PhD Student within the project Campus total defence upper Norrland

Luleå tekniska universitet är i stark tillväxt med världsledande kompetens inom flera forskningsområden. Vår vetenskapliga som konstnärliga forskning och utbildning bedrivs i nära samarbete med internationella, nationella och regionala företag, offentliga aktörer och ledande universitet. Luleå tekniska universitet omsätter drygt 2,3 miljarder kronor per år. Vi är mer än 1 800 anställda och har närmare 21 600 studenter.History examines and explains societal changes, events, and phenomena in the past. At Luleå University of Technology (LTU), the research subject of history often participates in interdisciplinary research initiatives aimed at addressing important societal challenges of our time. As a doctoral student within the project Campus Total Defence Upper Norrland, you will work within a dynamic network of researchers from various disciplines at Luleå University of Technology, with expertise in total defence issues in the Arctic region, particularly northern Sweden. You will be part of the research schools Campus Total Defence Upper Norrland (CTF ÖN) and Natural Resources for Sustainable Societal Transformation (SUN).

Subject description History is the study of humans as social beings with an emphasis on the development, organisation and change of societies over time. The research specialises in the examination of the history of technology at the interface of natural resources, humans and the environment. This includes both how technology has had an impact on humans and society, and how humans have influenced the development of technology

Project description The doctoral project addresses a pressing societal issue—total defence—with a focus on the Arctic part of Scandinavia, particularly northern Sweden. The background lies in the Arctic’s growing importance for security, preparedness, and total defence due to global geopolitical tensions, the consequences of climate change, the demand for natural resources, and the region’s geostrategic significance. These developments place demands on total defence in the northern parts of Sweden and its neighbouring countries. Similar conditions have prevailed during several periods in the recent past.

Duties A doctoral position involves both theoretical and practical work. The doctoral student is trained in scholarly research through the publication of a monograph or scientific articles in journals and through participation in national and international conferences. You will take both mandatory and elective doctoral courses and participate in activities organized within the framework of the research schools CTF ÖN and SUN. In addition, you may have the opportunity to gain experience in a teaching role.

Qualifications You need to have general entry qualifications for postgraduate education, which means that you must 1) have completed a degree at advanced level 2) completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at advanced level, or 3) in some other way within or outside the country acquired essentially equivalent knowledge. In addition to the general entry requirements to be accepted for postgraduate education in History at least 120 higher education credits in history are required, of which at least 30 higher education credits, including independent work of at least 15 higher education credits at advanced level or equivalent knowledge. The work also requires very good knowledge of oral and written communication in Swedish and English.

In addition to the above, the following qualifications are considered merits for the position: '

• Completion of coursework or research on themes relevant to the research area addressed by the doctoral position.
• Strong grounding in historical theory and methods.
• Interest in and ability to work across disciplinary boundaries.
• Strong collaborative skills and ability to take initiative.

For further information about specific doctoral education, see General syllabus History

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 University of Technology. Starting: June 2026

For further information about the position, please contact Professor and head of history unit Dag Avango,+46 730 650 296, dag.avango@ltu.se or Jerry Blomberg, Division Head, +46 (0)920 49 2335, jerry.blomberg@ltu.se

Union representatives: SACO-S Diana Chroneer, 0920-49 2037, diana.chroneer@ltu.se OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, 0920-49 1721, marika.vesterberg@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.

Reference number: 2273-2026 Last day of application: April 30, 2026