Take the opportunity to pursue your Ph.D. in a collaborative and international research environment at Luleå University of Technology. The research area of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) studies integrated software and application architectures for massively distributed embedded systems across the entire IoT–Edge–Cloud continuum. The field combines research in distributed and decentralized architectures, semantic interoperability, AI-supported decision-making, and adaptive hardware platforms. The research is conducted in close collaboration with industry, European research initiatives, and international academic partners.
Subject Description
Cyber-physical systems focus on integrated software and application architectures with implementations of highly distributed embedded systems that interact with each other and their environment to enable secure, goal-oriented, autonomous, and evolvable solutions.
Project Description
The Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) research group at Luleå University of Technology is currently establishing the CPS Lab, an experimental environment for research on connected, intelligent, and autonomous systems. The vision is to create a living laboratory where researchers, students, and industry partners can develop, deploy, and evaluate the cyber-physical systems of the future under realistic conditions.
The laboratory offers a unique environment where physical systems, digital infrastructure, and AI technologies converge. Researchers have access to industrial equipment and data, resources for edge and cloud-based computing, advanced AI infrastructure, and autonomous platforms, enabling experiments across the entire chain—from sensors and embedded systems to large-scale computing environments. The laboratory also serves as a test bed for new forms of human-AI collaboration, intelligent decision support, adaptive user experiences, and reliable autonomous systems.
The research is conducted in close collaboration with industry partners and addresses challenges in areas such as manufacturing, energy, transportation, and critical infrastructure. This position is particularly suitable for candidates who enjoy combining fundamental research with hands-on experimentation and who want to help shape the cyber-physical systems of the future.
Job Responsibilities
As a doctoral student, you will contribute to research on next-generation cyber-physical systems (CPS), where sensors, computation, communication, and decision-making are tightly integrated. Your work may encompass distributed systems, blockchain technology, industrial data sharing, reliable AI, cloud and edge computing, and the development of autonomous CPS. A key goal is to understand how complex systems can operate safely, efficiently, and intelligently in real-world environments. The CPS Lab will serve as the primary setting for your research.
You will communicate your research findings through scientific journals and at international conferences. Most of your working time will be devoted to your own research. The position involves both experimental and theoretical work, the development of software prototypes, the evaluation of distributed systems, and participation in research collaborations with senior researchers and industry partners. You will also contribute to teaching and mentoring activities.
Qualifications
To be eligible for this position, you must hold a master’s degree in computer science, software engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field.
Requirements:
-Strong programming skills
-Knowledge of distributed systems, computer networks, or embedded systems
-Ability to communicate in English, both verbally and in writing
Preferred qualifications (equally valued):
-Experience with distributed and decentralized systems
-Knowledge of cloud, edge, or IoT environments
-Experience with open-source software development
-Knowledge of orchestration, virtualization, or container technologies
-Experience with secure and scalable communication systems
-Knowledge of fault tolerance, resilience, or autonomous coordination in distributed systems
-Experience with software prototyping, system integration, or experimental evaluation &
We value collaboration, curiosity, and an interest in working in interdisciplinary and international research environments. You should be able to work independently while actively contributing to the research group’s collaborative efforts.
For further information on specific doctoral programs, see
http://www.ltu.se/research/Utbildning-pa-forskarniva/Studieplaner/Allmanna-studieplaner-Teknisk-fakultetsnamnd
Information
Employment as a doctoral student is limited to 4 years; teaching and other departmental duties may be added up to 20% of full-time hours. Work location: Luleå. Expected start date: by agreement.
For further information, please contact Professor Ulf Bodin, 0920-49 3036, mailto:ulf.bodin@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 using the application button below, where you should attach a cover letter, your resume, and copies of your verified diplomas. Please include the reference number below in your application. Both the application and your degree certificates must be written in Swedish or English.
Application deadline: July 17, 2026
Reference number: 4023-2026