Are you ready to take the next step in your academic journey? As a PhD student with us, you will work closely with leading researchers in a strong and international research environment, with access to advanced laboratory equipment and good funding opportunities. You are offered secure employment, high-quality supervision and room to grow, both as a researcher and as a person.
Here you have the opportunity to be part of an innovative research environment that develops new knowledge about one of our time's major societal challenges – supporting and understanding digital transformation in businesses and society. The Information Systems research group at Luleå University of Technology is seeking a PhD student in information systems with a focus on participatory design and Living Labs. The Information Systems research group is part of the Department of Digital Services and Systems, which also includes the Centre for Distance-Bridging Technologies and the Centre for Security in Society and Critical Infrastructure. The department consists of approximately 35 employees, including researchers, teachers and project managers.
Subject Description
Information Systems focuses on the design and use of information technology in relation to people, organizations and societies.
Project Description
As a PhD student, you will be part of the research team in the project Rural Resilient Digital Transformation (BraDT), with a focus on tasks related to establishing Norrbotten's Regional Digital Service Ecosystem (RDSE) among its stakeholders. The work is conducted from a socio-technical perspective on digital transformation.
The project tasks are specifically linked to:
- Living Labs as an innovation process, where villages, micro-enterprises, civil society, municipalities/authorities and research jointly develop, test and manage digital solutions in real everyday and crisis situations.
- Village-rooted management of digital services and systems, with focus on local ownership, long-term sustainability and institutional anchoring in Norrbotten's RDSE.
- Self-organization in villages, where digital and mobile services function as catalysts for local initiatives, participation and resilience.
- Digital social equality, with particular focus on female village-based entrepreneurs and local/regional support structures for equitable digital development.
- Utilization of digital services as initiatives for digital participation, security and preparedness, including through the development of mobile libraries into DigidelCentres.
The project's application areas include digital service development for rural areas, social sustainability and sustainable innovation environments in sparsely populated areas.
Responsibilities
As a PhD student, you will conduct research in the field of digital transformation in rural areas, with particular focus on Living Labs and implementation research and their role in regional digital service ecosystems. You will conduct research activities in both theoretical and applied areas. The research field is fundamentally socio-technical, which means you need to understand both technical aspects as well as human and organizational dimensions. Within the framework of the project, there is an opportunity to, in dialogue with supervisors, develop your own research profile within the project's overall research area.
Qualifications
To be qualified for PhD student employment, you must have a five-year university degree in information systems or another relevant subject. Strong academic skills and experience in qualitative and quantitative research as well as good communicative skills in speech and writing. You will represent the group in various contexts, both in Sweden and abroad, therefore very good knowledge of English is a requirement.
We are looking for engaged people who have:
- An interest in research and innovation.
- A solid educational background, for example a Master's degree in Information Systems or related fields. Alternatively, have completed at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 credits at advanced level, including an independent work of at least 15 credits.
- Interest in social and humanities aspects of information systems.
- Good communication skills to clearly and convincingly convey complex ideas.
For more information on specific doctoral education, see http://www.ltu.se/research/Education-at-research-level/Study-plans/General-study-plans-Faculty-of-Philosophy
Information
Employment as a PhD student is limited to 4 years; teaching and other institutional service may be added up to 20% of full-time. Place of work Luleå. Start according to agreement
For further information, you are welcome to contact:
Associate Professor and Subject Representative Christine Grosse 0920-49 1992, [email protected]
University Lecturer Johanna Lindberg 0920-49 1630, [email protected]
Trade Union Representatives:
SACO-S Diana Chroneer, 0920-49 2037 mailto:[email protected]
OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, 0920-49 1721 mailto:[email protected]
Application
We prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below where you attach a personal letter as well as CV/list of qualifications and copies of verified diplomas. Please mark your application with the reference number below. Both the application and diplomas must be written in Swedish or English.
The application must contain the following:
1. CV
2. Diplomas and transcript of records (in English or Swedish)
3. Master's thesis in PDF format and publications (not mandatory)
4. A cover letter (max one full A4 page)
5. Two letters of recommendation.
6. Two references with contact information (name, affiliation and email)
Application deadline: August 15, 2026
Reference number: 3886-2026Are you ready to take the next step in your academic journey? As a PhD student with us, you will work closely with leading researchers in a strong and international research environment, with access to advanced laboratory equipment and good funding opportunities. You are offered secure employment, high-quality supervision and room to grow, both as a researcher and as a person.
Here you have the opportunity to be part of an innovative research environment that develops new knowledge about one of our time's major societal challenges – supporting and understanding digital transformation in…
Overview
Type
job
Status
active
Visibility
public
City
Luleå
Address
Luleå tekniska universitet
GPS
65.6152976, 22.0451587
Email
Phone
Views
2
Published
25. 6. 2026
Edited
25. 7. 2026
Specifications
Region
Norrbottens län
Duration
6 månader eller längre
Employer
LULEÅ TEKNISKA UNIVERSITET
Postcode
97187
Open positions
1
Profession
Doktorand
Salary Type
Fast månads- vecko- eller timlön
Scope Of Work
100–100 %
Contact
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