Doctoral Student in Industrial Design - Strategic Design

About the role

Lund University's Division of Industrial Design, within the Department of Design Sciences, is looking for a doctoral student focusing on strategic design. The position is full-time, fixed-term, starting on 2027-01-01 or shortly after, and is funded by the Ingvar Kamprad Design Foundation. The research explores how design can act as a strategic capability in organizations and society, contributing to innovation, transformation and value creation.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and conduct an independent doctoral research project, including formulating research questions, reviewing theory, designing and running empirical studies, analysing data and writing up findings.
• Communicate results through academic publications and conferences and complete a doctoral thesis.
• Take part in the research environment of the Division and the Department, and engage with academic and external partners.
• Contribute to teaching and other departmental work, up to a maximum of 20% of working hours.
• Attend regularly on site at Lund University.

Required profile

• A second-cycle qualification, or equivalent knowledge, plus at least 30 higher education credits relevant to industrial design (at least 15 at advanced level), or an in-depth study of at least 20 advanced-level credits, or a relevant degree in fine arts, engineering or a Master's.
• Ability to formulate and tackle research problems independently, with analytical skills and critical engagement with theory and empirical material.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Advantages: experience of empirical, practice-based or participatory research, interdisciplinary work, complex projects, design methods in research, and collaboration with diverse actors.

What we offer

• Public authority employment with generous annual leave and an occupational pension scheme.
• Full-time doctoral studies lasting four years, with the contract extended for teaching duties.

Applications must be written in English and include a CV, a cover letter, copies of degree certificates and transcripts, a 1,500-word research statement, a portfolio of work, contact details for three references and any other documents.