Doctoral student in Technology and Society focused on the economic analysis of digital market structure and cyber security

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 47 000 students and more than 8 800 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset.

Description of the workplace

The department of Technology and Society employs around 80 people in total, including senior lecturers, PhD students and administrative staff. Socioeconomic Technology Studies (SoeTech) is a multidisciplinary research group within the environment dedicated to studying the social and economic effects of technology-driven structural change in society. The current PhD position is part of a five-year research project funded by the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) dedicated to the study of how digitalisation affects market structure and in particular the economics of cyber security within digital markets. 

Subject description

Technology and Society is a third cycle subject that encompasses multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary studies of technology’s role, interplay and importance in different sectors of society. The research conducted by SoeTech is mainly grounded in economic analysis and includes economics, economic geography, sociology, political science, and economic history. 

The PhD position is part of an interdisciplinary research project on the economics of cybersecurity, funded by the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB). Apart from SoeTech researchers, the project includes scholars in technology and psychology from Rise Research Institutes of Sweden and Uppsala University, respectively, as well as a PhD student in psychology at Uppsala University. 

The research work related to this PhD position will focus primarily on studying digital markets and how digitalisation affects market structure in general, and the economic analysis of technological interdependencies and cybersecurity in particular. This includes analysis of statistical data collected for this project on, among other things, the use of cloud services, investments in digital transformation and cyber security measures in Swedish firms. 

Work duties

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in mentioned research project, third cycle courses, and joint research activities within SoeTech. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Admission requirements 

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant: 

• has been awarded a second cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Technology and Society if the applicant has: 

• at least 30 credits awarded in the second cycle relevant to the subject area.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English and Swedish, since all documentation is in Swedish.
• Experience with quantitative analysis in economics or related field.
• Good ability to work both independently and in collaboration to publish scientific papers that cut across several disciplines.
   

Assessment criteria

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following: 

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study. 
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems. 
3. Written and oral communication skills.
4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.
    

Other assessment criteria:

• We consider it an additional qualification if you have a master’s degree in economics and/or computer science or a related field.
• We consider it an additional qualification if you have experience of participation in the public debate.
   

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University. 

Terms of employment 

Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. 

A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

Start 1 January 2025 or by agreement.

How to apply

Applications shall be written in Swedish and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

Welcome to apply!

LTH is Lund University’s Faculty of Engineering. At LTH we educate people, build knowledge for the future and work hard for the development of society. We create space for brilliant research and inspire creative advancements in technology, architecture and design. We have nearly 10,000 students. Every year, our researchers – many of whom work in world-leading profile areas – publish around 100 theses and 2 000 scientific findings. In addition, many of our research and degree projects are transformed into innovations. Together we explore and create – to benefit the world.

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