Industrial PhD student in science and technology
Do you want to take the next step in your career and combine academic skill development with challenges in the business sector? Does your workplace have a development project that requires advanced research infrastructure and the expertise to manage it?
An industrial PhD at Uppsala University creates a strong link between an organisation’s need for new knowledge, the professional development of its employees, and the University’s research. Through this collaboration, research questions of direct relevance to the organisation can be explored in an academic environment, contributing both new knowledge and practical value.
The term “industrial PhD student” refers to doctoral students who are employed by an organisation other than Uppsala University, such as a company, public authority, municipality or research institute.
Nuclear power technology, additive manufacturing, industrial analysis, chemical analysis, nanofabrication, and material synthesis are some of the research environments where you and your organisation can develop your operations.
Learn more about the research at the Disciplinary Domain of Science and Technology here.
Uppsala University offers programmes leading to a Licentiate degree (approximately two years of full-time study) and a doctoral degree (approximately four years of full-time study).
Why Uppsala University?
Uppsala University has a broad research profile and a long tradition of close collaboration with industry. We conduct both applied and fundamental research, enabling us to tackle complex problems from multiple perspectives. The interdisciplinary environment is a key strength, where the proximity between different disciplines creates unique opportunities for innovation and groundbreaking research. Here, you will work with leading researchers and contribute to solutions for current challenges.
- Advanced infrastructure – As an industrial PhD student, you will have access to well-equipped laboratories, powerful computing environments, and specialized research facilities.
- Strong network – Collaborations with industry and academia provide valuable opportunities to build connections.
- High-quality PhD courses – We offer a wide range of courses that provide essential theoretical and methodological knowledge.
- Experienced supervisors – Highly qualified supervisors and a strong supervisory community, providing training in areas such as research methodology, experimental design and scientific writing.
The Tandem Laboratory at the Ångström Laboratory. Photo: Mikael Wallerstedt
How does it work?
An industrial PhD student is formally a research student employed by another organization. An agreement is established between the relevant department at Uppsala University and the industrial PhD student’s employer to regulate matters such as timelines, compensation levels, and intellectual property rights. The agreement may also include reimbursement for costs incurred by Uppsala University.
Some industrial PhD students carry out most of their training at their workplace, while others spend more time at the department. The PhD student has two supervisors – often one at the workplace and one at the department.
The doctoral programs are conducted within a subject area, which you can find here – Subjects and study plans.
For more information, visit the Staff Pages for the Faculty of Science and Technology.
Are you interested in learning more?
If you have any questions or would like to be guided toward a potential collaboration partner, please contact the Chair of the Doctoral Education Board, Gabriella Andersson, or the Education Coordinator, Sara Lind.
Sara Lind
Senior faculty administrator at Office for Science and Technology
The cleanroom at the Ångström Laboratory. Photo: Mikael Wallerstedt