Researcher in Theoretical Physics at the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI)

The Swedish Defence Research Agency (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, such as underwater, cyber defense, space, electronic warfare, sensor systems, civil defense, CBRNe (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive materials), military platforms including weapons and protection, as well as security policy analyses. FOI's research plays a key role in building Sweden's defense capability.

Do you want to contribute your expertise in a workplace with unique competence and important projects within Swedish defense, society, and the environment? At FOI, we work on research for a safer world. We are now looking for new colleagues with a PhD in theoretical physics! We offer a balanced work life, a developing work environment, and a socially important job!

About the position

You will work in a group that primarily focuses on research and development in marine electromagnetism. The group conducts research on prediction, reduction, propagation, and analysis of electromagnetic underwater signatures, as well as detection, localization, and classification of signals from underwater sensor systems. We support the Armed Forces and the Defence Materiel Administration in efforts to improve today's and develop tomorrow's ships and systems for measuring and analyzing underwater signatures, reconnaissance, and communication. We also assist in training units, in laboratory activities, and during tests and trials in the field. We collaborate with various national and international research organizations, and both shorter and longer trips may occur. The work is conducted in project form, involving both independent work and collaboration in groups. The work is primarily conducted in Kista but also throughout Sweden and with our foreign partners.

About the unit

You will be part of our underwater research activities within the Defence Technology department. Please read more about what we do: Defence Technology (https://www.foi.se/jobba-hos-oss.html).

Do you have the competence profile we need?

Requirements

• You should have a PhD or possess equivalent knowledge and skills in theoretical physics, mathematics, theoretical electrical engineering, or a related field.
• You have a strong analytical and problem-solving ability, are self-driven, and are eager to take your own initiatives that you can also translate into practical solutions. You collaborate well with others and express yourself fluently in both spoken and written Swedish and English.

Meritorious

• You have deep physical understanding or expertise in mathematics, preferably related to some relevant areas such as: electromagnetism, wave propagation, numerical methods, data analysis from experiments, partial differential equations, calculus of variations, or condensed matter physics.
• It is an advantage if you have worked with research and development at an academic research facility, institute, or industrial laboratory, preferably abroad, in addition to your PhD.

What do we offer you?

The Swedish Defence Research Agency (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 can 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 starts 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, cover letter, transcripts from university/college, and your best scientific article with motivation via the application button by January 25, 2026!

For more information about the position, please contact unit manager Helena Hansson Halsius or Per Morén. Union representatives are Staffan Lindgren (Saco-S) and Magnus Lindström (OFR/S – ST). All can be reached at 08-555 030 00.

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

FOI is an authority, and submitted application documents become public documents 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.