Postdoc in theory development and complex sociotechnical systems

Job description

We are looking for a person who wants to contribute to our theory development and conceptualization of the area of complex socio-technical systems. Complex systems are often described as consisting of different parts or levels. Theories for complex systems, such as hierarchy theory, the attention-based view of organizations, social network analysis, and theories around innovation ecosystems, often focus on these descriptions, and define, for example, which parts are important or how different levels depend on each other. A common challenge for these theories is that they are often good at defining how the whole leads to interaction or can affect the parts in a system but are significantly worse at defining how the parts can affect the whole. The position will therefore contribute to developing the research direction by specifically analyzing and describing theory for how parts and levels of complex systems are connected, with the long-term goal of contributing concepts that can be used for modeling and simulation of complex systems. The position will participate in the development of future research projects and networks, also by applying research results in collaboration and network building with researchers at KTH and beyond for the development of the research direction.

The position is part of an initiative aimed at developing research with a focus on and knowledge of theory development and conceptualization of complex socio-technical systems. The initiative aims to increase the understanding of the various public/private ecosystems and systems that are part of our society and specifically contribute to their development in the direction of creating a more sustainable society. The initiative will also contribute to linking the three existing research groups at MMK and to the development of activities and practices for relevant research centers at KTH (e.g., ITRL and TECoSA).

What we offer

• A position at a leading technical university that generates knowledge and skills for a sustainable future
• Engaged and ambitious colleagues along with a creative, international and dynamic working environment
• Work in Stockholm, in close proximity to nature
• Help to relocate and be settled in Sweden and at KTH

Read more about what it is like to work at KTH

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.
• Research expertise and solid experience in the creation of theories and concepts related to how complex systems are structured, particularly in terms of how different parts of these systems, such as technology, individuals, and organizations, interact.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, as it is required for daily work.
• Excellent teaching abilities.
• As a person, you have strong collaboration skills and can also work independently. Additionally, you have a good ability to communicate knowledge and results to various target groups, such as financiers, students, and other researchers.

Preferred qualifications

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline
• Higher education pedagogical training.
• Broad knowledge of socio-technical systems, particularly the transformation of socio-technical systems.
• Broad knowledge of theories on how important goals for ecosystems and systems related to product development are achieved, for example, how innovation and knowledge sharing are promoted through collaboration between technology trends, individuals, organizations, industries, and other relevant phenomena.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in Swedish, as it facilitates daily work.
• Awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues, with specific focus on gender equality

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

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 should include:

• CV including relevant work experience and skills.
• Copy of degree certificate and transcripts from your previous university studies. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents are not issued in one of these languages.
• A brief statement explaining why you want to pursue research, your academic interests, and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. Maximum length of 2 pages

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.

Others

Striving towards gender equality, diversity and equal conditions is both a question of quality for KTH and a given part of our values.

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

According to The Protective Security Act (2018-585), the candidate must undergo and pass security vetting if the position is placed in a security class. Information regarding whether the position is subject to such a classification will be provided during the recruitment process.

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

About KTH

KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm has grown to become one of Europe’s leading technical and engineering universities, as well as a key centre of intellectual talent and innovation. We are Sweden’s largest technical research and learning institution and home to students, researchers and faculty from around the world. Our research and education covers a wide area including natural sciences and all branches of engineering, as well as architecture, industrial management, urban planning, history and philosophy. Read more here