PhD student in Information Systems

PhD student in Information Systems

The Department of Informatics and Media at Uppsala University conducts education and research at Ekonomikum in Uppsala and Campus Gotland in Visby. The department studies various aspects of the conditions, opportunities, and consequences of digitalisation in relation to individuals, organisations, and societal institutions. For more information, see the department's website: http://www.im.uu.se/.

At Uppsala University, a graduate school in sustainability studies – GRASS – was established in 2021. Now, a second cohort of the graduate school is starting. The main mission of the graduate school is to conduct research based on key social challenges, where local relevance meets international excellence. It examines fields such as cultural heritage, digital methods, sustainable consumption and future energy systems, and addresses significant aspects of preservation and change, as well as the definition and management of resources. The graduate school is rooted in ongoing interdisciplinary collaborations in research and education, conducted in an international environment. Uppsala University Campus Gotland, where the graduate school is located, is a hub for the University's research and education in sustainability. We work with international partners, guest researchers and local actors with a special focus on knowledge development to manage and cope with the transition needed to live well in a world with climate change. As a doctoral student, you will be part of this interdisciplinary research environment. You will also benefit from courses, seminars and first-class doctoral supervision offered at the graduate school.

Project description

The project “Orchestration of Digital Sustainability in Grocery Retail” explores the role and impact of digitalisation on sustainability initiatives within the Swedish grocery sector. By integrating knowledge from Information Systems and Business Studies, the project addresses challenges and opportunities related to the design of digital infrastructure to reduce climate impact, in relation to the governance and management of sustainability practices in organisations. The entire value chain is studied, from food producers to retailers, including the need for standardised handling of sustainability data and compliance with new regulations, such as the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

The project comprises two PhD students, one in Information Systems and one in Business Studies. The Information Systems student, based in the Department of Informatics and Media, will focus on the design of digital infrastructure for sustainability data management in the Swedish grocery sector. The research will involve designing and evaluating conceptual information models and exchange contracts to enhance transparency, efficiency, and traceability in sustainability practices. The PhD student will collaborate with industry and public stakeholders, nationally and on Gotland, to address practical challenges and contribute to formalising sustainability concepts tailored to the sector.

Duties

Doctoral education comprises four years of full-time study and is funded through employment as a doctoral student. The doctoral student is expected to devote their main working hours to doctoral education and actively participate in seminar activities, workshops, conferences, and other research-related activities that take place on-site at the department and the GRASS research school. Other tasks such as teaching and research administration may be included in the position (maximum 20%). The position is located at Campus Gotland in Visby, where the doctoral student will have their workplace. Active participation in the department's activities and the research school's on-site activities is expected.

A general specification of the doctoral education can be found at: http://www.samfak.uu.se/.

Requirements

Eligible for doctoral education is someone who has

• obtained a master’s degree, or
• completed at least 240 higher education credits (4 years), of which at least 60 credits are at the advanced level, or
• in some other way acquired essentially equivalent knowledge, and
• completed at least 90 higher education credits in areas relevant to information systems.

A suitable background is a master’s degree in information systems or equivalent, but other related subjects will also be considered.

Proficiency in English equivalent to English 6 is required. (A Swedish bachelor's degree meets the English requirement). It is possible to demonstrate that the language requirements are met through TOEFL/IELTS, Cambridge CAE/CPE, or previous secondary or university studies.

For employment as a doctoral student, it is required that the holder is admitted or will be admitted to doctoral education, where the degree of ability to benefit from the doctoral education is decisive. Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements no later than at the time of the start of the doctoral education.

We are looking for a candidate with a genuine interest in sustainability and solid knowledge of digitalisation and the development of information systems. Excellent communication skills are necessary, including the ability to express oneself in English orally and in academic writing.

Additional qualifications

The applicant’s personal suitability will be of great importance. Desirable qualities include a documented ability to collaborate, take initiative, work independently, and adopt a reflective and analytical approach. The ability to express oneself in spoken and written Swedish is an advantage.

Other meriting qualifications include experience in:

1. Design Science Research.
2. Conceptual modelling and database design.
3. Business-oriented system development.
4. Sustainability work, including sustainability reporting.
5. Interdisciplinarity.

When the university hires new doctoral students, the applicants will be selected based on a qualitative overall assessment of competence and skills, judged to have the best conditions to carry out and develop the current tasks, especially within the current doctoral projects, and contribute to a positive development of the activities in the field.

The merits must be documented so that both quality and scope can be assessed.

Interviews will be conducted in person at Uppsala University or via the Internet.

Uppsala University values the qualities that gender balance and diversity bring to the activities. We therefore welcome applicants of all genders and with different birth backgrounds, functionalities, and life experiences.

For employment as a doctoral student, it is required that the holder is admitted or will be admitted to doctoral education, where the degree of ability to benefit from the doctoral education is decisive.

Regulations for doctoral students can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 5, §§ 1–7, and the university’s rules and guidelines.

Additional information

For a description of the doctoral programme at the Department of Informatics and Media, see http://www.samfak.uu.se/ and https://www.uu.se/institution/informatik-och-media/forskning.

Further information about doctoral studies at Uppsala University: http://www.uu.se/utbildning/utbildningar/forskarutbildning/

The application

The application shall include

• A short cover letter that contains:

1. The applicant's motivation for applying for the position (max 500 words).
2. A brief description of the documents submitted (list them).
3. If more than one academic work (thesis, article, etc.) is submitted for assessment, the cover letter should indicate which of these the admissions committee should prioritise.

• Dissertation plan (two pages, in English). The plan should include the theoretical approach, research questions, purpose, type of data, method, and timeline.
• CV with certified copies of academic documents, e.g., attested copies of academic degrees.
• Copy of the independent works authored by the applicant within the framework of their undergraduate education (C-, D-, advanced level or equivalent; attach drafts of ongoing works) or other relevant texts.
• Other documents the applicant wishes to attach, e.g., letters of recommendation.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date 25 August 2025 or as agreed. Placement: Visby.

For further information about the position, please contact:
Professor Pär Ågerfalk, Informatik och media, e-post: par.agerfalk@im.uu.se
Prefekt, Informatik och media – Tomas Eklund: tomas.eklund@im.uu.se

Please submit your application by 18 April 2025, UFV-PA 2025/648.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? Find out more about what it´s like to work and live in Sweden.

About Campus Gotland: Uppsala University Campus Gotland offers the best of two worlds: the full-scale university’s broad offering and weight and a unique, small-scale campus in an interdisciplinary research environment. Campus Gotland is a hub for the University’s research and education in sustainability. Find out what it’s like to live on Gotland.