Postdoctoral Researcher in Autonomous Systems

Försvarshögskolan · plný úvazek

Drottning Kristinas väg 37, Stockholm, Švédsko

The Swedish Defence University's (FHS) Land Centre at FHS Institute for Warfare is seeking a postdoctoral researcher specializing in unmanned systems (UxS) and manned-unmanned teaming in land warfare. The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to a research project focusing on the growing significance of unmanned vehicles in unit contexts and how these can be integrated into future land warfare units. The project particularly emphasizes the interaction between manned and unmanned platforms ("manned–unmanned teaming") in future maneuver forces. Of particular interest is creating a comprehensive understanding of how unmanned systems interact with manned units, command systems, and other capabilities within an integrated combat system. The project may include Swedish and international case studies, doctrine and tactics analysis, modeling and simulation, games/experiments, or other methods appropriate for addressing research questions. The goal is to produce knowledge that can support the design and development of future Swedish land warfare units, with particular focus on the Swedish Armed Forces' needs. A central theme is the integration of manned combat vehicles, ground-based unmanned systems, and aerial unmanned systems in the land domain, with both lighter and heavier platforms and various weapon systems. The project examines how this mix affects organization, tactics, command, sensors, weapon systems, logistics, and vulnerability. The Swedish Defence University's Land Centre and FHS Institute for Warfare (IFK) primarily conduct research and development for the military defense sector. Our contributions may focus on capability development, competence development, knowledge development, and building systems for military flexibility. IFK is a meeting place and platform for collaboration within the Swedish Defence University and with the Swedish Armed Forces, as well as with other partners in the defense sector both nationally and internationally. The Land Centre has a specific responsibility for the land domain. The position will be based at the Department of Defence Systems. Defence Systems is a subject at the intersection of social science and engineering. Research and teaching within this field concern systems that contribute to or affect society's defense, incorporating both technical and social components. In Defence Systems, the premise is that technical and social components cannot be studied in isolation from each other. The focus is on studying the development, procurement, and use of technology and materiel for defense and security. The project is conducted in close collaboration with the Swedish Armed Forces and the Army, and results are expected to contribute directly to their unit and concept development. Duties The primary responsibility is to contribute to the research project through conducting independent research and collaborative research with other project members. The work has a clearly applied focus where you, together with other project members, develop materials, analyses, and recommendations that are directly applicable to the Swedish Armed Forces. Your duties include disseminating knowledge through publishing scientific articles and presenting research results, for example at international conferences. Additional responsibilities include lecturing in relevant courses, seminars, and workshops at the Swedish Armed Forces, particularly the Army, participating in reporting seminars with the Swedish Armed Forces, and being prepared to support relevant studies, workshops, and training activities within the Swedish Armed Forces as requested. Up to 20% of the position involves teaching. What We Are Looking For You must have completed a doctoral degree or a foreign degree assessed as equivalent to a Swedish doctorate in a subject relevant to the project. Great emphasis will be placed on the relevance of your degree to the research project. Priority will be given to applicants who completed their doctorate no more than three years before the application deadline. Ability to independently conduct research within the framework of the research project. Strong knowledge within the research area. Knowledge of unmanned systems (UxS) and manned-unmanned teaming in land warfare is a merit. Ability to communicate research results to the Swedish Armed Forces, particularly the Army, in a clear and audience-appropriate manner. Advanced-level English language skills. Knowledge of Swedish is a merit. Interest in, and preferably experience with, conducting practice-oriented research in close collaboration with the Swedish Armed Forces, particularly the Army. We value strong collaborative abilities, high social competence, and comfort working with new people. You are self-driven and take responsibility for your tasks. You are further organized and analytical. Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities. You thrive in an environment where researchers, officers, and other practitioners work closely together. To thrive with us, you need to be engaged and present, and you want to contribute to the Swedish Defence University's professional development, collegial collaborative culture, and social cohesion. It comes naturally to you to share your knowledge and contribute to creating a rewarding and good work environment. About the Position This is a fixed-term full-time position for two years with the possibility of a one-year extension depending on funding. This position is placed in a security classification. Security vetting with record check will be conducted prior to employment according to the Security Protection Act (2018:585). For the security vetting, certified copies of relevant education and service certificates will be requested. The position may involve war placement. If you are already war-placed in your current position at an authority and your competence is needed in the Swedish Defence University's war organization, negotiation will take place between the relevant authority and the Swedish Defence University regarding your placement location. Start Date By agreement. Salary and Benefits The Swedish Defence University applies individual salary setting. https://www.fhs.se/om-forsvarshogskolan/jobba-hos-oss/formaner.html Application Your application should include: a personal letter explaining your motivation for applying for this position your CV including publication list and (planned) date of doctoral degree a research plan (maximum 2 pages) where you describe your research interests and your approach to this project description of specific relevant projects in which you have participated your previous publications relevant to the position (maximum 10) Please submit your application via the Swedish Defence University's recruitment system. We welcome your application by September 23, 2026!