In the coming years, we foresee that the use of AI in the Nordic region—particularly in Sweden, Finland, and Norway, can contribute to a more efficient, inclusive, and sustainable healthcare system by ensuring equal access to high-quality care, even for people living in remote and sparsely populated areas. This is evident, among other things, from the multi-billion-dollar investments being made in Norrbotten and Västerbotten in projects aimed at creating a more sustainable society. Luleå University of Technology (LTU) is participating in several of these cutting-edge research projects and in the societal transformation resulting from the development of AI-driven smart healthcare solutions.
The position is based at the Department of Systems and Space Engineering, Division of Computer Science, at Luleå University of Technology (LTU), Skellefteå Campus, with a focus on AI in healthcare for the development of smart healthcare solutions in the Nordic region. You will work in an active research group in close collaboration with other universities in the Nordic region, as well as municipalities and industry partners, on real-world use cases for e-health solutions. The research encompasses software systems, distributed systems, network technology, and advanced data analysis. Opportunity to pursue doctoral studies in a dynamic and international research environment in collaboration with municipalities and the business sector in the Nordic region. Doctoral studies at an institution that is active and supportive in matters such as working conditions, gender equality, and diversity, as well as the study and work environment
Program Description
Distributed computer systems encompass computer systems and mobile networks that enable mobility, ambient computing, security, and interactivity for computers, data, software, and users.
Project Description
The project is being carried out in collaboration between LTU in Sweden, Nord University in Norway, and the University of Kajaani in Finland. The research focuses on information and communication technology (ICT/IoT) architectures for data collection, data processing, and data analysis to extract information from complex contexts using statistical models, machine learning (ML) methods, and artificial intelligence (AI). This includes work on performance, scalability, and resilience in platform architectures, as well as algorithm performance in AI/ML. The thematic areas addressed are the new smart healthcare solutions and e-health processes of the future. This encompasses activity recognition using sensors and IoT infrastructure, identification/detection of anomalies, prediction/forecasting of human behavior, and digital tools to improve healthcare processes. The work is conducted in close collaboration with municipalities and industry partners, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
Job Responsibilities
You will take doctoral courses while conducting dissertation work in the form of literature reviews, scientific articles, design studies, engineering and programming tasks, theory development, analyses, and presentations. The research area is interdisciplinary and has both a scientific and an applied focus. The scientific work is presented in English in articles in scientific journals and at international conferences.
Qualifications
To be eligible for doctoral studies, a candidate must have earned a master’s degree, completed course requirements totaling at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits must be at the advanced level, or who has otherwise acquired essentially equivalent knowledge in Sweden or abroad. We are seeking a skilled, analytical, and motivated colleague who can conduct advanced research both independently and in collaboration with others in our research group. You should have strong knowledge of software development and computer science, as well as strong oral and written communication skills in English. Additional knowledge in mathematics, ICT/IoT architectures, and Swedish is desirable. Previous research experience and publications are also desirable.
Selection among applicants who meet the requirements will be based on their ability to benefit from the program. LTU’s local guidelines in the admission regulations for doctoral programs shall also apply. The following selection criteria apply to admission to the doctoral program in Distributed Computer Systems: a) Good knowledge of English; b) Good knowledge of software engineering; c) Ability to work independently and drive the work forward; d) Ability to collaborate; f) Ability to analyze and work with complex issues.
For further information on specific doctoral programs, see: http://www.ltu.se/research/Utbildning-pa-forskarniva/Studieplaner/Allmanna-studieplaner-Teknisk-fakultetsnamnd
Information
The doctoral position is limited to four years of full-time study and is based in Skellefteå. As a doctoral student, you may, to a limited extent (no more than 20%), perform departmental duties, such as teaching and administration, which will extend the appointment by a corresponding period. Location: Skellefteå. Start date to be agreed upon.
Salary is determined according to the current salary scale applied to doctoral students at Luleå University of Technology. A preliminary https://www.ltu.se/om-universitetet/arbeta-hos-oss/att-soka-en-anstallning#h-Informationomlonetransparens is provided for each position, based on the position’s requirements, responsibilities, and market conditions.
For further information, please feel free to contact
Assistant Professor Saguna Saguna, 0910-585385, mailto:saguna.saguna@ltu.se
Professor and Department Chair Christer Åhlund, 0910-585331, mailto:christer.åhlund@ltu.se.
https://www.ltu.se/om-universitetet/arbeta-hos-oss/att-soka-en-anstallning#h-Union Representatives
Application
Applications must be submitted via Luleå University of Technology’s recruitment system. We prefer that you apply for the position using the application button below, where you should attach a cover letter, your resume/CV, and copies of verified degree certificates. Copies (up to 3) of previously published scientific articles may be attached. Please include the reference number below in the subject line of your application. Both the application and degree certificates must be written in Swedish or English.
Reference number: 4702-2026
Application deadline: October 21, 2026