PhD Candidate in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence

Luleå Tekniska Universitet · Full-time

Luleå, Sweden

Are you ready to take the next step in your academic journey? As a PhD candidate with us, you will work closely with leading researchers in a strong and international research environment, with access to advanced laboratory equipment and excellent funding opportunities. You will be offered secure employment, high-quality supervision, and space to grow both as a researcher and as a person. The research subject of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (RAI) at the Department of Systems and Space Technology at Luleå University of Technology is expanding and seeking a PhD candidate to strengthen research in intelligent soft robotic systems. Our international team conducts fundamental and applied research in aerial, space, field, and bio-inspired robotics, with a strong focus on translating advanced theory into robotic systems validated in real-world environments. Read more at https://www.ltu.se/forskning/forskningsamnen/robotik-och-ai?utm_source=chatgpt.com. Research Subject Description Robotics and Artificial Intelligence aims to develop new robotic systems characterized by advanced autonomy to enhance robots' ability to interact with their environment and people while performing specific tasks. Project Description You will join the RAI team and contribute to the development of next-generation soft robotic systems that can adapt to complex environments and uncertain interaction conditions. RAI's vision is to bridge the gap between theory and practical application, and the team has extensive expertise in field robotics. The research will combine theoretical development, simulation, and practical experiments. Relevant research directions include embodied intelligence, foundation models for adaptive soft robots, adaptive real-time control considering stiffness, robust autonomy for self-healing robotic platforms, and uncertainty-aware and predictive human-robot interaction. The work will be connected to national and international research and innovation projects. Duties As a PhD candidate, you will conduct both theoretical and experimental research as part of your doctoral education. The majority of your working time will be devoted to your own research. You will communicate your results through publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presentations at national and international conferences. The position may also include teaching, supervision of master's level thesis students, and participation in research funding applications. You will work within robot autonomy, and all activities will be linked to national, European, and international research and development projects. The position will include research in design, experimental validation, and theoretical development, with the following areas as relevant possible focus areas: Embodied Intelligence for Soft Robotic Systems Foundation Models for Adaptive Soft Robots Adaptive Real-Time Control Considering Stiffness Robust Autonomy for Self-Healing Soft Robotic Platforms Uncertainty-Aware and Predictive Human-Robot Interaction Qualifications To be eligible for the position, you must have a master's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, or a related field. Strong scientific competence, documented experience with practical experimental work, and excellent communication skills are highly meriting. You will represent the research group in various contexts, both in Sweden and internationally, and therefore excellent knowledge of English is required. Experience in one or more of the following areas is meriting: soft or bio-inspired robotics, robot control, artificial intelligence or machine learning, modeling and simulation, experimental robotics, and scientific programming. Previous scientific publications or experience from research and development projects are also meriting. We value candidates who are analytical, self-driven, and can work both independently and as part of an international research team. For further information about doctoral education, see http://www.ltu.se/research/Utbildning-pa-forskarniva/Studieplaner/Allmanna-studieplaner-Teknisk-fakultetsnamnd Information The position as PhD candidate is time-limited to four years. Teaching and other departmental work may be included up to a maximum of 20 percent. Location: Luleå. Start date according to agreement. For each position, a preliminary salary level is indicated based on the position's requirements, responsibilities, and market conditions, see https://www.ltu.se/om-universitetet/arbeta-hos-oss/att-soka-en-anstallning#h-Informationomlonetransparens. For further information about the position, contact subject representative professor George Nikolakopoulos, 0920 49 1298, mailto:[email protected]. https://www.ltu.se/om-universitetet/arbeta-hos-oss/att-soka-en-anstallning#h-Fackligakontaktpersoner Application We prefer that you apply for the position using the application button below where you attach a personal letter, CV/list of qualifications, and copies of verified diplomas. Please mark your application with the reference number below. Both the application and diplomas must be written in Swedish or English. Application Deadline: October 7, 2026 Reference Number: 4815-2026