Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (RAI) at the Department of Systems and Space Engineering at Luleå University of Technology is now seeking a doctoral student to contribute to our growing program. 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 robotic systems characterized by advanced autonomy to improve robots’ ability to interact with their environment and people while performing specific tasks.
Project Description
RAI’s vision is to bridge the gap between theory and reality, and the team possesses strong expertise in field robotics. Specific areas of focus include long-term autonomous missions in large and uncertain environments, semantic mission planning using foundation models, agent-based task decomposition and event-driven replanning, as well as autonomous, semantically aware inspection of complex infrastructure. The RAI team is actively involved in several European and national R&D&I projects.
Job Responsibilities
As a doctoral student, you will conduct research with significant theoretical and experimental components to be published in leading international peer-reviewed journals and presented at major conferences. The position includes supervising undergraduate theses and providing support for grant applications to research funding agencies/councils, the EU’s Framework Programs, or industry. The position may also include teaching assistance, seminars, and presentations.
You will work in the field of robot autonomy, and all activities will be linked to national, European, and global R&D projects. The doctoral position will involve extensive research activities in design, experimentation, and theoretical development.
Research areas:
- Long-term autonomy in uncertain environments
- a. Planning and Reasoning under Uncertainty
- Decision Making under Uncertainty
- Decentralized Planning and Coordination for Multi-Agent Systems
- b. Mapping and scene representations
- Dynamic scene graphs that model uncertainty
- Unified situational awareness for multi-robot systems in large and degraded environments
Qualifications
To be eligible for this position, you must hold a master’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, or another relevant field. Proficiency in C++, Python, and ROS 2 is required. Strong scientific skills with demonstrated excellence in experimental research, as well as very good communication skills, are highly desirable. You will represent the group in various contexts, both in Sweden and abroad, which is why very good English skills are a requirement.
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, amounting to up to 20%. The position is based in Luleå, with a start date to be agreed upon.
For further information, please contact:
George Nikolakopoulos, professor and department representative, 0920-49 1298 mailto: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 using the application button below. Your application must include a resume with a complete description of your academic qualifications, a cover letter, a list of two individuals who can provide references for you, and copies of verified high school and university diplomas. Degree certificates must be written in Swedish or English. Your application must be written in Swedish or English. Please mark your application with the reference number below.
Application deadline: October 1, 2026
Reference number: 4646-2026