PhD Student in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence

Are you ready to take the next step in your academic journey? As a doctoral student with us, you will work closely with leading researchers in a strong, international research environment, with access to advanced laboratory equipment and solid funding opportunities. You will be offered secure employment, high-quality supervision, and room to grow, both as a researcher and as a person.
Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, RAI, at the Deaprtment of Computer Science, Electrical and Space Engineeering at Luleå University of Technology is now looking for a PhD student to contribute to our growing activities. The RAI team conducts basic and fundamental research into all aspects of robotics, with a specific focus on aerial, space and bio-inspired robotics.

Subject description
Robotics and artificial intelligence aim to develop novel robotic systems that are characterised by advanced autonomy for improving the ability of robots to interact with the surrounding environment and humans during the execution of specific tasks.

Project description
RAI's fundamental vision is to bridge the gap between theory and reality, and the team has a strong background in field robotics. Specific application areas we focus on include long-term autonomous missions in large and uncertain environments, semantic mission planning using foundation models, agentic task decomposition and event-driven replanning, and autonomous, semantically aware inspection of complex infrastructure. The RAI team has strong European and national participation in several research, development and innovation projects.

Duties
As a PhD student, you will conduct research with substantial theoretical and experimental components, to be published in peer-reviewed, internationally recognized journals and at major conferences. The position includes supervising degree projects and providing support with applications for funding from research funding agencies or councils, EU framework programmes 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 research and development projects. The PhD position will involve intensive research activities in field experimentation and theoretical development. Research areas:

Long-term autonomy in uncertain environments
a. Agentic planning and reasoning
- Semantic mission planning using foundation models
- Task decomposition based on foundation models
- Event-driven task replanning

b. Autonomous inspection planning
- Uncertainty aware planning
- Multi-agent systems for inspection planning

Qualifications
To qualify for the position, you must hold a master's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science or another relevant subject. Good knowledge of C++, Python and ROS 2 is required. Good scientific skills, with demonstrated proficiency in experimental research, and very good communication skills are an advantage. You will represent the group in various contexts, both in Sweden and abroad, so very good knowledge of English is required.

For further information about a specific subject see General syllabus for the Board of the faculty of science and technology.

Further information
Employment as a PhD student is limited to four years. Teaching and other departmental duties may be added, up to 20% of full-time working hours. The place of work is Luleå, and the starting date is by agreement.

For each position, a preliminary salary range is provided based on the requirements, responsibilities, and market conditions associated with the role.

For further information, please contact:
George Nikolakopoulos, Chaired Professor, +46 920-49 1298 geonik@ltu.se

Union representatives

In case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions o this announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

Application
We prefer that you apply for this position by clicking on the apply button below. The application should include a CV, personal letter and copies of verified diplomas from high school and universities. Mark your application with the reference number below. Your application, including diplomas, must be written in English or Swedish.

Closing date for applications: 7 December 2026
Reference number: 5833-2026