Vacant job

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We are now looking for a PhD student in Industrial Environmental Technology at the Department of Science, Technology and Society.

Your responsibilities

As a PhD student, you will conduct research within product and service design for sustainability. The project focuses on developing knowledge about how design for sustainability can integrate life cycle cost, value creation, and value-preserving processes, such as repair and remanufacturing. The research aims to contribute new scientifically grounded knowledge that is simultaneously relevant and useful in industrial applications.

As a PhD student, you will be part of a European academic network on eco-design, a European research and education initiative. The network aims to further develop methods within eco-design and manufacturing strategies that enable a circular economy at an industrial scale, in line with European goals for sustainability and resource efficiency. The employment includes opportunities for external stays at companies and participation in European doctoral schools together with other PhD students within the network.

The research area of product and service design for sustainability has evolved over several decades, but there are still important scientific questions to answer. The project's goal is to advance the research frontier within design for sustainability by integrating life cycle cost and value creation with value-preserving processes, such as repair and remanufacturing. The result is expected to be new knowledge that is scientifically grounded and applicable in industrial contexts.

As a PhD student, you will focus on your doctoral education and the research project you are part of. Your work may also include teaching or participating in other departmental duties, up to 20 percent of full-time.

Your qualifications

• You have completed an advanced level degree in mechanical engineering, industrial economics, or another related field, or have completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, including at least 60 higher education credits at an advanced level, or have otherwise acquired substantially equivalent knowledge.
• You must not already hold a doctoral degree.
• You have practical experience in research within design for sustainability.
• You have very good ability to communicate in English, both orally and in writing. Knowledge of Swedish is meritorious but not a requirement. The working language will be English.
• You have a strong interest in developing knowledge within design for sustainability that is both scientifically grounded and useful in industry.
• You are highly motivated to pursue doctoral studies, have good collaboration skills, and are scientifically curious and open.
• Since the employment is part of an international network, a mobility rule applies: at the time of recruitment, you must not have been resident or had your main activity (work or studies) in Sweden for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately preceding October 1, 2026.

Your workplace

The Division of Industrial Environmental Technology (MILJÖ) is an internationally renowned interdisciplinary research environment established approximately 40 years ago. Today, the division consists of around 40 employees with backgrounds in a range of different scientific fields, countries, and cultures. Our operations are based on the premise that environmental challenges are a key driver for the development of products, services, technical systems, and organizations. Through research, education, and collaboration with the surrounding society, we contribute to a more resource-efficient society where new environmental solutions become reality.

You will be active at the Division of Industrial Environmental Technology (MILJÖ), within the unit Products Services Innovation (PSI).

Read more about our workplace https://liu.se/organisation/liu/iei/miljo (https://liu.se/organisation/liu/iei/miljo)

About the employment

Upon commencement of employment, you will be admitted to the doctoral studies. Read more about the doctoral studies at each faculty https://liu.se/forskning/forskarutbildning (https://liu.se/forskning/forskarutbildning)

The employment is fixed-term for normally four years full-time. Extension may occur under special circumstances. You will initially be employed for one year, after which the employment is renewed for up to two years at a time, based on the achieved study plan.

Commencement of employment is by agreement, but no later than January 1, 2027, and only after a formal agreement for the European network has been signed.

A security check may be conducted before a decision on employment is made.

Salary and benefits

The PhD student salary is regulated based on a locally agreed salary scale. Read more about benefits for employees https://liu.se/jobba-pa-liu/formaner (https://liu.se/jobba-pa-liu/formaner).

Union representatives

Information about union representatives, see https://liu.se/jobba-pa-liu/hjalp-for-sokande (https://liu.se/jobba-pa-liu/hjalp-for-sokande).

Application

You apply for this position by clicking the "Apply" button below. Your application must be received by Linköping University no later than June 25, 2026. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

The recruitment is carried out in coordination within the European network. The network follows the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, which means a transparent and fair selection process. We see diversity as a strength and welcome applicants with different backgrounds and experiences.

In assessing applicants, we apply a broad merit assessment where we value both academic merits as well as collaboration skills, interdisciplinary understanding, and other relevant competencies.

We welcome applicants with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, as this enriches and develops our operations. For us, it is obvious to safeguard everyone's equal value, rights, and opportunities. Read about our work with equal opportunities and diversity (https://liu.se/artikel/lika-villkor/).

We look forward to receiving your application!

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