Assistant Professor in Product Innovation

Luleå Tekniska Universitet · Full-time

Luleå, Sweden

Would you like to develop your research and teaching in an environment where collaboration with industry and society is a given? With us, you'll work with engaged colleagues, have access to modern research infrastructure, and excellent opportunities to attract external funding. You'll have the space to make a real difference for your students, your research, and society at large. Product Innovation is part of the Department of Economics, Technology, Arts and Society, ETKS. The Department conducts leading activities in economics, labor science, innovations, natural resources, environment and energy. The Department offers technical and social science education within a large number of educational programs. The Department has approximately 260 employees and conducts research in 12 research subjects distributed across three divisions, where Product Innovation is included in the division Human and Technology. As part of this position, you will participate in a research group working with various aspects of innovation in the product development process, from early idea and concept development, through design, development, implementation, production, business development and life cycle perspectives. The subject area is at the intersection of business development, product development, production development and innovation management with innovation in focus. Subject Description Product Innovation encompasses theories and methods for need- and knowledge-driven development processes where product and service development are linked together. Job Responsibilities The work includes conducting research projects and communicating their results through academic publications, as well as being active within the research community in your field. The position comprises approximately 50% research, where a significant part of the work consists of contributing to obtaining external research funding and participating in management and administrative tasks. As an Assistant Professor in Product Innovation, you will develop and participate in teaching at basic and advanced levels as well as supervise degree projects and doctoral students. The position also includes contributing to the University's development work and following international developments within the subject area, as well as developing external contacts and collaboration projects with industrial, public and academic partners in product innovation, product development, production development and innovation management. Qualifications Eligible for employment as an Assistant Professor is someone who: Has completed a doctoral degree or has equivalent scientific competence or has some other professional skill that is of importance with regard to the employment. When employing an Assistant Professor, priority will be given to those who have completed their doctoral degree within five years prior to the last application deadline. However, those who have completed their doctoral degree or otherwise achieved equivalent competence at an earlier time may also be considered if there are special reasons. Special reasons may include sick leave, parental leave or other similar circumstances. Assessment Criteria The following assessment criteria apply to the position: Scientific competence Other assessment criteria Other assessment criteria (weighted equally): Doctoral degree in Product Innovation or related field, such as entrepreneurship and innovation, innovation management, industrial economics, technology and innovation management (or equivalent). Teaching experience including course development within the areas of product innovation, product development, production development, innovation management, entrepreneurship, business development or related areas. Research experience and collaboration with manufacturing industry and/or other industrial or societal actors relevant to product innovation is meritorious. Experience in sustainable industrial transformation, digitalization or innovation management is particularly meritorious. Strong scientific background verified through scientific publications after doctoral defense. Ability to collaborate with industry, the public sector and other societal actors. Experience in leading or coordinating innovation work and research collaboration is meritorious. Ability to communicate about research and development work. Administrative competence that is of importance with regard to the subject's content and the work tasks included in the employment. Very good knowledge of Swedish and English, in speech and writing, and the ability to teach in Swedish and English. Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through their experience and competence, is assessed to complement and strengthen ongoing research, undergraduate education and innovation within the subject as well as contribute to its future development. Employment Period This employment is for a period of four years. Promotion to Professor An Assistant Professor shall, upon application, be promoted to Professor and appointed on a permanent basis if they have the qualifications for employment as a Professor and, upon review, are assessed as suitable for such employment according to the assessment criteria specified below. Upon review, it is required that the Assistant Professor has completed higher education pedagogy training corresponding to 7.5 credits, or otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge. During the employment period, the Assistant Professor must also independently, to a considerable extent and with high quality contribute to the University's research and demonstrate good pedagogical competence. Information The employment is permanent and located in Luleå. Start date by agreement. For further information, you are welcome to contact: subject representative for Product Innovation Anna Öhrwall Rönnbäck 0920-49 3262, mailto:[email protected] or division manager Jörgen Normark, 0920-49 1480, mailto:[email protected]. For each position, a preliminary salary range is specified based on the position's requirements, responsibilities and market conditions. Application We prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below where you attach the application documents requested, including diplomas (certified and translated into Swedish or English), pedagogical self-reflection and publications, etc. Please mark your application with the reference number below. Both the application and diplomas must be written in Swedish or English. Application Deadline: September 24, 2026 Reference Number: 4362-2026