Arbetsbeskrivning

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.The Robotics and Artificial Intelligence subject, RAI, at the Department of Computer Science, 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: Field Robotics with a focus on Extreme Environments 1. Navigation through unknown environments - Rapid dynamics-based planning - Semantic-based Exploration - Source localization 2. Perception in sensor-degraded environments: - Localization in smoke and dust filled environments - Scene awareness - Biometric/triage evaluations, etc. 3. Mission-specific modules such as autonomous firefighting, sampling, rescue operations, or large-scale mission planning. 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 general curricula for the Board of the faculty of science and technology 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 [email protected] Union representatives: SACO-S Diana Chroneer,(+46 )920-49 2037 [email protected] OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, (+46) 920-49 1721 [email protected] 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: 11 May, 2026 Reference number: 2451-2026