Vacant job

University of Skövde is a central and leading actor in education, research, and collaboration that supports the transition towards a sustainable future – regionally, nationally, and internationally. Our 12,000 students and 460 employees create the conditions for society's digital transformation and sustainable societal development through high-quality education and research in selected areas. Welcome to a vibrant campus in the heart of Skaraborg.

About Us

The Department of Engineering at the University of Skövde is characterized by a creative and dynamic environment, with a collaborative atmosphere, modern facilities, and strong industrial partnerships. For over a decade, the department has demonstrated how a smaller higher education institution can conduct high-quality applied research and education, as well as develop the methods and technical innovations that characterize a successful research environment.

You will join the research environment Virtual Engineering (VE) at the Department of Engineering, University of Skövde. One of VE's main visions is to contribute to a "viable society" by developing future production systems, optimizing manufacturing methods, and prioritizing human-centered design in production systems. The research environment also contributes to "a digitalized and sustainable future" by offering digital solutions that strengthen sustainability, efficiency, and human-centricity.

Your Role

You will be part of a team whose work has significant importance for industry, society, and academia. As a postdoctoral researcher, you will focus on developing intelligent, adaptive, and sustainable manufacturing systems that strengthen operational robustness, improve resource efficiency, and enhance the quality of decision-making.

The research will investigate how simulation-based optimization, digital twins, knowledge-driven models, and AI-based decision support can be integrated to support resilient and energy-aware manufacturing systems. Particular emphasis will be placed on multi-objective optimization, reinforcement learning optimization, and multi-agent-based decision-making for dynamic production planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and disturbance handling in complex industrial environments.

The main tasks involve research in the optimization and simulation of manufacturing systems. Teaching or other administrative duties may be included up to 20 percent.

Requirements for the position:

• A completed PhD degree in mechanical engineering, information technology, or a related field, or a foreign degree assessed as equivalent to a PhD.
• Documented experience in research on simulation-based modeling and optimization of complex industrial or socio-technical systems, particularly production and manufacturing systems.
• Documented experience in research on multi-objective optimization, knowledge-driven optimization, reinforcement learning optimization, or AI-based decision support.
• Good ability to communicate orally and in writing in English.
• Good teamwork skills and the ability to build relationships and research networks.

We will also evaluate the following criteria for employment:

Of highest importance are:

• A PhD degree obtained no more than three years before the application deadline.
• The degree of skill required for the position.

Of next highest importance are:

• Experience with Python and relevant libraries for machine learning, optimization, and simulation.
• Documented expertise in simulation, digital twins, adaptive optimization, or intelligent decision support systems.

Also of importance are:

• Experience of collaboration with industrial partners and application-oriented research.
• Ability to clearly present scientific results orally and in writing.
• Good ability to communicate orally and in writing in Swedish.

Employment type: The position as a postdoctoral researcher is a full-time position and is made in accordance with the current collective agreement between the Swedish Agency for Government Employers, OFR-S, Saco-S, and SEKO. The employment is fixed-term for two years.

Scope: 100%

Application deadline: July 31, 2026

Reference number: Ref no. HS 2026/485

Start date: By agreement

Contact information: Information about the position is provided by Section Head Stefan Ericson (mailto:[email protected]) and Associate Professor Masood Fathi (mailto:[email protected]). Trade union information is provided by Anders Johansson (Saco-S) or Maria Carlstedt (ST). All persons can be reached via the University's switchboard at 0500-44 80 00.

Application

You apply for the position via our website, www.his.se/jobb, by clicking "Apply" at the bottom of the advertisement. There you can also read more about the University's recruitment process and what benefits you have as an employee with us. We look forward to receiving your application!

The following documents must be attached to your application:

• Cover letter
• CV
• Certificates/grades and other merit documents you wish to present as an applicant
• Merit portfolio where you account for your scientific and pedagogical activities
• Scientific publications, attach up to five scientific publications (of which at least two published during the last three years)
• Complete publication list.

Contact the HR department at mailto:[email protected] if you have publications that cannot be attached electronically directly in the application. The publications must be available to the university no later than one week after the application deadline.