Summary
Lund University is offering a doctoral student position in Industrial Design with a specific focus on strategic design. This position is based at the Department of Design Sciences at LTH and is funded by the Ingvar Kamprad Design Foundation (IKDF). The successful candidate will explore how design serves as a strategic resource for innovation, organizational change, and societal transformation.
Designation
Doctoral Student (PhD Researcher)
Key Details
| University | Lund University (LTH – Faculty of Engineering) |
| Research Area | Industrial Design / Strategic Design |
| Location | Lund, Sweden |
| Employment Type | Full-time, Temporary (4 years) |
| Start Date | January 1, 2027 (or by agreement) |
| Application Deadline | November 9, 2026 |
Research Area
The research focuses on Strategic Design, investigating how design acts as a resource within organizations and society. Potential research questions include the integration of design competence in organizations, design-led organizational change, systemic design in complex contexts, and citizen engagement in strategic processes. The project combines theoretical studies with empirical, participatory, or practice-based design research.
Location
Lund, Sweden (Skåne län)
Eligibility/Qualification
To be eligible for this doctoral position, applicants must meet both general and specific requirements:
General Requirements
- A degree at the advanced level (Master’s) OR
- Completion of at least 240 higher education credits, with at least 60 credits at the advanced level OR
- Equivalent knowledge acquired through other means.
Specific Requirements for Industrial Design
- At least 30 credits relevant to the subject area, including 15 advanced credits.
- OR an independent project (thesis) of at least 20 advanced credits in a relevant field.
- OR a degree in an artistic field, Engineering, or a Master’s degree relevant to the subject.
Additional Requirements
- Documented competence in industrial design and the specific research area.
- Ability to work independently and formulate scientific problems.
- Excellent analytical skills and proficiency in English (spoken and written).
Scholarship Description
Doctoral students at Lund University are both students and employees, receiving a competitive monthly salary and benefits such as a generous vacation allowance and a pension plan. The position is for four years of full-time study. The role primarily involves research and doctoral coursework, but may include up to 20% departmental duties, such as teaching or administration, which extends the employment duration accordingly.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted in English through the university’s recruitment system. The application must include:
- CV: Detailing your academic and professional history.
- Personal Letter: Describing your motivation for doctoral studies in industrial design and how your experiences have prepared you.
- Certificates: Copies of degrees and transcripts.
- Research Description (Max 1,500 words): Outlining the research questions or phenomena in strategic design you are interested in exploring.
- Portfolio: A selection of work samples showing relevant design or research activity.
- References: Contact information for three referees.
Last Date for Apply
November 9, 2026
