PhD student in sustainability transformations and international business development

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Why do some biogas projects develop into viable businesses and stimulate wider adoption, while others stall or fail?

Your work assignments

You will conduct research within the Biogas Solutions Research Center (BSRC), in a doctoral project funded by the Swedish Energy Agency. The project investigates how international projects contribute to the establishment and diffusion of biogas systems, with particular attention to business development in urban contexts. Although biogas technologies are established and organic waste resources are available in many places globally, developing viable businesses remains challenging. The research will examine how companies and their partners address these challenges, why projects succeed or fail, and under what conditions individual initiatives contribute to the wider adoption of biogas systems. It will connect sustainability transitions research with international business development from a company perspective.

The research will address questions such as

• How do business models, partnerships and local institutional conditions influence the establishment and long-term viability of biogas projects?

• How can collaborations enable market entry and create opportunities for biogas companies?

• How can individual biogas projects support wider diffusion of biogas systems?

The empirical work will focus primarily on projects outside Sweden. Global South is an intended study context, complemented by a context in the Global North to be selected during the project. You will develop a structured mapping of relevant initiatives and transparent criteria for selecting a small number of cases for in-depth study.

The study will combine following ongoing projects over time with retrospective analysis of completed, discontinued or stalled initiatives. Cases will include projects involving Swedish companies and projects led by actors from other countries. This approach will support international comparison and learning while providing access to cases with established outcomes.

Your work will include literature reviews, interviews, document analysis, international fieldwork and comparative case analysis. Active collaboration with companies and other stakeholders is an integral part of the research. Alongside academic publications and your doctoral thesis, you will translate findings into practical insights for BSRC partner companies on international business development.

As a PhD student, you devote most of your time to doctoral studies and the research projects of which you are part. Your work may also include teaching or other departmental duties, up to a maximum of 20% of full-time.

Your qualifications

You have graduated at Master’s level in industrial engineering and management, sustainability engineering and management, environmental management, sustainability studies, innovation studies, business administration or another relevant field, or completed courses with a minimum of 240 credits, at least 60 of which must be in advanced courses in a relevant field. Alternatively, you have gained essentially corresponding knowledge in another way. The requirement for a degree must be met no later than the time the employment decision is finalized, which occurs when the employment contract is signed.

As a person, you are analytical, self-motivated, and able to work both independently and collaboratively. Excellent written and spoken English is a requirement. Competence in Swedish and other international languages is an advantage.

Experience with qualitative research methods, particularly interviews and case studies, is a requirement. Knowledge of international business, business models, interorganisational collaboration or technology diffusion is meritorious, as is experience related to biogas, renewable energy, waste management or urban infrastructure.

You should be able to engage professionally with companies and other stakeholders, approach unfamiliar contexts with openness and sensitivity, and critically assess evidence from different perspectives. The position involves international travel and fieldwork.

Your application should include a statement of motivation of one page, explaining how your academic background and experience prepare you for this position.

Your workplace

You will join the Division of Environmental Technology and Management at Linköping University and conduct your doctoral research within the Biogas Solutions Research Center (BSRC). The research environment connects sustainability, technology, business development and societal change.

The project involves collaboration with researchers, companies and other organisations engaged in biogas systems. You will contribute to BSRC’s work on internationalisation and develop knowledge relevant to Swedish companies seeking to establish and expand biogas-related business activities abroad.

The employment

When taking up the post, you will be admitted to the program for doctoral studies. More information about the doctoral studies at each faculty is available at  Doctoral studies at Linköping University

The employment has a duration of normally four years’ full-time equivalent. Extension of employment up to five years is based on the degree of teaching and institutional assignment. Further extensions may be granted in exceptional circumstances. You will initially be employed for one year, after which your employment will be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time, depending on your progress through the study plan.

Starting date by agreement.

Background screening may come to be carried out before any decision on employment is made.

Salary: and employment benefits

The salary of PhD students is determined according to a locally negotiated salary progression.

More information about employment benefits at Linköping University is available here.

Union representatives

Information about union representatives, see Help for applicants .

Application procedure

Apply for the position by clicking the “Apply” button below. Your application must reach Linköping University no later than November 12, 2026.

Applications and documents received after the date above will not be considered.

We welcome applicants with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives - diversity enriches our work and helps us grow. Preserving everybody's equal value, rights and opportunities is a natural part of who we are. Read more about our work with: Equal opportunities .

We look forward to receiving your application!

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