PhD Candidate in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence

Luleå University of Technology is experiencing strong growth with world-leading expertise in several research areas. We are shaping the future through innovative education and groundbreaking research results, and from the Arctic region, we create global societal benefits. 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, billions of SEK will be invested in Norrbotten and Västerbotten in large projects aimed at creating 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.

Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (RAI) at the Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering at Luleå University of Technology is now seeking a PhD candidate to contribute to our growing activities. The RAI team conducts fundamental and principled research in all aspects of robotics with a specific focus on airborne, space, and bio-inspired robotics.

Subject Description

Robotics and Artificial Intelligence aim to develop new robotic systems characterized by advanced autonomy to improve the robots' ability to interact with their environment and humans while performing specific tasks.

Project Description

The vision of RAI is to bridge the gap between theory and reality, and the team has a strong background in field robotics. The application areas we focus on include robotics for mining, airborne inspection of aging infrastructure, multi-robot search and rescue for emergency services, and similar. Furthermore, we work with multi-sensor fusion and multi-robot coordination, which includes environmental perception, decentralization, and execution of specified missions for multi-robot systems.

Job Responsibilities

You will conduct research with experimental elements that are published in internationally recognized academic journals and at major conferences. You will also work with supervision of theses, teaching assistance, and support in applying for funding for future research projects from research funding agencies/councils, EU projects, or industry.

As a PhD candidate, you will work within autonomous robotic systems, and the activities will be linked to national, European, and global R&D projects. More specifically, the PhD positions will include compact research activities in design, experimentation, and theory development:

• Field robotics with a focus on Arctic environments
• Autonomous navigation and motion planning in sensor-degraded disaster environments
• Multimodal perception and localization for robots in extreme visibility conditions
• Source localization and risk assessment using multi-sensor fusion
• Semantic-based exploration strategies for high-risk robots in search and rescue
• Remote biometric analysis and triage assessment for field robotics in emergency response

Qualifications

To be qualified for the PhD position, you must have a five-year university degree in computer engineering, engineering physics, or another relevant field. Good scientific skills and excellence in experimental research, as well as good communication skills in both spoken and written English, are required. You will represent the group in various contexts, both in Sweden and abroad, thus very good knowledge of English is a requirement.

For further information about specific PhD education, see the study plans for doctoral education within the Faculty of Engineering.

Information

The PhD position is time-limited to 4 years, and teaching and other departmental duties may be added up to 20% of full-time. The workplace is Luleå, and the start date is by agreement.

For further information, please contact:
George Nikolakopoulos, Professor and Subject Representative, 0920-49 1298, [email protected]

Union representatives:
SACO-S Diana Chroneer, 0920-49 2037 [email protected]
OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, 0920-49 1721 [email protected]

Application

We prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below, where you attach a personal letter and CV/resume with scientific merits, at least two references, and copies of verified degree certificates. The degree certificates must be written in Swedish or English. The application must be written in English. Please label your application with the reference number below.

Application deadline: January 12, 2026
Reference number: 6816-2025