Vacant job

Are you ready to take the next step in your academic journey? As a PhD 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 position, high-quality supervision, and room to grow, both as a researcher and as a person.

Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (RAI) at the Department of Systems and Space Technology at Luleå University of Technology is now seeking a PhD student to contribute to our growing operations. The RAI team conducts fundamental and principle-based research in 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 robots' ability to interact with their environment and people while performing specific tasks.

Project Description

RAI's vision is to bridge the gap between theory and practice, and the team has a strong background in field robotics. Application areas we focus on include robotics for mines, aerial inspection of aging infrastructure, multi-robot search and rescue for emergency services, and similar fields. Furthermore, we work with multi-sensor fusion and multi-robot coordination, which includes environmental perception, decentralization, and execution of specified missions for multi-robot systems.

Responsibilities

You will conduct research with experimental elements that 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 PhD student, you will work within autonomous robotic systems, and the activities will be linked to national, European, and global R&D projects. The PhD position will involve compact research activities in design, experimentation, and theory development:

• Autonomous navigation of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) in aquatic environments
• Optimization-based path planning in aquatic environments
• State estimation and sensor fusion for localization and mapping
• Reactive terrain-aware navigation in dynamic and unstructured environments
• Experimental validation on robotic platforms in the field

Qualifications

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

For further information about the specific PhD program, 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

The PhD position is fixed-term for 4 years. Teaching and other departmental duties may be added, up to 20% of full-time employment. Place of work: Luleå. Start date: 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 and CV/resume with academic 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.

Application Deadline: August 31, 2026

Reference Number: 3987-2026