PhD Student in Computer-Aided Machine Design focusing on agricultural drones
The research area Computer-Aided Machine Design (DMK), Department of Product and Production Development at Luleå tekniska universitet, is seeking a PhD student to work with automation and machine learning for drones within agriculture. The project is funded by the SLO-fonden foundation at Kungliga Skogs- och Lantbruksakademien.
Agriculture is central to today's society where the industry, in addition to generating food, also employs many people. However, a large proportion of farmers consider themselves to have poor profitability, and furthermore, there are many work environment-related challenges and accident risks. Robotization and automation have, within the agricultural industry (and other industries), shown great potential regarding resource efficiency, quality, work environment, accident risk, etc. Research and development in recent years have led to many new methods, tools, and techniques within automation, but most Swedish agricultural machines are still controlled by operators located onboard. Eliminating this staffing is central to the sustainable agriculture of the future, and in this project, a self-learning system for automated route planning and navigation of agricultural machines under Swedish conditions shall therefore be developed. A newly developed 8-ton research platform dedicated to the automation of work machines will constitute the basis for this research project.
Research area Computer-Aided Machine Design (DMK) encompasses, for technical systems, simulation-driven product development, modeling and simulation, product development methodology, and product information management. Models, methods, and tools for the development of hardware systems with associated support systems are central to the subject.
Tasks The doctoral studies shall result in a PhD degree after the equivalent of four years of full-time doctoral studies. Departmental service of at most 20% of full-time (usually in the form of teaching and administrative work) will be included in the tasks in addition to the doctoral studies. You are part of a research group of 9 people within the subject who collaborate with other relevant research groups within the university as well as at other universities and companies.
Competence and experience To be eligible for the position, a university degree (MSc or equivalent) in mekatronik, elektroteknik, maskinteknik, teknisk fysik or similar is required. You should have a great interest, curiosity, and passion for research. Experience regarding sensor systems, automation, programming, reglerteknik, and robotik is meritorious. Applicants must be proficient in English, both spoken and written. Proficiency in Swedish is meritorious, and those who cannot communicate in Swedish, spoken and written, are expected to work on learning Swedish during the first two years. Since a large part of the subject's teaching is conducted within maskinkonstruktion, merits in solidmodellering (CAD) are also meritorious. The university strives for an even gender distribution, which is why women are particularly encouraged to apply for the position.
For further information about specific doctoral studies; Study plans for doctoral studies within the technical faculty
Information For further information, you are welcome to contact: Professor Magnus Karlberg, Tel: +46 (0)920 492418, Mobil: +46 (0)70 5892418 Website: Datorstödd maskinkonstruktion
Union representatives: SACO-S Christer gardelli, 0920-49 18 09 christer.gardelli@ltu.se OFR-S Lars Frisk, 0920-49 17 92 lars.frisk@ltu.se
Luleå tekniska universitet actively works with equality and diversity, which contributes to a creative study and work environment. The university's core values are based on respect, openness, collaboration, trust, and responsibility.
Application We prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below, where you attach a cover letter as well as CV/meritförteckning and copies of verified degree certificates. Please mark your application with the reference number below. Both the application and degree certificates must be written in Swedish or English.
Reference number: 2447-2018
Last application date: 2018-10-10