Postdoc position in urban design and planning, Transition labs Lindholmen and Kronoberg

This postdoctoral position offers a unique opportunity to work with research on two ongoing spatial transformation projects in Sweden. The projects situated in two different geographical contexts aim to develop methods for local transformation of the built environment and organisational development. The outcome is expected to be academic publications in high-impact journals and implemented knowledge that create concrete impact in the local-context. The projects,

• Adoctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline
• A design-oriented education, like a master’s in architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban design or Planning.
• Experience from urban and/or rural design practice
• Experience of working within or with the public sector
• Knowledge about the Swedish planning system
• Experience of transdisciplinary research projects
• Holding a valid driving licence

What you will do

As a postdoc, you will be responsible for managing the research projects on a daily basis. You will be working in direct collaboration with the actors that work in the two transition labs, support local transformation processes and engaging in design-oriented actions research. This implies to bring the research process forward independently and lead the writing of scientific articles and reports. The work of will demand that you can visit the project areas frequently and that you are able to meet and engage with different actors in different parts of Sweden. Your findings are expected to be published in high-impact journals, and the methods and data will be made available to researchers and stakeholders through open access.

We expect the applicant to be able to take initiatives, adapt, lead and motivate participants in the on-site projects with a clear direction towards the aim of the over-all research projects. The on-site projects involving external actors will be developed together with senior researchers from the Research area of Local-Regional Transformations.

Contract terms

The position is a temporary full-time employment for two years with the possibility of a one-year extension.

The position requires physical presence throughout the entire employment. A valid residence permit must be presented by the start date, otherwise the offer may be withdrawn.

What we offer

• As a postdoc at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about  working at Chalmers  and our benefits  for employees.
• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
• Read more about Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg.

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence.

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.

Application procedure

The application should be written in English be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV

• A comprehensive CV, including a complete list of publications.
• Details of previous teaching and pedagogical experience.

Personal letter

• A brief introduction about yourself.
• A summary of your previous research fields and key research outcomes.
• An outline of your future goals and research focus.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. 

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview.

We welcome your application no later than 31 January, 2026.

For questions, please contact:

Nils Björling, division of urban design and planning
[emailprotected]
+46 733864910

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.
Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.