PhD Student in Environmental Science

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 doctoral position is affiliated with the Ergonomics Group at the Division of Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology, whose focus is the interplay between people, technology and organisation, and the implications for the design of technology, technical systems and organisations.

Being a doctoral student

As a doctoral student, you are both admitted as a student and employed at Lund University.

You will be trained in scientific thinking, including:

• Critical and analytical reasoning
• Independent problem solving using appropriate research methods
• Awareness of research ethics
• Project work, leadership and pedagogical development

You will be guided by supervisors throughout your studies. The doctoral programme concludes with a thesis and the award of a doctoral degree.

More information is available on lth.se.

Subject and project description

Mental ill-health among children and young people in Sweden is increasing, leading to a higher workload for psychologists and counsellors. To meet these challenges, robots, bots and online services are being introduced to support early-stage mental health care. However, knowledge is limited regarding how digitalisation affects workload, professional responsibility, daily practice and the experience of providing “good care.”

This doctoral project examines how chat, video, e-services and bots affect psychologists’ and counsellors’ working environment, professional identity and ethics.

Example project questions

• How do digital tools (chat, bots, e-services, video consultations) affect the working environment, workload and practices of psychologists and school counsellors in BUP and school health services?
• How do these tools influence caring relationships and perceived quality of care?
• To what extent, and in what ways, are digital tools integrated into care practice?

The aim is to develop concrete recommendations for safe and sustainable practice in frontline mental health support.

The work includes:

• Literature review
• Qualitative data collection (interviews, focus groups, observations, co-design workshops)
• Feedback through collaborative meetings
• Scientific publications and a practical knowledge base for the sector

Work duties

As a doctoral student, you will mainly devote yourself to your doctoral programme, including participation in research, courses, seminars and conferences.

Duties include:

• Analysing how digitalisation affects workload, professional responsibility and perceptions of “good care”
• Conducting interviews, observations, workshops and focus groups in Swedish
• Analysing and synthesising qualitative data
• Producing guidance material documenting project results
• Testing results iteratively with practitioners through feedback meetings
• Contributing to teaching and departmental work (up to 20%)

Qualifications

General admission requirements

Applicants must meet one of the following:

• A second-cycle qualification
• At least 240 credits of which 60 are at second-cycle level
• Equivalent knowledge obtained in Sweden or abroad

Specific admission requirements

• At least 50 ECTS in relevant subject areas, including 25 ECTS at Master’s level

Additional requirements

• Excellent proficiency in Swedish (spoken and written)
• Very good proficiency in English
• Strong ability to work independently and solve research problems
• Good cooperation skills

Other qualifications (meritorious)

• Experience managing projects (e.g., non-profit, voluntary sector, employment)
• Experience with qualitative methods
• Teamwork ability in project settings
• Teaching or pedagogical experience
• Analytical ability, curiosity, initiative, perseverance, creativity
• Relevant courses in: psychology, cognitive science, behavioural studies, STS, sociology, interaction design, leadership, organisational studies, etc.

Assessment will also consider collaborative skills, motivation, independence and the applicant’s potential to complete doctoral studies.

We offer

Lund University, as a public authority, offers:

• Generous annual leave
• Favourable occupational pension schemes
• Additional workplace benefits specific to the unit

More information: lu.se

About the employment

• Type: Full-time, fixed-term doctoral studentship
• Start date: As soon as possible
• Duration: 4 years full-time (extended if teaching duties apply)

Governed by the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100)

More information is available on Lund University Staff Pages.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted in English and include:

• CV
• Cover letter explaining your interest in the programme and how your background aligns with the project
• Study certificates and degree certificates demonstrating eligibility
• Other relevant documents (transcripts, references, recommendations, etc.)

We welcome your application.

About LTH

LTH is Lund University's Faculty of Engineering. We educate people, build knowledge for the future and support societal development through research and innovation. With nearly 10,000 students, LTH produces around 100 doctoral theses and 2,000 scientific results each year.

Contact

Susanne Frennert
susanne.frennert@design.lth.se