PhD student in self-learning dynamic systems

KTH is one of Europe's leading technical universities and an important arena for knowledge development. As Sweden's largest university for technical research and education, we bring together students, researchers, and faculty from all over the world. Our research and education encompass natural sciences as well as all branches of engineering, as well as architecture, industrial economics, urban planning, history, and philosophy.

Project description

Research education subject: Electrical and systems engineering

Powerful computers, new sensors, and highly efficient communication technology have opened the door to making technical systems that are self-learning.

The advantage of such systems is that they are intended to be able to handle situations that were not foreseen when the system was constructed. Together with researchers from Institutionen för informationsteknologi, Uppsala universitet and with strong support from Vetenskapsrådet, we are now building up the research environment NewLEADS around self-learning dynamic systems, with applications in, among others, robotics, smart buildings, autonomous vehicles, and bioprocess engineering. We focus on theory development regarding some of the most critical aspects for model-based learning of dynamic systems using sensor data, namely: i) the use of computer-intensive statistical methods to handle unknown quantities such as measurement noise, ii) how sensor information can be improved through active learning, and iii) learning of complex interconnected systems.

NewLEADS consists of 7 senior researchers complemented by, among others, postdocs and PhD students. As a PhD student in this research environment, you will be supervised by researchers from both universities, have the opportunity for international research visits, and participate in conferences and other activities that can expand your professional network and benefit your future career.

Within the project, there will be good opportunities to interact with Wallenberg Autonomous Systems and Software Program (WASP), Sweden's largest single research program. For the position in question, it will be possible to become affiliated with the WASP doctoral school.

We offer

• The opportunity to pursue a PhD in a dynamic, international research environment in close collaboration with industry and prominent universities worldwide.
• A personal study plan to support your development within your areas of interest.
• A lifelong network in the form of KTH's Alumni activities.
• Monthly salary according to KTH's agreements for PhD salaries, KTH's employment benefits.
• Work and studies in Stockholm, one of Europe's fastest-growing capitals that simultaneously has proximity to nature and the sea.

Eligibility for admission

To be admitted to research education (chap 7 39 § högskoleförordningen) the applicant must have basic eligibility:

• completed a degree at an advanced level,
• fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits are at an advanced level, or
• in some other way, acquired within or outside the country, knowledge mainly corresponding to this.

Applicants must hold or soon hold a master's degree or a civilingenjörsexamen in electrical engineering, engineering physics, or computer engineering.

Selection

To succeed in your PhD studies at KTH, you need to be goal-oriented and persistent in your work. During the selection of applicants, the ability to:

• independently drive your work forward,
• collaborate with others,
• maintain a professional attitude and
• analyze and work with complex issues,

will be assessed.

Applicants should have excellent academic merits as well as very well-developed analytical skills and problem-solving abilities. Good knowledge of English in speech and writing is necessary to publish and present research results in international conferences and journals.

After the eligibility requirements, great importance will be placed on personal qualities and personal suitability.

Target degree: PhD

Information about admission and employment

Only those who are admitted or have already been admitted to education at the doctoral level may be employed as a PhD student. The first employment as a PhD student may be valid for a maximum of one year and thereafter be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time. The total period of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to doctoral-level education on a full-time basis for four years.

Information about PhD studies, eligibility, and selection, etc., can be found on KTH's website for PhD studies. Information about doctoral programs and subjects at the doctoral level can be found on KTH's website.

The person employed as a PhD student shall primarily devote themselves to their own education at the doctoral level, but may, to a limited extent (at most 20%), work with education, other research, artistic research, and administration.

Trade union representatives

You can find contact details for trade union representatives on KTH's website.

Doktorandsektionen (Tekniska högskolans studentkår)

You can find contact details for the Doktorandsektionen on the section's website.

Application

You apply via KTH's recruitment system. As an applicant, you are primarily responsible for ensuring that your application is complete when it is submitted.

The application must reach KTH no later than the last application date at midnight, CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

The application shall contain the following

• CV with relevant professional experience and knowledge.
• Cover letter with a concise account of why you want to conduct research studies, about your academic interests and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. (Max 2 pages)
• Transcript of records, copies of degree certificates, and grades from previous university studies. Translations into English or Swedish if the original document was not issued in one of these languages.
• Representative publications or technical reports. Documents no longer than 10 pages each. For longer documents (e.g., theses), attach a summary (abstract) and a web link to the full text.

Other

Equality, diversity, and the rejection of all forms of discrimination are both a quality issue and a natural part of KTH's core values.

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