Lund University
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Doctoral student in Industrial Design with focus on strategic design Lund University in Sweden
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Sociology
Funding
This doctoral position is funded by the Ingvar Kamprad Design Foundation (IKDF).
Deadline
Nov 9, 2026
Country
Sweden
University
Lund University
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About this position
This doctoral position is based in the Division of Industrial Design at the Department of Design Sciences, LTH, Lund University. The environment is described as interdisciplinary, bringing together design, technology and people, and the successful candidate will work alongside doctoral students, senior researchers and teaching staff across Industrial Design and the wider department.
The project sits within a research area that examines how design responds to technological, environmental and societal change. Industrial Design research at Lund investigates design knowledge, methods and practices, often in collaboration with academic, industrial, public-sector and community partners. The broader research environment includes sustainable design, emerging technologies and AI, design strategy, management and innovation, design practice and methods, and critical and participatory perspectives on design and design education.
This opening has a particular focus on strategic design. The doctoral research will explore how design can function as a strategic capability in organizations and society, contributing to innovation, transformation and value creation. Possible directions include the development and embedding of design capabilities in organizations, the role of design in enabling organizational change, design in complex settings, systemic design, user and citizen engagement in strategic processes, and futures-oriented approaches for navigating uncertainty across societal, technological and environmental contexts.
The student will develop and refine the specific project in dialogue with the supervisors. The work is expected to combine theoretical inquiry with empirical research and may include experimental, participatory or practice-based design approaches where relevant. The doctoral student will conduct an independent research project, communicate findings through academic publications and conferences, and take part in the active research environment of the division and department.
The position involves regular on-site presence in Lund and includes limited teaching and other departmental duties as part of the doctoral employment.
Funding details
This doctoral position is funded by the Ingvar Kamprad Design Foundation (IKDF).
What's required
Applicants must meet the general admission requirements for third-cycle studies: a second-cycle qualification, or at least 240 higher education credits including at least 60 credits at second-cycle level, or equivalent knowledge gained in Sweden or abroad. For the specific admission requirements in Industrial Design, applicants must have at least 30 higher education credits relevant to the subject area, including at least 15 credits at advanced level, or an in-depth study of at least 20 higher education credits at advanced level relevant to the subject area, or a degree in fine arts, engineering, or a Master's/Magister's degree relevant to the subject area. Required additional qualifications include knowledge and skills relevant to industrial design and the proposed research area, the ability to independently formulate and address research problems, strong analytical skills, and excellent written and oral English. Preferred qualifications include experience with empirical, practice-based or participatory research, interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary work, managing complex projects, using design methods in research, collaboration with academic/industrial/public-sector actors, and communicating research or complex design work to different audiences.
How to apply
Apply in English through the Varbi application portal. Include a CV, cover letter, degree certificates and transcripts, a research statement of max 1,500 words, a portfolio or work samples, contact information for three references, and any other documents you wish to submit.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.