Vacant job

Do you want to help develop groundbreaking technology that makes a difference for Sweden's defense and security? Are you passionate about experimental research and solving complex problems together with other experts? Then FOI could be your new workplace!

About the position

As a researcher here, you will conduct applied research, from idea to implementation, to meet the Swedish Armed Forces' needs. You will be involved in the entire research process, including identifying relevant questions, planning and conducting experiments, analyzing and documenting results, and reporting to the client. The work also involves designing and building experimental equipment and evaluating it both in the lab and in the field.

We collaborate closely with our clients to ensure that the research is relevant and useful. We offer a workplace where you have the opportunity to grow and develop your skills, and where your ideas are highly valued.

We believe that a rewarding job is not just about exciting assignments, but also about a good work-life balance. Here, you will find a stimulating work environment with flexible working hours and good opportunities for competence development. We value an inclusive culture where everyone feels welcome and respected, and where collaboration and knowledge sharing are natural parts of the operations.

The work involves some field tests around Sweden and abroad, which provides variety and the opportunity to work outdoors. We ensure that safety is always in focus, both in the lab and in the field.

About the unit

You will be part of the Passive Electro-Optical Systems unit, which belongs to the Electronic Warfare division in Linköping. We are an engaged team working on developing, demonstrating, and evaluating passive electro-optical sensors that operate across the entire electromagnetic spectrum for military and security-oriented applications. Our operations are experimentally oriented, and we place great emphasis on collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Do you have the competence profile we need?

Requirements

We are looking for someone who has:

• A PhD and/or Licentiate degree in Physics, or other education assessed by FOI as equivalent.
• Programming skills in e.g., Matlab, Python, or C/C++.
• Experience with the research process. From identifying relevant questions, constructing and building experimental setups, conducting experiments, to analyzing results and reporting both in writing and orally.
• Good ability to express yourself in speech and writing in English, as well as very good knowledge of Swedish.

As a person, you are self-reliant and flexible, with a well-developed ability to collaborate. You work in a structured manner with a strong focus on quality. Your natural curiosity and good practical problem-solving skills enable you to quickly get up to speed with new tasks and contribute to the development of the operations. We place great importance on your personal qualities.

Merits

It is an advantage if you have:

• Experience with optical modeling.
• Experience acting as expert support for external clients.
• Previous experience in applied research, development work, and practical or experimental work within the field of optics.
• Project management of small or large scale, including some financial responsibility.
• Experience in defense-related research or the defense industry.
• Class B driver's license.

What do we offer you?

The Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI) is a government agency that conducts world-leading research in defense and security to support Sweden's military and civil defense. We offer a unique workplace where you have the opportunity to work on what is important for total defense and society as a whole. The research is applied both within defense authorities and among civilian actors and plays a crucial role in building a relevant and effective defense capability.

We work consciously for a good work environment with a good balance between work and private life. In addition, we offer a range of benefits. Read more about what it is like to work with us: https://www.foi.se/jobba-hos-oss.html (https://www.foi.se/jobba-hos-oss.html)

The position is a permanent employment that may be initiated with a six-month probationary period.

Do you want to help find answers for a safer world?

We welcome your application in the form of a CV and cover letter via the application button by August 12, 2026.

For more information about the position, you are welcome to contact Stephen Macken. Union representatives are Jonny Genzel (Saco-S) and Pernilla Bergfeldt (OFR/S – ST). All can be reached at 08-555 030 00.

As the position is security-classified, Swedish citizenship is required. Security clearance with background check will be conducted prior to employment according to the Security Protection Act (2018:585). Prior to security clearance, certified copies of education and employment certificates relevant to the position are requested.

FOI is a government agency, meaning submitted application documents become public documents that may be disclosed to third parties upon request according to the Public Access to Information and Secrecy Act.

Offers from recruitment agencies are declined.