Industrial PhD - Strategic Research

About the position:

Volvo Group Trucks Technology, in close collaboration with Chalmers University of Technology, is offering an exciting Industrial PhD position aimed at investigating one of the most strategically important challenges in the automotive industry today: How can we balance the increasing demand for product customization with the growing complexity of engineering, especially in software?

As products become smarter and more interconnected, the cost of variability rises technically and organizationally. This PhD project will explore this trade-off, combining deep empirical studies with quantitative analysis to generate practical guidance and scientific insight.

Research theme in focus

Product variants are essential for satisfying diverse customer needs—from different vehicle types and configurations to tailored functionalities. However, introducing variability—especially in software—multiplies complexity across engineering artifacts, dependencies, and testing. The result can be a loss of conceptual integrity, delayed delivery, and compromised quality.

This research will:

• Map the hierarchy of part and product variants across product classes.
• Analyze sales data of variants to assess value versus cost.
• Explore how software and test complexity is impacted by different variants.
• Develop qualitative and quantitative complexity metrics.
• Investigate how low-value variants can be reduced without compromising market needs.
• Connect the current situation of the company with the state-of-the-art in the academia and make necessary reflections.
• Provide actionable guidance for managing variant-induced complexity.

What you will do:

As the Industrial PhD candidate, you will operate at the intersection of industrial practice and academic research. You will:

• Connect and facilitate cross-functional dialogue between different parties like engineering, aftermarket, brands, and customers.
• Collect and analyze data through interviews, surveys, measurements, and observations.
• Organize workshops and present findings across various internal and external forums.
• Develop scientific insights and publish in leading software engineering journals and conferences.
• Engage in academic coursework and teaching at Chalmers University of Technology.

Who are you?

We are looking for a highly motivated individual who thrives in complex environments and is passionate about empirical research in both technical and organizational contexts.

You ideally have:

• A Master’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or a similar field.
• A passion in automotive technology in general, and in truck products in particular.
• A strong interest in empirical research, complex systems, and product customization.
• Solid analytical skills, including interest and experience in measurements, statistics, and data analysis.
• The ability to conduct and synthesize qualitative studies such as interviews, workshops, and observations.
• The ability to carve out tasks from a bigger, complex task and deliver piece by piece.
• Excellent communication skills in English and a collaborative mindset to work across diverse organizational domains.
• Curiosity, perseverance, and a drive to generate impact through research.
• Experience with software development, variant management, or systems engineering is a strong merit.

Ready for the next move?

Submit the following documents for your application:

• A cover letter describing your motivation and fit for the position
• Your CV
• Copies of academic transcripts
• Any relevant publications or writing samples (optional)

For more information, please contact:

Vard Antinyan, Technology and Strategy Leader, Volvo Group Trucks Technology
[email protected]

Jonas Adolfsson, Group Manager, Product Leading, Volvo Group Trucks Technology
[email protected]

We look forward to your application.