PhD student in distributed computer systems
Are you ready to take the next step in your academic journey? As a PhD student with us, you will get to work closely with leading researchers in a strong and international research environment, with access to advanced laboratory equipment and good funding opportunities. You are offered a secure employment, high-quality supervision, and space to grow, both as a researcher and as a person.
In the coming years, we see that the use of AI in the Nordics, especially in Sweden, Finland, and Norway, can contribute to a more efficient, more inclusive, and sustainable healthcare system by creating equitable access to high-quality care, even for people living in remote and sparsely populated areas. This is evident, among other things, from the multi-billion dollar investments being made in Norrbotten and Västerbotten, in projects aimed at creating a more sustainable society. Luleå tekniska universitet (LTU) participates in several of these highly topical research projects and in the societal transformation that follows the development of AI-driven smart healthcare solutions.
The position is located at the Institutionen för system- och rymdteknik, Avdelningen för datavetenskap, at Luleå tekniska universitet (LTU), Campus Skellefteå, focusing on AI within healthcare for the development of smart healthcare solutions in the Nordics. You will work in an active research group with close collaboration with other universities in the Nordics as well as municipalities and industry partners regarding real-world use cases for e-health solutions. The research includes software systems, distributed systems, network technology, and advanced data analysis. The opportunity to complete a doctoral education in a dynamic and international research environment in collaboration with municipalities and industry in the Nordics. Doctoral studies at an institution that is active and supportive in issues such as working conditions, equality, and diversity, as well as the study and work environment.
Subject Description
Distributed computer systems encompass computer systems and mobile networks that enable mobility, ambience, security, and interactivity for computers, data, software, and users.
Project Description
The project is carried out in collaboration between LTU in Sweden, Nord universitet in Norway, and Kajani universitet in Finland. The scientific work focuses on information and communication technology (IKT/IoT) architectures for data collection, data processing, and data analysis to extract information from complex contexts through statistical models, machine learning methods (ML), and artificial intelligence (AI). This includes work on performance, scalability, and resilience in platform architectures as well as algorithm performance within AI/ML. The thematic areas addressed are the future's new smart healthcare solutions and e-health processes. This includes activity recognition using sensors and IoT infrastructure, identification/detection of anomalies, prediction/forecasting of human behavior, as well as digital tools to improve healthcare processes. The work is conducted in close collaboration with municipalities and industry partners, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMF).
Tasks
You will take doctoral courses while simultaneously conducting dissertation work in the form of literature studies, scientific articles, design studies, construction and programming tasks, theory development, analyses, and presentations. The research area is interdisciplinary and has both scientific and applied character. The scientific work is presented in English in articles in scientific journals and at international conferences.
Qualifications
Eligibility for studies at the doctoral level is granted to those who have completed a degree at an advanced level, have fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits are at an advanced level, or have in some other way acquired primarily equivalent knowledge within or outside the country. We are looking for a skilled, analytical, and motivated colleague who can conduct advanced research both independently and in collaboration with others in our research group. You should have good knowledge of software development and computer science, as well as a good ability to communicate orally and in writing in English. Additional knowledge in mathematics, ICT/IoT-architectures, and Swedish is meritorious. Previous research experience and publications are also meritorious.
Selection among applicants who meet the requirements shall be made with regard to their ability to undertake the education. LTU's local guidelines in the admission order for doctoral-level education shall also be applied. For selection to doctoral studies in Distributed computer systems, the following selection criteria apply: a) Good knowledge of English; b) Good knowledge of software engineering; c) Ability to independently drive the work forward; d) Ability to collaborate; f) Ability to analyze and work with complex issues.
For further information about specific doctoral education, see: http://www.ltu.se/research/Utbildning-pa-forskarniva/Studieplaner/Allmanna-studieplaner-Teknisk-fakultetsnamnd
Information
The doctoral employment is time-limited to four years of full-time studies with placement in Skellefteå. As a doctoral student, you can, to a limited extent (at most 20%), perform institutional work, such as teaching and administration, which extends the employment by the corresponding time. Place of work: Skellefteå. Start date by agreement.
The salary is determined according to the current salary scale applied to doctoral students at Luleå tekniska universitet. For each position, a preliminary https://www.ltu.se/om-universitetet/arbeta-hos-oss/att-soka-en-anstallning#h-Informationomlonetransparens is indicated, based on the requirements, responsibilities, and market position of the position.
For further information, you are welcome to contact
Biträdande professor Saguna Saguna, 0910-585385, mailto:saguna.saguna@ltu.se
Professor and subject representative Christer Åhlund, 0910-585331, mailto:christer.åhlund@ltu.se.
https://www.ltu.se/om-universitetet/arbeta-hos-oss/att-soka-en-anstallning#h-Fackligakontaktpersoner
Application
Applications are made via Luleå tekniska universitet's recruitment system. We prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below, where you attach a personal letter as well as CV/merit list and copies of verified degree certificates. Copies (maximum 3) of previously published scientific articles may be attached. Please mark your application with the reference number below. Both the application and degree certificates must be written in Swedish or English.
Reference number: 4702-2026
Application deadline: October 21, 2026