Research Project Manager in Human-System Interaction

RISE, Sweden’s independent research institute and innovation partner, brings research and innovation together to drive sustainable transformation across industry. In close collaboration with leading companies, we work with complex challenges where new knowledge, technology and systems thinking are key.

About us

We are now looking for a Research Project Manager to join our Extended Labs unit, part of the Industrial Systems department within the Digital Systems division at RISE.

Industrial Systems conducts applied research and innovation in close collaboration with Swedish industry, particularly within manufacturing, process industries and other technology‑intensive sectors. The department brings together multidisciplinary expertise to address real‑world industrial challenges. Extended Labs strengthens industrial organisations’ competitiveness and innovation capability through human‑centred digital solutions developed in close collaboration with industry.

The position is based in Piteå, where on‑site collaboration plays an important role in daily work.

About the role

Extended Labs conducts applied research on the human role in future industrial systems, including areas such as human-AI collaboration, learning and competence development, control room environments for electric power systems, and autonomous technologies like drones.

As a Research Project Manager, you will lead externally funded research and innovation projects while also contributing operatively within projects. The role combines structured project leadership with hands‑on involvement in applied research activities in close collaboration with industrial partners.

You will work in the innovation system, where collaboration with industry, funding bodies, and research partners is central. The role suits someone who is comfortable taking responsibility for progress, quality, and stakeholder interaction in complex projects.

Your responsibilities will include

• Leading and coordinating externally funded research projects, from planning to delivery

• Contributing hands-on to projects through applied research and development work

• Collaborating closely with industrial partners

• Participating in and contributing to research funding applications

• Communicating results through reports, presentations, and partner dialogue

• Supporting the development of new project ideas and long-term collaborations

Who are you?
We are looking for a Research Project Manager with several years of relevant professional experience who enjoys working at the intersection of research and industrial application.

Required qualifications

• 3–5 years of relevant work experience, preferably within research, innovation, or industrial development in sectors such as manufacturing, process industry, automotive, or energy

• Experience working in projects involving multiple stakeholders

• Strong communication skills in both Swedish and English, written and spoken

• Master’s degree in engineering or a related field

• Category B driving licence

Meriting qualifications

• Experience working with externally funded research projects

• Experience of, or strong interest in, research funding and proposal writing

Personal qualities

• Structured, self‑driven, and solution‑oriented

• Strong collaboration and communication skills

• A strong curiosity for addressing real‑world industrial challenges

• Interest in digitalisation and human–technology interaction

• Motivation to contribute to future industrial development

Are we a good match?

At RISE, you will join a research environment where applied science and industrial relevance go hand in hand. Working closely with leading industry partners, you will contribute to user‑centred, future‑oriented initiatives that strengthen Sweden’s competitiveness and support a more sustainable future. As part of a forward‑thinking team at the intersection of design, technology, and research, you will work on projects involving technologies such as AI and XR, with the opportunity to help shape our direction in an evolving setting where uncertainty is seen as a driver for innovation.

Welcome with your application!

If you are interested and want to know more you are welcome to contact us: Anna Sirkka, Director Extended Labs, anna.sirkka@ri.se. The application deadline is March 4th. Selection and interviews may take place continuously during and after the application period. Apply without cover letter.

Our union representatives are Ingemar Petermann, SACO, +46 10 228 41 22 and Linda Ikatti, Unionen, +46 10 516 51 61.