Postdoc Focusing on Impact and Research on Collaboration

Mälardalen University (MDU) is the youngest university in Sweden. In line with our vision, to be a progressive and collaborative University where we shape a sustainable future together, we wish to make a difference. Do you want to be involved and contribute to our development?

Together, we can create a sustainable future through knowledge and innovation. We believe that knowledge and new perspectives are best attained and reached together in collaboration with others – our colleagues, students, the private and public sectors, both nationally and internationally. 

Grand societal challenges cannot be solved in isolation, and collaboration is a prerequisite for finding innovative solutions to current and future challenges. Research on Collaboration (RoC) is a new research environment and strategic initiative at MDU. Through RoC, MDU wants to deepen and disseminate knowledge about collaboration while strengthening the university's collaboration profile. The research environment is interdisciplinary and focuses on (1) the organization, management and governance of collaboration and its consequences, (2) impact, results and (un)desired consequences of collaboration, and (3) theories and innovative methods for the scientific study of collaboration. Within the framework of RoC, a Community of Practice is also being developed - a common arena of knowledge and interest for shared learning and knowledge exchange between parties from academia, civil society, business, the public sector and politicians. The development of a Community of Practice is also one of the work packages that MDU leads in the SUNRISE alliance of the European University Initiative (EUI).

Employment information

• Employment: Temporary employment
• Scope: Full time
• Number of positions: 1
• Closing date for application: 15th May 2025
• Campus location: Västerås or Eskilstuna
• School: Determined based on the candidate's field of completed doctoral degree

Position description

This position includes 20% teaching or administrative work and 80% conducting research within the Research on Collaboration group. The research focuses broadly on theoretical and practical aspects of impact, results and (un)desired consequences of collaboration that falls under the second research area of RoC.

It is expected that you within the framework of research conduct tasks such as producing research material, investigation, planning, coordination of various workshops, collection and analysis of data, writing of scientific texts, participation in and leading funding applications and other tasks related to RoC's activities e.g. within the framework of CoP and the Social Contract i.e. one of the collaboration platforms at MDU (https://www.mdu.se/en/malardalen-university/collaboration/collaborative-platforms). This involves close collaboration with researchers and others internally and externally, as well as nationally and internationally.

The purpose of the position is to give the employee an early opportunity to develop his or her independence as a researcher and to create the conditions for further acquisitions of qualifications after completing the doctoral degree. The position is part of efforts to underpin the future supply of skills. The position is a temporary employment of maximum 2 years.

Qualifications requirements

The applicant should have completed a PhD in an area relevant to the position, such as in innovation studies, political science, sociology, economics, business administration, industrial economics or organization studies. The applicant must have completed the degree no more than three years before the end of the application period. You have not previously held a position as a postdoctoral researcher in the same or related subject area at MDU that exceeds one year.

Competence in research on collaboration and experience in studying impact, effects, and results in relation to collaboration is a requirement.

The applicant must be able to express themselves very well in English both in text and speech. Preferably supported by English language tests such as TOEFL, IELTS or equivalent tests.

Assesment criteria

Particular emphasis is placed on the ability to write reports and scientific publications in English, both independently and in collaboration with researchers and practitioners.

Meritorious also are knowledge and experience:

• in interdisciplinary research collaboration
• of university interaction in the surrounding society and private/public sector
• of different international environments
• from both academia and practical work outside academia
• in both quantitative and qualitative methods

In an overall assessment of suitability, emphasis is also placed on personal abilities. All employees at MDU are expected to cooperate and treat colleagues and students with respect, take responsibility for the organisation and their own work duties and contribute to a positive work environment. 

For this position, we particularly welcome applicants with a positive attitude, openness to different perspectives, a pragmatic approach to solving problems and the ability to navigate complex contexts and challenges. You will have the ability to independently carry out research and have the willingness to contribute to the research community both individually and together with others.

We value the qualities that an even distribution of age and gender, as well as ethnic and cultural diversity, can contribute to the organization.

Application

Application is made online. Make your application by clicking the above "Apply" button.

The scientific publications that you do not have in digital form are to be sent by post to:

Mälardalen University
Division of Human Resources
Ref.no: 2025/0338
Box 883
721 23 Västerås

The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete in accordance with the advertisement and will reach the University no later than closing date for application.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Union representatives:

Saco-S saco-s@mdu.se

Susanne Meijer ST-OFR/S, tel: 021-10 14 89

We decline all contact with recruiters and salespersons of advertisements. We have made our strategic choices for this recruitment.

Contact person

Peter E. Johansson

Avdelningschef innovationsledning

+4616153708

Chris Ivory

Professor of Innovation Management

+4616153622

chris.ivory@mdu.se 

Karin Axelsson

Project manager of RoC (Research on Collaboration)

+4616153423

karin.axelsson@mdu.se