Postdoc in Digital and Sustainable Production Logistics

Karlstad University; Stockholms kommun; On-site; SEK 334,800 - 446,400; Full time

Job summary

KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to advance research in sustainable production logistics. This role involves working closely with AstraZeneca in Södertälje, focusing on digitalizing material flows and developing automated logistics solutions.

The successful candidate will conduct empirical research, publish findings, and partake in collaborative initiatives aimed at driving sustainability in the pharmaceutical industry. A doctoral degree in a relevant field is required, along with strong interpersonal skills.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree or equivalent in engineering or logistics.
• Publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Ability to work across two sites.

Responsibilities

• Conduct empirical research at AstraZeneca's facility.
• Publish findings in leading scientific journals.
• Develop new research initiatives with industrial partners.

Skills

Collaborative skills

Interpersonal skills

Qualitative research experience

Knowledge of MES/WMS/ERP

Education

Doctoral degree in relevant field

Recent doctoral degree (last 3 years)

Tools

Digital activation technologies

Industrial automation technologies

Job description

Postdoc in Digital and Sustainable Production Logistics

Since its founding in 1827, KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm has grown to become one of Europe’s leading technical and engineering universities.

We are looking for a postdoctoral fellow who wants to contribute to the sustainable and digitalized production systems of the future through research in close collaboration with industry.

The project focuses on the development of digital activation and automation of material flows within warehouse and internal logistics in the pharmaceutical industry. The goal is to improve material visibility, traceability and information management to create more efficient, resilient and sustainable production systems.

The position offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface between academia and industry through close collaboration with AstraZeneca. The research includes the development of design guidelines for automation‑ready production logistics, standardized information flows and future logistics solutions in real production environments. The successful candidate will conduct empirical research on site at AstraZeneca in Södertälje, publish in leading scientific journals and develop new research initiatives together with a strong research team at KTH and industrial partners.

This position is part of KTH's PROCEED initiative for research activities in Södertälje, which provides a unique opportunity for research collaboration with Traton/Scania and AstraZeneca. Regular physical presence in Södertälje will be an important part of the position. The role offers good opportunities to build a strong international network, develop your own research, and contribute to the green transition of industry.

Qualifications

Requirements

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree in industrial engineering, production engineering, mechanical engineering, manufacturing, logistics, or a related field. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• Publications in peer‑reviewed journals relevant to the position.
• Collaborative and interpersonal skills for developing ideas jointly and working with industrial and academic partners.
• Ability to conduct work across two sites: AstraZeneca's Södertälje facility and KTH's campus in central Stockholm.

Preferred qualifications

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline.
• Experience with qualitative research and industrial collaboration.
• Familiarity with production systems, internal logistics, or warehouse operations.
• Knowledge of MES, WMS, ERP systems, or industrial automation technologies is a strong merit.
• Ability to work collaboratively and engage in critical self‑reflection.
• Commitment to and awareness of gender equality, diversity, and equal opportunities.
• Swedish language proficiency is meritorious, as it strengthens on‑site collaboration with the company.

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.

To apply for the position

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

The application must include:

• CV including relevant professional experience and knowledge.
• Cover letter.
• A short research statement (maximum 2 pages) outlining your fit for the project, your research interests, and how you would contribute to the project objectives.
• Copy of diplomas and grades from your previous university studies. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents have not been issued in either language.
• Contact information for at least two academic references.

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 is a time‑limited qualified appointment focusing mainly on research, intended as a first career step after a dissertation. It is offered for, at the most, two years. The position may be classified as a security‑sensitive role in accordance with the Protective Security Act (2018:585); if this applies, a security clearance will be conducted for the applicant with the applicant's consent.

Job details

Type of employment: Temporary position

Contract type: Full time

First day of employment: 2026-11-01 or according to agreement

Salary: Monthly salary

Number of positions: 1

Full‑time equivalent: 100%

City: Stockholm

County: Stockholms län

Country: Sweden

Reference number: PA-2026-2452

Published: 2026-06-26

Last application date: 2026-08-23

Contact:

• Magnus Wiktorsson, [e-mail]
• Yongkuk Jeong, [e-mail]