PhD Student in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence

LULEÅ TEKNISKA UNIVERSITET

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. https://www.ltu.se/research/subjects/RoboticsAI?l=en subject, RAI, at the Department of Computer Science and 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 the 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 that are characterised by advanced autonomy for improving 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 aiming in closing the gap from theory to real life, while the team has a strong expertise in field robotics. Specific application areas of focus are robotics for mines, aerial inspection of aging infrastructure, multi-robotic search and rescue, multi sensorial fusion and multirobot coordination, including multirobot perception, decentralization and mission execution. The RAI team has a strong European and National participation in multiple R&D&I 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 and to assist in grant applications from research funding agencies/councils, the EU framework program or the 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:   Autonomous Underwater Robot Navigation 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 position, you must have a MSc degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering or Computer Science or Agricultural engineering or related subject. Perfect scientific skills with excellence in real life experimentation, as well as very good communication skills are considered as a strong plus. You will represent the group in different occasions, both in Sweden and world-wide, hence very good knowledge in 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 max 20%. Placement: Luleå. Starting: Start according to agreement.   For further information please contact: George Nikolakopoulos, Chaired Professor, (+46 )920-49 1298 mailto:geonik@ltu.se   Union representatives: SACO-S Diana Chroneer,(+46 )920-49 2037 mailto:diana.chroneer@ltu.se OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, (+46) 920-49 1721 mailto:marika.vesterberg@ltu.se   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, motivation letter, list of 2 persons that could provide recommendation 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: 31 August, 2026 Reference number: 3987-2026

LULEÅ TEKNISKA UNIVERSITET

Luleå University of Technology experiences rapid growth with world-leading expertise within several research areas. Our scientific and artistic research and education are conducted in close collaboration with international, national and regional companies, the public sector and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has an annual turnover of just over SEK 2.3 billion. We have more than 1,800 employees and nearly 21,600 students. We are looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (RAI) (https://www.fieldrobotics.eu/) based at Department of Computer Science, Electrical and Space Engineering as part of the national research program WASP.     Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program (WASP) is Sweden’s largest individual research program ever, a major national initiative for strategically motivated basic research, education and faculty recruitment. The program addresses research on artificial intelligence and autonomous systems acting in collaboration with humans, adapting to their environment through sensors, information and knowledge, and forming intelligent systems-of-systems. The vision of WASP is excellent research and competence in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and software for the benefit of Swedish society and industry. Read more: https://wasp-sweden.org/     You will be part of the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence research group. More information https://www.ltu.se/research/subjects/RoboticsAI?l=en. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with the strong multi-disciplinary and international professional network between researchers and industry associated with the WASP.     Subject description   Robotics and artificial intelligence aim to develop novel robotic systems that are characterized by advanced autonomy for improving 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 aiming in closing the gap from theory to real life, while the team has a strong expertise in field robotics. The RAI team conducts fundamental and principled research in all aspects of robotics with a strong European and National participation in multiple R&D&I projects. RAI has participated in the DARPA SUB-T challenge with the CoSTAR Team lead by NASA/JPL (https://costar.jpl.nasa.gov/).     Research topics for this Postdoctoral researcher position will focus on one or more of following key areas, where proof of previous work with experimentally verified results is necessary:   - Distributed robotic autonomy for embodied intelligence   - Data-driven and learning-based control   - Decentralized decision-making and distributed optimization   - Belief-space and uncertainty-aware planning   - Neuro-symbolic and context-aware reasoning for robotics   - Meta-learning for adaptive coordination     Duties   The duties of a Postdoc primarily comprise research. You will perform research with substantial experimental components that should be published in peer-reviewed international journals and at major conferences. The position will include supervision of PhD and MSc students, teaching and supporting in acquiring funds for future research projects from research funding agencies/councils, EU framework program or industry.     Qualifications   In order to be eligible for employment as post doctor you must have a PhD or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD in Robotics and AI, Automatic control or related subject. A doctoral degree awarded no more than three years before the application deadline provides a useful qualification. Candidates who have been awarded a doctoral degree at an earlier date may also be considered if there are special grounds, for example, different types of statutory leave of absence.     The research tasks require a solid mathematical background with proven advanced experimental capabilities and excellent programming skills (e.g. C++, ROS, Matlab, Python etc.). You should have a strong vision to evaluate and demonstrate the research findings in real life operating conditions, in an approach to close the gap between pure theory and experimental verifications. You will need to represent the group in different contexts, both in Sweden and abroad and hence have excellent skills in English. Experience in Field Robotics and real word experimentation will be highly considered as a merit.     Further information   The employment is limited to 2 years.   Placement: Luleå. Starting date: 01 August 2026     For further information about the position, please contact:   George Nikolakopoulos, Chaired Professor, (+46 )920-49 1298 mailto:geonik@ltu.se     Union representatives:   SACO-S Diana Chroneer,(+46 )920-49 2037 mailto:diana.chroneer@ltu.se   OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, (+46) 920-49 1721 mailto:marika.vesterberg@ltu.se     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 and publications of the candidate, motivation letter, a research plan with a description of the research topics, list of successful grant applications, list of 2 persons that could provide recommendations for the candidate and copies of verified and translated diplomas from high school and universities. Your application must be written in Swedish or English. Mark your application with the reference number below.     Closing date for applications: 15 June, 2026   Reference number: 2462-2026

