Vacant job

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (RAI) (https://www.fieldrobotics.eu/ (https://www.fieldrobotics.eu/)) at the Department of Space, Earth and Environment (formerly System and Space Technology) as part of the national research program WASP.

The Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program (WASP) is Sweden's largest single research program in modern times. The program creates a platform for academic research and education in close collaboration with leading Swedish technology-intensive industries. The research encompasses artificial intelligence and autonomous systems that operate in collaboration with humans and adapt to their environment using sensors, information, and knowledge, creating intelligent systems of systems. WASP's vision is excellent research and competence in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and software for the benefit of Swedish industry and society. Read more: https://wasp-sweden.org/ (https://wasp-sweden.org/)

You will be part of the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence research group. For more information, visit https://www.ltu.se/research/subjects/RoboticsAI (https://www.ltu.se/research/subjects/RoboticsAI) (https://www.ltu.se/robotics (https://www.ltu.se/robotics)). You will have the opportunity to collaborate with the strong interdisciplinary and international professional network between researchers and industry associated with WASP.

Subject Description

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

Project Description

RAI's vision is to bridge the gap between theory and reality, while the team possesses strong expertise in field robotics. The RAI team conducts fundamental and principle-driven research in all aspects of robotics, with strong European and national participation in several R&D projects. RAI has participated in the DARPA SUB-T challenge with the CoSTAR team, led by NASA/JPL (https://costar.jpl.nasa.gov/ (https://costar.jpl.nasa.gov/)). We focus on key application areas, including mining robotics, aerial inspection of aging infrastructure, autonomy for space robotics, and multi-robot search and rescue operations.

The characteristic research areas will focus on the following key areas, where evidence of previous work with experimentally verified results is required:

• Distributed robotic autonomy for embodied intelligence
• Data-driven and learning-based control
• Decentralized decision-making and distributed optimization
• Planning in belief space and uncertainty-aware planning
• Neuro-symbolic and context-aware reasoning for robotics
• Meta-learning for adaptive coordination

Responsibilities

The responsibilities for a postdoctoral researcher primarily involve research. You will conduct research with significant experimental components that should be published in international, peer-reviewed journals and at major conferences. The position includes supervising PhD and Master's students, teaching, and supporting the acquisition of funds for future research projects from research funding agencies/councils, EU framework programs, or industry.

Qualifications

To be eligible for employment as a postdoctoral researcher, you must hold a PhD degree or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD in control engineering, automatic control, or a related field. A PhD degree awarded no more than three years before the application deadline is considered a useful qualification. Candidates awarded a PhD degree earlier may also be considered if there are special reasons, such as various types of statutory leave.

Research tasks require a solid mathematical background with proven advanced experimental skills and excellent programming knowledge (e.g., C++, ROS, Matlab, Python, etc.). You should have a strong vision for evaluating and demonstrating research results under real operating conditions, with an approach to bridge the gap between pure theory and experimental verification. You will need to represent the group in various contexts, both in Sweden and abroad, and thus must have excellent English skills. Experience in field robotics and real-world testing experimentation will be highly valued as a merit.

Information

The employment is fixed-term for 2 years.

Place of work: Luleå. Expected start date: August 1, 2026

For further information, please contact:

George Nikolakopoulos, Professor and Subject Representative, 0920-49 1298, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).

Union Representative:

SACO-S Diana Chroneer, 0920-49 2037 [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, 0920-49 1721 [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Application

We prefer that you apply for this position by clicking the apply button below. The application should include a CV with a complete description of all scientific merits and publications for the candidate, a cover letter, a research plan describing the research areas, a list of successful research grant applications, a list of 2 persons who can provide recommendations for the candidate, and copies of verified and translated degree certificates from high school and university. Your application must be written in Swedish or English. Mark your application with the reference number below.

Application Deadline: May 8, 2026

Reference Number: 2462-2026