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Postdoc in Innovation management for circular solutions

KTH Royal Institute of Technology, School of Industrial Engineering and Management

Job description

We are looking for a postdoctoral fellow who wants to contribute to the development of the circular industry of the future through research on innovation, resource flows and industrial ecosystems. The position offers a unique opportunity to combine scientific research with close collaboration with leading industrial companies in the transition towards more sustainable and resilient value chains.

The research focuses on how established companies can develop system-building innovations for circular resource flows and longer product lifespans. Central research questions concern innovation processes, obstacles and opportunities for circular business models, and collaboration between companies, decision-makers and other actors in innovation ecosystems. Particular interest is directed at how strategies for circular resource flows affect both innovation work and actual material and product flows.

The project includes empirical studies and development of research-based guidelines and tools for organizations. AI support for reverse logistics, decision-making and value creation in circular systems constitutes an important research area. The research relates to innovation management and management and organization of product development, including processes and methodology.

The position is part of KTH's PROCEED initiative in Södertälje, which creates a unique environment for research collaboration with Traton/Scania and AstraZeneca. Regular physical presence in Södertälje is an important part of the position to enable close collaboration with industrial partners.

Qualifications

Requirements

  • A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
  • You have demonstrated scientific excellence.
  • You are independent, collaborative, and have a strong understanding of diversity, equal opportunity, and gender equality issues.

Preferred qualifications

  • A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline.
  • Teaching abilities, and possess a strong ability to communicate research and development work.
  • Experience in contributing to the societal impact and utilization of research results is also considered an advantage.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

Join us at KTH

KTH shapes the future through education, research and innovation. As a leading international technical university, we play an active role in advancing the transition towards a sustainable society. At KTH, you have the opportunity to grow and develop in a creative and dynamic environment, with good working conditions and attractive benefits. Equality, diversity and equal opportunities are essential to quality and form an integral part of KTH’s core values as a university and public authority.

Learn more about our benefits and what it's like to work and grow at KTH.

Trade union representatives

Contact information to trade union representatives.

To apply for the position

Log into KTH's recruitment system to apply for this position. You are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete according to the instructions in the ad.

The application must include:

  • CV including relevant professional experience and knowledge.
  • Copy of diplomas and grades from your previous university studies. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents have not been issued in any of these languages.
  • Brief account of why you want to conduct research, your academic interests and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. Maximally two pages long.

Your complete application must be received at KTH no later than the last day of application, midnight CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

About the employment

The position offered is for, at the most, two years.

A position as a postdoctoral fellow is a time-limited qualified appointment focusing mainly on research, intended as a first career step after a dissertation.

Other information

For information about processing of personal data in the recruitment process.

It may be the case that a position at KTH is classified as a security-sensitive role in accordance with the Protective Security Act (2018:585). If this applies to the specific position, a security clearance will be conducted for the applicant in accordance with the same law with the applicant's consent. In such cases, a prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved following the security clearance.

We firmly decline all contact with staffing and recruitment agencies and job ad salespersons.

Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

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Type of employment

Temporary position

Contract type

Full time

Full-time equivalent

100%

First day of employment

2026-10-01 or according to agreement

Salary

Monthly salary

Number of positions

1

Location

Stockholm

County

Stockholms län

Country

Sweden

Reference number

PA-2026-2463

Published

26.Jun.2026

Last application date

23.Aug.2026

Contact
Gunilla Ölundh Sandström
gunillaos@kth.se