Doctoral student in Industrial Engineering and Management

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 announced position belongs to the Division of Production Management, which is one of four divisions in the Department of Industrial and Mechanical Sciences at LTH, Lund University. The department’s facilities are located on the LTH campus in Lund.

Subject and project description

The subject area Industrial Engineering and Management deals with design, strategy, planning and control, development, and economic evaluation of industrial operations. The research is concerned with problem areas in the interface between technology/engineering and business management/economics. It aims at integrating both perspectives by using methods and principles from one area and modifying and applying it to the other. This is done by applying mathematical methods from the engineering sciences on problems in business and economics, and by using managerial and economic analysis and principles to study problems of technical nature and assessment of technical alternatives. The area is multidisciplinary and covers issues of strategic as well as operational nature within all types of industries.

The announced position is for research studies in the area of Supply Chain Management and Logistics. The position is funded by a grant from Vinnova for a joint research project with Volvo Group titled AI-enabled management of omnichannel distribution systems. The research will focus on developing new mathematical models and methods for managing multi-echelon omnichannel distribution systems that can leverage AI-based demand forecasts and optimize total system performance. The goal is to improve the resource efficiency in Volvo’s global distribution system. An important motivation for the research is to exploit new opportunities for managing sustainable supply chain systems offered by recent developments in information technology, where concepts such as digitalization, Big Data, Machine Learning and AI play a central role.

Work duties

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties 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 Industrial Engineering and Management if the applicant:

• has at least 30 credits at the advanced level with relevance for the focal area.
• is judged to have the potential to complete the programme.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Assessment criteria

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

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

Other assessment criteria:

• University degree in Industrial Engineering and Management, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics, or equivalent, specialising in Logistics, Operations Management, or Supply Chain Management.
• Experience of and/or education in quantitative research methods and mathematical modelling (operations research/management science/analytics).

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 admitted and employed as a doctoral student and more generel information 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 §§.

How to apply

Applications shall be written in English 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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