over 2.3 billion SEK. We have more than 1,800 employees and nearly 21,600 students.

We are looking for individuals with great ambitions in research as well as in teaching and learning, for a postdoctoral position within our research subject, Product Innovation.

Subject Description

Product Innovation comprises theories and methods for needs- and knowledge-driven development processes where products and services are linked.

Project Description

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will contribute to research on digitalisation as a strategic driver of sustainable product innovation in the manufacturing industry. The research explores how AI, IoT, digital twins, and data analytics can be integrated into early stages of product and production development to enable resilient, circular, and long-term competitive solutions.

The point of departure is the role of product innovation in the sustainable and digital transformation of industry. The focus is on how companies, in collaboration with system providers and other actors, can integrate environmental, social, and economic sustainability into their development and production processes.

The work is carried out in close collaboration with industrial partners and contributes to advancing knowledge on next-generation sustainable product and production systems.

Duties

The duties of a postdoctoral fellow primarily comprise research. Teaching and pedagogical development work may be included in the duties, up to a maximum of 20% of the working hours. You will participate in and actively contribute to collaboration with both national and international collaborative partners as well as with research groups within and outside Luleå University of Technology. You will also have the opportunity to participate in applying for external funds.

Qualifications

In order to be eligible for employment as a postdoctoral researcher, you must have a PhD or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD within the relevant research domain. A doctoral degree awarded no more than three years before the application deadline provides a useful qualification. Candidates who have been awarded a doctoral degree at an earlier date may also be considered if there are special reasons, for example, different types of statutory leave of absence.

Record of collaboration with the society of which Luleå University of Technology is part, as well as national and international experience and mobility are highly rated. You should have gained recognition and assumed a leading role among the junior researchers within your domain. You should also be able to demonstrate proven experience of high-quality research. Good verbal and written communication skills in English are required; Swedish is a merit.

Great importance is also attached to suitability. Desirable personal qualities include good teamwork skills, initiative, an interest in development work, and the ability and willingness to pursue an academic career.

Further Information

Full-time fixed-term employment for two years with the possibility of extension for up to a maximum of three years. Placement in Luleå. Starting: April 1, 2026.

For further information, please contact the Head of Subject at Product Innovation Anna Öhrwall Rönnbäck, +46 (0)920-49 3262, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or Head of Division Jörgen Normark, +46 (0)920-49 1480, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Union Representatives:

SACO-S Diana Chroneer, (+46)920-49 2037 [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
OFR-S Lars Frisk, (+46)920-49 1792 [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

In case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of this announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

Application

We prefer that you apply for this position by clicking on the apply button below. The application should include a CV, personal letter, and copies of verified diplomas from high school and universities. Mark your application with the reference number below. Your application, including diplomas, must be written in English or Swedish.

We ask you to describe your research profile and explain how the profile supplements our research subject and our research questions.

Closing date for applications: March 13, 2026
Reference number: 2186-2026