Here you have the opportunity to belong to an innovative research environment that develops new knowledge about one of the great societal challenges of our time - to support and understand the digital transformation in companies and in society. At the Information systems research group at Luleå University of Technology, we have a need to hire a PhD student in Information systems with a focus on Participatory Design and Living Labs.

Subject description
The research subject Information systems focuses on the design and use of information technology in relation to humans, organizations and societies.

Project description
For this work, you will collaborate as part of a research team within European projects, primarily focusing on tasks related to participatory design in the information systems development process, Living Labs, co-creation, stakeholder engagement strategies, and the socio-technical perspective on innovation development, with a particular emphasis on Social Science and Humanities aspects of Information Systems. The project tasks are specifically related to:
- Stakeholder engagement and cocreation in Living Labs, fostering collaboration between citizens, industry, academia, and the public sector.
- Ethical, responsible, and inclusive service and system design, promoting fairness, accessibility, and social responsibility.
- Urban and rural Living Labs, addressing real-world challenges.

The project domains include Healthcare and well-being, Circular economy, Climate adaptation, and Living Labs for sustainability, among others.

Duties 
As a PhD student you are expected to perform both experimental and theoretical work within your research studies. Most of your working time will be devoted to your own research studies. In addition, you can have the opportunity to try the teacher role. You will work in information systems, with a concentration on Living Labs, focusing on their role as open innovation ecosystems that facilitate real-world experimentation, stakeholder engagement, and co-creation. The research area is fundamentally socio-technical, which means you can understand both technical aspects as well as human and organizational aspects, too. You can influence your focus within Living Labs together with your supervisors.

Qualifications
To be eligible for a PhD position, you must have a five-year university education in information systems or relevant areas. You must also have good scientific skills and experience in qualitative and quantitative research, and good communication skills in speech and writing. You will represent the group in different contexts, both in Sweden and abroad, so a very good knowledge of English is a requirement.

We are looking for committed people who have:
- An interest in research and innovation
- A solid educational background, Master's degree in information systems or related fields. Or, have completed at least 240 credits in higher education, with at least 60 credits at the Master’s level, including an independent project worth at least 15 credits.
- Interest in Social Science and Humanities aspects of Information Systems.
- Good communication skills to convey complex ideas with clarity and impact.

For further information about a specific subject see General syllabus for the Board of the faculty of humanities and social sciences

Further information
Employment as a PhD student is limited to 4 years, teaching and other department duties may be added with max 20%. Placement: Luleå. Starting: 1 August 2025

For further information about the position, please contact title name:
Head of subject Ahmed Elragal +46 920-49 3670, ahmed.elragal@ltu.se
Associate Professor Abdolrasoul Habibipour +46 920-49 2357, abdolrasoul.habibipour@ltu.se

Union representatives:
SACO-S Diana Chroneer,+46 920-49 2037 diana.chroneer@ltu.se
OFR-S Lars Frisk, +46 920-49 1792 lars.frisk@ltu.se

In case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of this announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

Application
We prefer that you apply for this position by clicking on the apply button below. The application should include a CV, personal letter and copies of verified diplomas from high school and universities. Mark your application with the reference number below. Your application, including diplomas, must be written in English or Swedish.

The application must include:
- CV
- Degrees and transcript (in English or Swedish)
- The Master’s thesis in PDF form and publications (not a must)
- A statement of motivation (maximum one full A4 page)
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Two References with contact information (name, affiliation, and email)

Closing date for applications: 12 March 2025
Reference number: 885-2025