PhD in Socio-technical Modularity and Decentralization of Infrastructure at Lund University Lund University in Sweden

Lund University is advertising 1–2 PhD positions in human/economic geography within the ERC-funded DECENT project, Socio-technical modularity and the decentralization of infrastructure. The positions are affiliated with CIRCLE (Centre for Innovation Research) and are especially suitable for candidates interested in economic geography, innovation studies, socio-technical transitions, sustainability transitions, urban experimentation, and related interdisciplinary research.

The project examines how decentralized infrastructure solutions—such as micro-grids, small-scale wastewater treatment, multi-modal transport, short food chains, and distributed finance—can overcome the limitations of large centralized systems. The empirical focus is on comparing infrastructure decentralization in high-income cities (for example in Europe or North America) and middle-income cities (for example in South or Southeast Asia).

Successful candidates will design and conduct empirical research across sectors such as water, mobility, or agri-food, collaborate with the project team, contribute to scientific publications, present at conferences, and complete a PhD thesis. The doctoral position is a four-year full-time appointment, with possible departmental duties of around 20%.

Eligibility requires a second-cycle degree and at least 240 higher education credits, including a master’s degree in human/economic geography or another relevant discipline such as transition studies, innovation studies, sociology, economics, economic history, or political science. Applicants must also have independent work equivalent to at least 30 higher education credits and strong spoken and written English skills. Preferred candidates will have empirical research experience, mixed-methods interest, strong academic writing skills, and a clear motivation for research on societal transformations.

The application must be submitted in English via the Lund University job portal by 2026-08-28. Required documents include a cover letter, a research idea document related to the DECENT project, CV, an example of independent academic work, optional publications, referee contacts, and certificates/grades.