LULEÅ TEKNISKA UNIVERSITET

For the full version of the advertisement, see Optimized and sustainable rehabilitation planning of urban water pipe and street networks     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.     The Urban Water Engineering research group seeks a driven and committed PhD student with a focus on how urban water pipes and streets could be renovated and renewed together (or not), to achieve a sustainable management of the municipal infrastructure. Take the opportunity to join one of the leading urban water research groups in the world with an international, creative and dynamic environment and close cooperation with the industry and universities worldwide. The Urban Water Engineering research group has a strong position in research and education on urban water systems, stormwater, small-scale wastewater and sewage systems.   The group consists of about 50 members including senior researchers, Swedish and international adjunct professors and more than 20 doctoral students. The group has an extensive national and international collaboration network.     Subject description   Urban Water Engineering encompasses the entire urban water system (urban drainage, drinking water supply and wastewater) with respect to collection, transport and treatment, as well as organisation and planning. The research aims to encourage a strong economy, clean environment and the wise use of resources, while preserving the public’s health and safety.   Project description   The project Streetwise aims to improve coordination between street works and water/wastewater pipe network renewal in Swedish municipalities. Today, these investments are often planned and financed separately or coordinated based on limited data leading to repeated excavation, higher lifecycle costs, and unnecessary disruption for citizens. Skellefteå municipality is the needs owner and participates through the departments of Water & Wastewater and the Streets, providing a real test bed. Recent research will be the starting point where an existing model will be developed further to optimise the strategic asset management and coordination based on economic, environmental and other societal criteria. You will belong to a research team with researchers from our university as well as external researchers from the research institute RISE which are experts in policy-lab methodology.   The work within the project includes development of an existing Python model and collection of asset management data of municipal infrastructure. Together with other researchers in the team, you will design workshops to be carried out with municipal partners to understand the present routines of coordinating asset management of multiutility infrastructures and be able to develop tools to support their work.   Duties   As a PhD student, you will collect asset management data, develop a Python model and be involved in workshops. You will learn how to collect and analyse scientific data within your research area as well as communicate your results at national and international conferences and in scientific journals. Most of your working time will be devoted to your own research studies, including both research and mandatory and elective course work. In addition, you will also carry out departmental duties, such as teaching and/or assisting in other research projects. You will have two supervisors who support you in your work, as well as cooperate with other researchers in the project team. The research work for this project will specifically include modelling, including life cycle assessment studies and life cycle costs, as well as being part of policy development for the water sector.   Qualifications   We seek a candidate with an MSc degree or equivalent or fully completed course requirements of at least 240 ETCS of which at least 60 ETCS are at an advanced level or equivalent. The degree should be within the field of civil and/or environmental engineering or natural resources engineering, civil engineering, or equivalent. Specific knowledge of urban water system including the pipe network, Python coding and modelling and life cycle assessments, as well as economics and statistics are meritorious. Other important skills are the ability to work independently and take initiative, as well as being able to explore new research areas.   English language skills are required since the results will be presented internationally in scientific journals and at conferences. Swedish/Scandinavian language skills are beneficial, as they will facilitate communication with stakeholders and participation in research and teaching activities. Having a driver’s license is meritorious, as it will facilitate research work. Applicants should provide contact details to minimum two reference persons upon request. 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 to that time with max 20%. Placement: Luleå. Starting: Autumn 2026.   For further information about the position, please contact Professor Annelie Hedström   (+46)920-49 23 09, mailto:annelie.hedstrom@ltu.se     Union representatives   SACO-S Diana Chroneer,(+46 )920-49 2037 mailto:diana.chroneer@ltu.se   OFR-S Marika Vesterberg,(+46)920-49 1721 mailto:marika.vesterberg@ltu.se     In case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of this announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.   For the full version of the advertisement, see Job vacancies | Luleå tekniska universitet   Application   We prefer that you apply for this position by clicking on the apply button below. The application should include a CV, personal letter and copies of verified diplomas from high school and universities. Mark your application with the reference number below. Your application, including diplomas, must be written in English or Swedish.   Closing date for applications: August 16, 2026   Reference number: 3603-2026