Postdoctoral Researcher in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence

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 on 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, 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.

Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (RAI) (www.ltu.se/robotics) at the Department of Systems and Space Technology at Luleå University of Technology is now seeking a postdoctoral researcher who can contribute to our growing activities. The RAI team conducts fundamental research in all aspects of robotics with a specific focus on aerial and space robotics.

The vision of RAI is to bridge the gap between theory and reality, while the team has strong expertise in field robotics. Specific application areas include robotics for mining, construction sites, aerial inspection of aging infrastructure, multi-robot search and rescue operations, multi-sensory fusion, and multi-robot coordination, including multi-robot perception, decentralization, and mission execution.

The RAI team has strong European participation in several R&D&I projects, while RAI also participated in the DARPA SUB-T challenge with the CoSTAR team led by NASA/JPL (https://costar.jpl.nasa.gov/).

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

You will work in the field of robotics and artificial intelligence. More specifically, the position will involve extensive research activities in the areas of design, experimentation, and theoretical development with the following combined research areas linked to national, European, and global R&D projects.

Previous experience in one or preferably several subjects from these areas is considered an asset:

• Swarm robotics for Arctic environments
• Autonomous navigation and motion planning in Arctic environments
• Multimodal perception, localization, and mapping under extreme visibility conditions
• Source localization and mapping of pollutants using multi-sensor fusion

Responsibilities

The main responsibilities of the postdoctoral researcher consist primarily of research. You will conduct research with significant experimental components that should be published in peer-reviewed international journals and at major conferences. The position will include supervision of doctoral and master's students, teaching, and support in securing funding for future research projects from research funders/councils, the EU's framework program, or industry.

Qualifications

To be eligible for employment as a postdoctoral researcher, you must have a PhD or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD in automatic control or electrical engineering and electronics or a related field. It is advantageous if your degree was obtained no more than three years before the application deadline for this position. Candidates who were awarded a PhD at an earlier date may also be considered if there are special reasons, such as various types of statutory leave of absence.

The research tasks require a solid mathematical background with proven advanced experimental skills and excellent programming skills (e.g., C++, ROS, Matlab, etc.). You should have a strong vision to evaluate and demonstrate research results in real operational conditions, in an approach to bridge the gap between pure theory and experimental verifications. You will need to represent the group in various contexts, both in Sweden and abroad, and therefore have excellent English skills.

Information

The employment period is two years, with the possibility of extension for an additional year.

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 this position by clicking the application button below. The application should include a detailed CV with a complete description of all scientific merits and publications of the candidate, a cover letter, a research plan describing the research topics, a list of successful grant applications, a list of 2 people who can provide recommendations for the candidate, and copies of verified and translated diplomas from high school and university. Your application must be written in Swedish or English. Please mark your application with the reference number below.

Application deadline: February 13, 2026
Reference number: LTU-796-2026