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 and international research environment, with access to advanced laboratory equipment and good funding opportunities. You are offered a secure employment, high-quality supervision, and room to grow, both as a researcher and as an individual.

Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (RAI) at the Department of Systems and Space Technology at Luleå University of Technology is now seeking a doctoral student to contribute to our growing operations. The RAI team conducts fundamental and principle-based research within all aspects of robotics, with a specific focus on aerial, space, and bio-inspired robotics.

Subject Description

Robotics and Artificial Intelligence aims to develop new robotic systems characterized by advanced autonomy to improve the robots' ability to interact with their environment and humans during the execution of specific tasks.

Project Description

RAI's fundamental vision is to bridge the gap between theory and reality, and the team has a strong background in field robotics. Application areas we focus on include multi-robot collaboration, autonomous search and rescue, robotics in mining environments, and the intersection of networks, communication, and intelligent autonomous swarms. The RAI team has strong European and national participation in several R&D projects.

Responsibilities

As a doctoral student, you will conduct research with experimental elements, which will be published in internationally recognized academic journals and at major conferences. You will also work with supervising master's theses, teaching assistance, and support in applying for funding for future research projects from research funding agencies/councils, EU projects, or industry.

As a doctoral student, you will work within autonomous robotic systems, and your activities will be linked to national, European, and global R&D projects.

The doctoral position will involve intensive research activities in design, experimentation, and theoretical development. The following research areas serve as a template for relevant directions:

The overarching thematic area is Connected Swarms:

• Network-aware swarm logic
• Distributed multi-robot collaboration
• Human-swarm interaction and intention-aware swarms
• Ad-hoc mesh networks and communication
• Multi-role coordination (UAV, UGV, payloads)

Qualifications

To qualify for the doctoral position, you must have a five-year university degree in computer science, technical physics, or another relevant subject. You must have good scientific skills, excellence in experimental research, and strong communication skills in both speech and writing. As you will represent the group in various contexts, both in Sweden and abroad, very good knowledge of English is required.

For further information about the specific doctoral education, see http://www.ltu.se/research/Utbildning-pa-forskarniva/Studieplaner/Allmanna-studieplaner-Teknisk-fakultetsnamnd (http://www.ltu.se/research/Utbildning-pa-forskarniva/Studieplaner/Allmanna-studieplaner-Teknisk-fakultetsnamnd).

Information

Employment as a doctoral student is fixed-term for 4 years. Teaching and other institutional duties may be added up to 20% of full-time. The workplace is in Luleå, and the start date is by agreement.

For further information, please contact:

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

Union Representatives:

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 the position via the application button below, attaching a cover letter as well as a CV/curriculum vitae with scientific merits, at least two references, and copies of verified degree certificates. The degree certificates must be written in Swedish or English. The application must be written in English. Please mark your application with the reference number below.

Last day for applications: 16 August 2026

Reference number: 3812-2026