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 in 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 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 that you will help us build the sustainable companies and societies of the future.

Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (RAI) (www.ltu.se/robotics) at the Department of Computer Science, Electrical and Space Engineering 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 related to national, European, and global R&D projects. Previous experience in one or preferably several topics from these areas is considered an asset:

• Field robotics and robot swarms with a focus on Arctic environments
• Task allocation, generation, and execution of tasks for non-heterogeneous swarms in large-scale missions
• Human-swarm interfaces including intention-aware swarms and task decomposition
• Distributed reconfiguration of robot swarms and communication-aware swarms
• Ground-air collaboration for complex task execution in challenging environments
• Mission-specific modules and field distribution related to use cases in search and rescue operations, infrastructure inspections, as well as monitoring and supervision in Arctic environments

Job 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 PhD and master's students, teaching, and support in securing funding for future research projects from research funders/councils, EU framework programs, 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 or a related field. It is advantageous if your degree was awarded no more than three years before the application deadline for this position. Candidates who have been awarded a PhD at an earlier date may also be considered if there are special reasons, such as various types of statutory leave.

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 command of English.

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 motivation letter, a research plan with a description of the research topics, a list of successful grant applications, a list of 2 persons 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. Mark your application with the reference number below.

Application deadline: February 13, 2026
Reference number: LTU-797-2026