PhD student in machine design
Are you ready to take the next step in your academic journey? As a PhD student with us, you will 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 secure employment, high-quality supervision, and space to grow, both as a researcher and as a person.
Do you want to be part of contributing to the future of autonomous systems that surpass human capabilities?
You will belong to the research area machine design at the department of product and production development, which belongs to the department of engineering sciences and mathematics. Here, research is conducted in product development, simulation-driven design, automation of machine tools, as well as modeling & simulation. The research group consists of four seniors and six PhD students and has access to relevant research infrastructure. The research group also collaborates with other universities, institutes, and companies both nationally and internationally.
Subject description
Machine design encompasses, for technical systems, simulation-driven product development, modeling and simulation, product development methodology, and product information management. Models, methods, processes, and tools for product development are central to the subject.
Project description
The PhD project aims to develop methods and a modular system architecture for safe collaboration between autonomous terrain-going machines. The research covers how overall missions can be broken down into prioritized and coordinated machine tasks, such as navigation, material handling, and inspection. Particular focus is placed on how tasks can be replanned when the environment, the machines' state, or communication conditions change. The project will also develop safety functions that detect humans, obstacles, collision risks, and system failures, as well as activate appropriate measures, such as replanning, speed limitation, or a safe stop. The methods are integrated into a common architecture for planning, perception, control, communication, and safety. The results are intended to contribute to useful methods for cost-effective development and validation of robust, safe, and collaborative autonomous machines.
Tasks
A PhD position involves both theoretical and practical work. As a PhD student, you will be trained in scientific work in the form of publishing scientific articles in journals and at national and international conferences. You will also take mandatory and elective doctoral courses. Additionally, you may have the opportunity to try the teaching role. As a researcher, you work as a neutral party in many contexts, which provides a fantastic opportunity to learn how to drive challenging development projects. The work will more specifically involve the development of various autonomous sub-solutions (primarily software-based) that are implemented, tested, and demonstrated using the terrain vehicle research platform AORO.
Qualifications
University degree (MSc or equivalent) in mechanical engineering, robotics, production engineering, or similar. You should have a great interest, curiosity, and passion for research, and we highly value your personality and individual qualities. Experience working with kinematics, dynamics, programming, safety, and CAD modeling is meritorious. Knowledge of AI-supported automation is particularly meritorious. Applicants must be proficient in English, both spoken and written. Since teaching is conducted within machine design, experience with CAD is meritorious.
In the evaluation of candidates, Luleå tekniska universitets employee policy and equality goals are considered. For further information about doctoral education in machine design, see https://www.ltu.se/download/18.6120293198bb793ef77acc/1755591663569/Allm%C3%A4n%20studieplan%20Maskinkonstruktion%202024-11-28.adm.just.2025-08-19.pdf
Information
Employment as a PhD student is time-limited to 4 years; teaching and other departmental duties may be added up to 20% of full-time. The place of work is Luleå and intended start date is by agreement.
For further information, please contact Professor Magnus Karlberg, 0920-49 2418, mailto:magnus.karlberg@ltu.se
https://www.ltu.se/om-universitetet/arbeta-hos-oss/att-soka-en-anstallning#h-Fackligakontaktpersoner
Application
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. Please mark your application with the reference number below. Both the application and degree certificates must be written in Swedish or English.
Last application date: November 5, 2026
Reference number: 5393-2026