Research Assistant in Defense Systems

The Swedish Defence University is an internationally renowned institution in defense, crisis management, and security. We offer a unique academic environment where civilian meets military. We educate civilian and military leaders, experts, and researchers who will analyze and manage today's and future crises and security issues. The Swedish Defence University educates Sweden's officers and leads the academic development of the officer profession. We conduct research in law with a focus on operational law and international law, defense systems, war science, leadership and management, military history, and political science.

The position will be based at the Department of Defense Systems. Defense Systems is a subject at the intersection of social sciences and engineering. Research and teaching in the subject concern systems that contribute to or affect society's defense, where both technical and social components are included. In the subject of defense systems, the starting point is that technical and social components cannot be studied in isolation from each other. The focus is on the study of the development, procurement, and use of technology and equipment for defense and security.

The project is carried out in close collaboration with the Armed Forces and the army, and the results are expected to contribute directly to their unit and concept development.

Job Responsibilities

The main task is to contribute to the research project by conducting independent research and collaborating with other project members. The work has a clear applied focus where you, together with other project members, will produce materials, analyses, and recommendations that are directly useful for the Armed Forces. Job responsibilities include disseminating knowledge by publishing scientific articles and presenting research results, for example at international conferences. Furthermore, it includes lecturing in relevant education, seminars, and workshops at the Armed Forces, particularly the Army, participating in reporting seminars with the Armed Forces, and being prepared to support relevant studies, workshops, and training within the Armed Forces if requested.

The position includes up to 20% teaching.

What We Are Looking For

The applicant must have a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree in a subject relevant to the project. Great emphasis will be placed on the relevance of the degree to the research project. First and foremost, applicants who have obtained their doctoral degree no more than three years before the application deadline will be considered.

• Ability to independently conduct research within the framework of the research project.
• Good knowledge in the research area. Knowledge of unmanned systems (UxS) and manned-unmanned units in ground combat is advantageous.
• Ability to communicate research results to the Armed Forces, particularly the Army, in a clear and audience-adapted manner.
• Advanced level language skills in English. Knowledge of Swedish is advantageous.
• Interest in and preferably experience of conducting practice-oriented research in close collaboration with the Armed Forces, particularly the Army.

We see that you have good collaboration skills, high social competence, and enjoy meeting new people. You are self-driven and take responsibility for your tasks. Furthermore, you are structured and analytical. Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities. You thrive in an environment where researchers, officers, and other practitioners collaborate closely.

To thrive with us, you need to be engaged and present, and you want to contribute to the Swedish Defence University's professional development, collegial collaboration culture, and social cohesion. It comes naturally for you to share your knowledge and contribute to creating a rewarding and positive work environment.

About the Employment

This is a fixed-term full-time position for two years with the possibility of a one-year extension depending on funding.

This position is classified in a security class. A security clearance with a background check will be conducted before employment according to the Security Protection Act (2018:585). Prior to the security clearance, certified copies of relevant education and service certificates will be requested. We welcome applicants from Sweden, EU, or NATO countries.

The position may involve military placement. If you are already military placed in your current employment at an authority and your competence is needed in the Swedish Defence University's military organization, negotiations will take place between the relevant authority and the Swedish Defence University regarding where you will be placed.

Start Date

As agreed.

Salary and Benefits

The Swedish Defence University applies individual salary setting.

Read about employee benefits at the Swedish Defence University via this link.

Application

Applications should be submitted via the Swedish Defence University's recruitment system.

Welcome with your application by March 20, 2026!

For contact with the employee organizations at the Swedish Defence University, email [email protected], OFR/[email protected], and OFR/[email protected].

We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising assistance due to government procurement regulations.