PhD Student in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (RAI)

Luleå University of Technology is experiencing strong growth with world-leading expertise in several research areas. We shape the future through innovative education and groundbreaking research results, and based in the Arctic region, we create global societal benefit. Our scientific and artistic research and education are conducted in close collaboration with international, national, and regional companies, public actors, and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has a total turnover of nearly 2.1 billion SEK per year. We currently have 1,900 employees and 18,700 students.

In the coming years, multi-billion investments will be made in Norrbotten and Västerbotten in large projects aimed at a more sustainable society both nationally and globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these highly relevant research projects and the societal transformation that follows. We have a wide range of educational programs to match the skills that are in demand. We hope you want to help us build the sustainable companies and societies of the future.

We are looking for a PhD student in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (RAI) (https://www.fieldrobotics.eu/ (https://www.fieldrobotics.eu/)) placed at the Department of Systems and Space Technology, as part of the national research program WASP. Robotics and AI - Luleå University of Technology, LTU.

The Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program, WASP, is Sweden's largest single research program in modern times. The program creates a platform for academic research and education in close collaboration with leading Swedish technology-intensive industry. The research includes artificial intelligence and autonomous systems that operate in collaboration with humans and adapt to their environment using sensors, information, and knowledge, creating intelligent systems of systems. WASP's vision is excellent research and competence in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and software for the benefit of Sweden's industry and society. Read more: https://wasp-sweden.org/ (https://wasp-sweden.org/)

The graduate school within WASP aims to provide future researchers with the necessary knowledge to analyze, develop, and actively contribute to the interdisciplinary development of artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and software. Through an ambitious program with research visits, partner universities, and guest lecturers, the graduate school actively supports the formation of a strong multidisciplinary and international professional network among PhD students, researchers, and industry. Thus, the graduate school offers a unique opportunity for students attracted by world-class international research with industrial relevance. More information: https://wasp-sweden.org/graduate-school/ (https://wasp-sweden.org/graduate-school/)

Subject Description

Robotics and artificial intelligence aim to develop new robotic systems characterized by advanced autonomy to enhance the robots' ability to interact with the environment and humans while performing specific tasks.

Project Description

The vision of RAI is to bridge the gap between theory and reality, while the team has strong expertise in field robotics. As a PhD student, you will have the opportunity to contribute within one or more of these focus areas and engage in both theoretical and experimental research in:

• Autonomy with collaborative intelligence
• Collaborative task and motion planning
• Decision-making and coordination for multiple agents
• Distributed coverage, exploration, and source seeking
• Cooperative manipulation and interaction
• Data-driven and learning-based control
• Data-driven adaptive motion planning
• Reinforcement learning for multiple agents
• Cognitive reasoning, symbolic knowledge representation
• Generative AI in robotics
• Resilient autonomy for extreme environments
• Risk-aware navigation in unstructured environments
• Motion planning with built-in mobility
• Manipulation based on floating platforms
• Resilient and self-recovering autonomy

Job Responsibilities

A PhD position involves both theoretical and practical work. As a PhD student, you will be trained in scientific work in the form of publishing scientific articles in journals and at national and international conferences. You will also take mandatory and optional PhD courses. Additionally, you may have the opportunity to try out a teaching role. As a researcher, you work as a neutral party in many contexts, providing a fantastic opportunity to learn how to drive challenging development projects.

Qualifications

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student who is eager to make a difference in robotics and artificial intelligence. Candidates should have a master's degree in electrical engineering or computer science or have completed coursework equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits (ECTS), of which at least 60 higher education credits at an advanced level in the field of electrical engineering or computer science; alternatively demonstrated equivalent knowledge. We expect candidates to have prior experience in areas such as control engineering, reinforcement learning, and field robotics. Additionally, candidates should have excellent academic results, very good programming skills, and high proficiency in oral and written communication in English. Experience in field robotics and real-world experiments will be considered a significant merit.

Information

Employment as a PhD student is time-limited to full-time for 4 years. The employment may be extended up to a maximum of 5 years, teaching and other departmental duties may be added up to 20% of full-time.

Work location Luleå. Expected start date: October 1, 2025

For further information, please contact:
George Nikolakopoulos, professor and subject representative, 0920-49 1298, geonik@ltu.se (mailto:geonik@ltu.se).

Union representatives:
SACO-S Diana Chroneer, 0920-49 2037 diana.chroneer@ltu.se (mailto:diana.chroneer@ltu.se)
OFR-S Lars Frisk, 0920-49 1792 lars.frisk@ltu.se (mailto:lars.frisk@ltu.se)

Application

We prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below, attaching a personal letter and CV/resume and copies of verified degree certificates. Please mark your application with the reference number below. Both the application and degree certificates should be written in Swedish or English.

Closing date for applications: May 2, 2025
Reference number: 1516-2025