Research Leader in AI for Total Defense

The Total Defense Research Institute (FOI) is a government agency conducting world-leading research in defense and security to support Sweden's military and civil defense. The research spans several areas, including underwater, cyber defense, space, electronic warfare, sensor systems, civil defense, CBRNe (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive substances), military platforms including weapons and protection, as well as security policy analysis. FOI's research plays a key role in building Sweden's defense capability.

Do you want to work with challenging applications in the AI field to strengthen total defense in both the short and long term? Have you researched machine learning and intelligent information systems and are interested in how they can support analysis and decision-making? Then FOI could be your new workplace! We offer a balanced work life, a developing work environment, and a socially important job!

About the Position

As a researcher, you will work on the development of computer science methods and techniques for information management and decision-making. You will be responsible for problem formulation, method selection, method development, research planning, execution and analysis of computer experiments, as well as documentation of results in reports, scientific articles, or conference contributions. In addition to presenting results to our clients, the work may also involve translating research results into specific applications.

The location is Stockholm, Kista.

About the Unit

You will be part of the Decision Support Systems unit, which belongs to the Cyber Defense and Command Technology department. The unit works with research and development of methods and techniques for information management and decision-making, primarily on behalf of the Armed Forces but also in European research projects and with civil authorities. Please read more about what we do at Scientific Publications Decision Support Systems (https://www.foi.se/jobba-hos-oss.html) and Technical Reports Decision Support Systems (https://www.foi.se/jobba-hos-oss.html).

Do You Have the Competence Profile We Need?

Requirements

We are looking for someone who wants to take a leading role in driving research forward – at the intersection of technology, strategy, and societal security. Here you will have the opportunity to influence both content and direction in an organization where scientific excellence is combined with real societal benefit.

We want you to have:

• A PhD in computer science, data science, or related fields with documented experience in applied research in information management, AI, and uncertainty management.
• Extensive experience in programming and in processing, analyzing, and visualizing data.
• Good ability to communicate verbally and in writing in both Swedish and English.

As a person, you are creative and have a good ability for analysis and problem-solving. You are self-driven, take responsibility for your tasks, and are good at collaborating with others.

We place great emphasis on your personal qualities.

In the Decision Support Systems unit, you will be an important part of a well-functioning team. You will grow, develop, and solve complex challenges together with others. You will contribute to fantastic solutions with great societal benefit. You can, and are expected to, influence the unit's path forward.

Meritorious

It is advantageous if you have:

• Knowledge of generative AI and multimodal models, AI for gaming and reinforcement learning, language technology, information fusion, and decision support systems.
• Experience in project management.
• Experience in the defense or security sector.

What Do We Offer You?

The Total Defense Research Institute (FOI) is a government agency conducting world-leading research in defense and security to support Sweden's military and civil defense. We offer a unique workplace where you have the opportunity to work on what is important for total defense and society as a whole. The research is applied both within defense authorities and with civil actors and plays a crucial role in building a relevant and effective defense capability.

We consciously work for a good work environment with a good balance between work and private life. In addition, we offer a range of benefits. Read more about what it is like to work with us: Work with us (https://www.foi.se/jobba-hos-oss.html).

The position is a permanent employment that may start with a six-month probationary period.

Do you want to be part of finding answers for a safer world?

Welcome with your application in the form of a CV and cover letter via the application button no later than January 18, 2026.

For more information about the position, please contact Mikael Jangelind. Union representatives are Niclas Wadströmer (Saco-S) and Anette Frid (OFR/S – ST) All can be reached at 08-555 030 00.

As the position is classified, Swedish citizenship is required. Security clearance with background checks will be conducted prior to employment according to the Security Protection Act (2018:585). For security clearance, certified copies of relevant education and service certificates will be requested.

FOI is an authority whereby submitted application documents become public records that can be disclosed to third parties upon request according to the Public Access to Information and Secrecy Act.

Offers from recruitment companies are not welcome.