Vacant job

Responsibilities

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher in production management with a focus on the applications of AI and related enabling technologies within manufacturing operations. The research addresses how AI and machine learning can support more sustainable and resilient production systems. This includes investigating their role in decision-making for production planning, coordination of material flows, and handling uncertainty in complex industrial environments. Special attention is given to the integration of AI in production contexts where human decision-makers remain central.

The position is part of the XPRES centre and will also contribute to the Vinnova-funded research project BATT:RY, which explores sustainable and circular value chains for batteries.

In the project, the postdoctoral researcher will collaborate with academic and industrial partners to develop knowledge and solutions for circular manufacturing systems, including remanufacturing, recycling, and reverse logistics. The project offers a unique opportunity to work on real-world challenges related to the industry's green transition.

The role also involves independent research, publication in leading scientific journals, and participation in the development of new research proposals. Collaboration across disciplines and with industrial stakeholders is an integrated part of the work. The postdoctoral researcher may participate in and contribute to teaching at undergraduate, advanced, and doctoral levels.

Research questions to be addressed include:

• How AI can support circular and sustainable manufacturing systems
• How AI-driven approaches can enhance resilience in global production and supply chains
• How small and medium-sized enterprises can implement AI-based methods for production management

We are seeking a motivated researcher with strong analytical skills, an interest in both theoretical and applied research, and a willingness to contribute to socially relevant, collaborative projects at the intersection of digitalization and sustainable production.

Qualifications

Requirements

• A completed PhD degree or a foreign degree assessed as equivalent to a PhD. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• Documented research competence and ability to publish in international scientific journals
• Documented strong background and experience in areas such as production and operations management, sustainable production, industrial engineering, and systems engineering, or similar
• Pedagogical ability in education and competence development and/or ability to communicate research to a broader audience
• Awareness of issues regarding diversity and equal opportunities, with a specific focus on gender equality
• As a person, you should be able to work both independently and in collaboration with others in an interdisciplinary environment

Merits

• At the application deadline, no more than three years have passed since the PhD degree or a foreign degree assessed as equivalent to a PhD was awarded.
• Strong background or experience in industrial applications within computer science, AI, and machine learning
• Strong background or research experience in industrial system simulation, production planning, operational performance management, and optimization

We will place great emphasis on personal qualities.

Become part of KTH

KTH shapes the future through education, research, and innovation. As a leading international technical university, we play an active role in driving and contributing to the transition to a sustainable society. Here, you are offered the opportunity to grow and develop in a creative and dynamic workplace with good working conditions and benefits. Gender equality, diversity, and equal opportunities are a quality issue and a clear part of KTH's values as a university and a government agency.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work and develop at KTH.

Union Representatives

Contact details for union representatives.

Application

You apply via KTH's recruitment system. As an applicant, you are primarily responsible for ensuring your application is complete when submitted.

The application should include:

• CV including relevant professional experience, qualifications, and a publication list
• Copies of degree certificates and transcripts from previous university studies. Translation into English or Swedish is required if the original documents are not issued in either of these languages
• A short statement on why you wish to conduct research, your academic interests, and how these relate to your previous studies and future goals (max two pages)

The application must be received by KTH no later than midnight on the last day of application, CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

About the Position

The employment is permanent, but for a maximum of two years.

A postdoctoral position is a time-limited qualifying appointment with a main focus on research, intended as a first career step after the PhD.

Other

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An employment at KTH may be classified in a security class. If this is the case for this specific position, a security clearance check of the applicant will be conducted in accordance with the Security Protection Act (2018:585) with consent. In these cases, a condition for employment is that the applicant is approved after the security clearance check.

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