PhD student in Information Systems in data-driven decision-making

Luleå University of Technology is in strong growth with world-leading competence in several research areas. We shape the future through innovative education and ground-breaking research results, and based on the Arctic region, we create global social benefit. Our scientific and artistic research and education are conducted in close collaboration with international, national and regional companies, public actors and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has a total turnover of SEK 1.9 billion per year. We currently have 1,840 employees and 17,670 students.

In the coming years, multi-billion investments will be made in large projects in Northern Sweden to create a fossil-free society both nationally and globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these cutting-edge research projects and in the societal transformation that they entail. We offer a broad range of courses and study programmes to match the skills in demand. We hope that you will help us to build the sustainable companies and societies of the future.Here you have the opportunity to belong to an innovative research environment that develops new knowledge about one of the great societal challenges of our time - to support and understand the digital transformation in companies and in society. At the Information Systems research group at Luleå University of Technology, we have a need to hire a PhD student in Information Systems with a focus on data-driven decision making. The Information Systems research group is part of the Division of Digital Services and Systems, which also includes the Centre for Distance-Spanning Technologies and the Centre for Security in Society and Critical Infrastructures. T

Subject description
The research subject Information systems focuses on the design and use of information technology in relation to humans, organisations and societies.

Project description
In the MARTINA project, we intend to build on the conditions for green and digital transformation locally in the Arctic to support the development of human-centered AI innovations. This project will contribute to Industry 5.0 and society's green and digital transformation. This will be particularly important in the green transition based on Industry 5.0, where humans work side-by-side with AI systems, thereby enhancing human capabilities by, for example, predicting events, automating routine tasks, adapting to individual needs, streamlining tasks, and supporting decision-making. AI design is different from traditional design processes as the systems are adaptive, predictive and able to learn. One consequence of AI is that humans have difficulty understanding its results, meaning over time, and the basis for decisions (so-called black box). This requires new approaches that do not exist today. The project is conducted in collaboration with other researchers at LTU and actors in the region and nationally.

Duties
As a PhD student you are expected to perform both experimental and theoretical work within your research studies as well as communicate your results at national and international conferences and in scientific journals. Most of your working time will be devoted to your own research studies. In addition, you can have the opportunity to try the teacher role. As a researcher, you work as a neutral party in many contexts, which provides a great opportunity to be involved in challenging development projects.

You will work in information systems, with a concentration on data-driven decision-making. Decision Science is an interdisciplinary area that draws on several fields, such as management, economics, statistics, psychology, and, more recently, machine learning and AI. You will be conducting research activities in areas that involve theoretical and applied tasks. The research area is fundamentally socio-technical, which means you can understand both technical aspects as well as human and organizational aspects, too. You can influence your focus within data-driven decision-making together with your supervisors.

Qualifications
To be eligible for a PhD position, you must have a five-year university education in information systems or relevant areas. You must also have good scientific skills and experience in qualitative and quantitative research, and good communication skills in speech and writing. You will represent the group in different contexts, both in Sweden and abroad, so a very good knowledge of English is a requirement.

We are looking for committed people who have:
-An interest in research and innovation
-A solid educational background, Master's degree in information systems or related fields (e.g., MSc in Data Science). Or, have completed at least 240 credits in higher education, with at least 60 credits at the Master’s level, including an independent project worth at least 15 credits.
-Good practical skills in (big) data preprocessing, data analytics, and programming.
-Experience in working with the data science landscape in previous projects.
-Interest in decisions and decision-making.
-Good communication skills to convey complex ideas with clarity and impact.

For further information about a specific subject see General syllabus for the Board of the faculty of humanities and social sciences

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. Starting: 1 January 2025

For further information about the position, please contact:
Head of subject Ahmed Elragal +46 920-49 3670, ahmed.elragal@ltu.se
Head of division Johan Wenngren +46 920-49 2059, johan.wenngren@ltu.se

Union representatives:
SACO-S Joanna Hübinette, +46 920-49 3432 joanna.hubinette@ltu.se
OFR-S Lars Frisk, +46 920-49 1792 lars.frisk@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. Please attach letters of recommendation from previous employers or clients.

Closing date for applications: 30 September 2024
Reference number: 3270-2024