Project Overview
About the Position
Lund University invites applications for a doctoral student in industrial design with a focus on strategic design. The project examines design as a strategic resource in organisations and society, studying how design competence shapes decision-making, innovation processes and long-term organisational direction. The doctoral student will investigate how strategic design is practised in real organisations, develop conceptual frameworks, and contribute to the academic conversation on design's expanding role beyond products and services.
The position is a salaried four-year doctoral employment within Lund University's design research environment, which combines practice-led design research with social-science perspectives. The doctoral student will combine case studies, interviews and possibly practice-based work, collaborate with partner organisations, and publish in international design and management research venues. The environment supports experimentation and welcomes applicants from both design practice and design research backgrounds.
Candidate Profile
Applicants hold a master's degree in industrial design, design or a related field, with a demonstrable interest in how design operates at strategic and organisational levels. Professional design experience, workshop facilitation skills or familiarity with qualitative research methods are advantages. Applications are submitted through Lund University's Varbi portal with a portfolio or examples of design work, a CV, transcripts, references and a statement of research interests.
Highlights
- Salaried four-year PhD in industrial design at Lund University
- Strategic design as a resource in organisations and society
- Case studies with partner organisations
- Practice-led design research environment
- International publication and collaboration opportunities
- Application via the Varbi recruitment system
Funding and Duration
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Award or position | PhD fellowship / salaried position |
| Stipend / salary | Salaried PhD position per the Swedish collective agreement |
| Duration | Four years (PhD employment) |
Eligibility and Requirements
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicant eligibility | Worldwide |
| Academic preparation | Master's in industrial design, design or a related field with a strong design practice or research interest |
| Language | English proficiency required |
Application dates
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment status | Open |
| Deadline | 9 November 2026 |
| Location | Lund, Sweden |
About Lund University
Lund University, founded in 1666, is one of Sweden's largest and most international universities and a member of the League of European Research Universities. Its faculties cover engineering, science, medicine, economics, humanities, social sciences, law and the performing arts, and the nearby Copenhagen area makes the Oresund region a strong research hub. Doctoral students are salaried employees under Swedish collective agreements, and postdoctoral fellowships are advertised through the university's Varbi recruitment portal. The university ranks among the top 100 research universities worldwide in major rankings.
Official details: Read the programme or project information
Application route: Follow the official application instructions
Contact
Questions about this position, eligibility or the application process should be raised through the contact channel given on the official announcement page (see the Official Link section above). Always quote the position reference in your message so the admissions or HR team can route your enquiry quickly.
Important Notes
- Application deadline: 9 November 2026 - late or incomplete applications are normally not considered.
- Listing details were recorded from the official source at the time of publication; always confirm the latest requirements on the official page before applying.
- Prepare the documents listed in the eligibility and application sections before starting the online form - transcripts, CV and references take the longest to collect.
How to Apply
Submit your application through the official page before the deadline: 9 November 2026. Read the eligibility requirements carefully and prepare all requested documents - early applications are strongly recommended for competitive awards.
Open the official application page ↗
Application guides
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Official Link
https://lu.varbi.com/en/what:job/jobID:979666
Frequently asked questions
Drawn from this listing's own record. Always confirm the details on the official source before applying.
What is the deadline for Doctoral Student in Industrial Design with Focus on Strategic Design - Lund University, Sweden?
The application deadline is 10 November 2026 (9 November 2026). Applications received after that date are not considered, so treat it as a hard cut-off (Europe/Stockholm time) and leave time for references and transcripts. Closing time not specified — confirm with the provider before you leave it until the last day: the source names Europe/Stockholm but gives no clock time.
Is Doctoral Student in Industrial Design with Focus on Strategic Design - Lund University, Sweden fully funded?
This is a fully funded award: tuition is covered and a living stipend is provided for the duration of the programme. Salaried PhD position per the Swedish collective agreement.
Who is eligible to apply for Doctoral Student in Industrial Design with Focus on Strategic Design - Lund University, Sweden?
This opportunity is open to applicants worldwide. Host-country status is not a requirement, although you must still satisfy the visa rules for Sweden. Applications are assessed by Lund University.
How do I apply for Doctoral Student in Industrial Design with Focus on Strategic Design - Lund University, Sweden?
Applications for Doctoral Student in Industrial Design with Focus on Strategic Design - Lund University, Sweden are submitted directly to Lund University through the provider's own application portal — use the Apply button on this page to open it. NextApply does not process applications or charge a fee.
Is an English proficiency test required for Doctoral Student in Industrial Design with Focus on Strategic Design - Lund University, Sweden?
Yes — an English-language certificate is required for this listing. Check the exact band expected on the official source, since it can differ by programme. Requirements for Sweden are published by the provider.
What study level does Doctoral Student in Industrial Design with Focus on Strategic Design - Lund University, Sweden offer?
This listing is offered at PhD level. That describes the qualification on offer, not a credential you must already hold — check the provider's stated entry requirements before applying.
Hosted by
Lund University
Lund University, founded in 1666, is one of Sweden's largest and most international universities and a member of the League of European Research Universities. Its faculties cover engineering, science, medicine, economics, humanities, social sciences, law and the performing arts, and the nearby Copenhagen area makes the Oresund region a strong research hub. Doctoral students are salaried employees under Swedish collective agreements, and postdoctoral fellowships are advertised through the university's Varbi recruitment portal. The university ranks among the top 100 research universities worldwide in major rankings.
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