Postdoc focusing on autonomous systems

Försvarshögskolan's (FHS) Markcentrum at FHS Institut för krigföring is seeking a postdoc focusing on unmanned systems (UxS) and manned–unmanned formations in ground combat. The postdoc will contribute to a research project focusing on the growing importance of unmanned vehicles in formation contexts and how these can be integrated into future ground combat formations. The project focuses particularly on the interaction between manned and unmanned platforms ("manned–unmanned teaming") in future maneuver formations.

Of particular interest is creating a holistic picture of how unmanned systems interact with manned formations, command systems, and other capabilities in a combined combat system. The project may include Swedish and international case studies, doctrine and tactics analysis, modeling and simulation, wargaming/experiments, or other methods suitable for illuminating the research questions. The purpose is to produce knowledge that can support the design and development of future Swedish ground combat formations, with a particular focus on the needs of Försvarsmakten.

A central theme is the mixture of manned combat vehicles, ground-based unmanned systems, and flying unmanned systems in the ground domain, with both lighter and heavier platforms and various weapon systems. The project studies how this mix affects organization, tactics, command, sensors, weapon systems, logistics, and vulnerability.

Försvarshögskolan's Markcentrum and FHS institut för krigföring (IFK) primarily research and develop for the needs of the military defense. Our contributions may be focused on capability development, competence development as well as knowledge development, and building systems for military flexibility. IFK is a meeting place and a platform for collaboration within Försvarshögskolan and with Försvarsmakten as well as with other partners within the defense sector both nationally and internationally. Markcentrum has a special responsibility for the ground domain.

The employment will have its primary location at Institutionen för Försvarssystem. Försvarssystem is a subject at the intersection of social science and engineering science. Research and teaching within the subject concern systems that contribute to or affect society's defense, involving both technical and social components. In the subject of Försvarssystem, the starting point is that technical and social components cannot be studied in isolation from each other. The focus is on the study of development, procurement, and use of technology and materiel for defense and security.

The project is carried out in close collaboration with Försvarsmakten and the army, and the results are expected to contribute directly to their formation and concept development.

Tasks

The main task is to contribute to the research project by conducting independent research and research with other project members. The work has a clear applied focus where you, together with other project members, produce documentation, analyses, and recommendations that are directly useful for the armed forces. The tasks include disseminating knowledge by publishing scientific articles and presenting research results, for example, at international conferences. Furthermore, it includes lecturing in relevant training, seminars, and workshops at Försvarsmakten, especially the Army, participating in reporting seminars with Försvarsmakten, and being prepared to support relevant studies, workshops, and training within Försvarsmakten if requested.

The employment includes up to 20% teaching.

What we are looking for

The applicant must have obtained a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed to correspond to a doctoral degree in a subject relevant to the project. Great importance will be placed on the relevance of the degree to the research project. Primarily, applicants who obtained their doctoral degree no more than three years before the application deadline will be considered.

• Ability to conduct research independently within the framework of the research project.
• Good knowledge within the research area. Knowledge of unmanned systems (UxS) and manned–unmanned formations in ground combat is meritorious.
• Ability to communicate research results to Försvarsmakten, especially the Army, in a clear and audience-adapted manner.
• Advanced language skills in English. Knowledge of Swedish is meritorious.
• Interest in and preferably experience in conducting practice-oriented research in close collaboration with Försvarsmakten, especially the Army.

We see that you have good collaborative skills, high social competence, and enjoy meeting new people. You are self-driven as a person and take responsibility for your tasks. Furthermore, you are structured and analytical. Great importance will be placed on personal qualities. You thrive in an environment where researchers, officers, and other practitioners collaborate closely.

To thrive with us, you need to be engaged and present, and you want to contribute to Försvarshögskolan's professional development, collegial collaborative culture, and social cohesion. It also comes naturally to you to share your knowledge and contribute to creating a rewarding and good working environment.

About the employment

This is a fixed-term full-time employment for two years with the possibility of a one-year extension depending on funding.

This employment is security classified. A security clearance with a background check will be conducted before employment according to the security protection act (säkerhetsskyddslagen (2018:585)). Prior to the security clearance, certified copies of the education and service certificates relevant to the position are requested.

The employment may involve wartime placement (krigsplacering). If you are already assigned a wartime placement in your current employment at an authority and your competence is needed in Försvarshögskolan's wartime organization, a negotiation will take place between the relevant authority and Försvarshögskolan regarding where you should be placed.

Commencement

By agreement.

Salary and benefits

Försvarshögskolan applies individual salary setting.

https://www.fhs.se/om-forsvarshogskolan/jobba-hos-oss/formaner.html.

Application

Your application should include:

• a personal letter with your motivation for applying for this position
• your CV including a publication list and (planned) date for doctoral degree
• a research plan of max. 2 pages where you describe your research interest and approach to this project
• a description of specific projects relevant to the position in which you have participated
• your previous publications relevant to the position (max. 10)

Applications are submitted via Försvarshögskolan's recruitment system.

Welcome with your application no later than September 23, 2026!