PhD student in robotics and artificial intelligence
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.
Robotics and artificial intelligence, RAI, at the Department of Systems and Space Technology at Luleå tekniska universitet is now seeking a PhD student to contribute to our growing operations. The RAI team conducts fundamental and principled research in all aspects of robotics with a specific focus on aerial, space, and bio-inspired robotics.
Subject description
Robotics and artificial intelligence aims to develop new robot systems characterized by advanced autonomy to improve the robots' ability to interact with the environment and humans during the execution of specific tasks.
Project description
RAI's vision is to bridge the gap between theory and reality, and the team has a strong background in field robotics. Application areas we focus on are robotics for mines, aerial inspection of aging infrastructure, multi-robot search and rescue for emergency services, and similar. Furthermore, we work with multi-sensor fusion and multi-robot coordination, which includes environmental perception, decentralization, and execution of specified missions for multi-robot systems.
Tasks
You will perform research with experimental elements that are published in internationally recognized academic journals as well as at major conferences. You will also work with the supervision of degree projects, teaching assistance, and support in applying for funds for future research projects from research-funding agencies/councils, EU projects, or industry.
As a PhD student, you will work within autonomous robot systems, and the activities will be linked to national, European, and global R&D projects. The PhD position will include compact research activities within design, experimentation, and theory development:
Autonomous navigation of autonomous underwater robots in aquatic environments
- Optimization-based path planning in aquatic environments
- State estimation and sensor fusion for localization and mapping
- Reactive terrain-aware navigation in dynamic and unstructured environments
- Experimental validation on robot platforms in the field
Qualifications
To be qualified for the PhD position, you must have a five-year university degree in computer engineering, engineering physics, or another relevant subject. Good scientific skills and excellence in experimental research, as well as good communicative ability in speech and writing. You will represent the group in various contexts, both in Sweden and abroad; therefore, very good knowledge of English is a requirement.
For further information about specific doctoral studies, see http://www.ltu.se/research/Utbildning-pa-forskarniva/Studieplaner/Allmanna-studieplaner-Teknisk-fakultetsnamnd
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. Place of work Luleå and commencement by agreement.
For further information, please contact:
George Nikolakopoulos, professor and subject representative, 0920-49 1298, geonik@ltu.se
Union representative:
SACO-S Diana Chroneer, 0920-49 2037 mailto:diana.chroneer@ltu.se
OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, 0920-49 1721 mailto:marika.vesterberg@ltu.se
Application
We prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below, where you attach a cover letter as well as CV/curriculum vitae with scientific merits, at least two references, and copies of verified degree certificates. The degree certificates must be written in Swedish or English. The application must be written in English. Please mark your application with the reference number below.
Last application date: August 31, 2026
Reference number: 3987-2026