Vacant job

Are you ready to take the next step in your academic journey? As a doctoral student with us, you will work closely with leading researchers in a strong, international research environment, with access to advanced laboratory equipment and solid funding opportunities. You will be offered secure employment, high-quality supervision, and room to grow, both as a researcher and as a person.

Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (RAI), a subject at the Department of Computer Science, Electrical and Space Engineering at Luleå University of Technology, is now looking for a PhD student to contribute to our growing activities. The RAI team is conducting fundamental research in all aspects of robotics with a specific focus on aerial, space, and bioinspired robotics.

Subject Description

Robotics and Artificial Intelligence aim to develop novel robotic systems characterised by advanced autonomy to improve the ability of robots to interact with the surrounding environment and humans during the execution of specific tasks.

Project Description

The vision of RAI is to close the gap from theory to real life, while the team has strong expertise in field robotics. Specific application areas of focus include robotics for mines, aerial inspection of aging infrastructure, multi-robotic search and rescue, multi-sensorial fusion, and multi-robot coordination, including multi-robot perception, decentralization, and mission execution. The RAI team has strong European and National participation in multiple R&D projects.

Duties

As a PhD student, you will perform research with substantial theoretical and experimental components that should be published in peer-reviewed major international journals and at major conferences. The position will include supervision of MSc students and assisting in grant applications from research funding agencies/councils, the EU framework program, or industry. The position might also involve teaching assistance, seminars, and presentations. You will be working in the field of robotic autonomy, and all activities will be linked with National, European, and worldwide R&D projects.

The research topic is in the area of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence. More specifically, the position will involve dense research activities in the area of designing, experimenting, and theoretical development, with the following research areas providing a template for relevant directions:

• Field Robotics with a focus on Arctic Environments
• Autonomous Navigation and Motion Planning in Sensor-Degraded Disaster Environments
• Multimodal Perception and Localization for Robots in Extreme Visibility Conditions
• Source Localization and Hazard Assessment Using Multisensor Fusion
• Semantic-Based Exploration Strategies for High-Risk Search and Rescue Robots
• Remote Biometric and Triage Assessment for Field Robotics in Emergency Response

Qualifications

To be qualified for the position, you must have an MSc degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Agricultural Engineering, or a related subject. Perfect scientific skills with excellence in real-life experimentation, as well as very good communication skills, are considered a strong plus. You will represent the group on different occasions, both in Sweden and worldwide; hence, very good knowledge of English is a must.

For further information about a specific subject, see http://www.ltu.se/research/Utbildning-pa-forskarniva/Studieplaner/Allmanna-studieplaner-Teknisk-fakultetsnamnd?l=en

Further Information

Employment as a PhD student is limited to 4 years; teaching and other department duties may be added with a maximum of 20%. Placement: Luleå. Starting: According to agreement.

For further information, please contact:

George Nikolakopoulos, Chaired Professor, (+46) 920-49 1298 mailto:[email protected]

Union representatives:

SACO-S Diana Chroneer, (+46) 920-49 2037 mailto:[email protected]

OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, (+46) 920-49 1792 mailto:[email protected]

In case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of this announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

Application

We prefer that you apply for this position by clicking on the apply button below. The application should include a CV with a full description of all the scientific merits of the candidate, a motivation letter, a list of 2 persons that could provide recommendations for the candidate, and copies of verified diplomas from high school and universities. The diplomas must be written in Swedish or English. Your application must be written in English. Mark your application with the reference number below.

Final day to apply: 26 June, 2026

Reference number: 3620-2026