The Robotics and Artificial Intelligence subject at the department of Computer Science and Electrical and Space Engineering at Luleå University of Technology, is now looking for one PhD student contributing to our growing activities. The Robotics and AI team is conducting fundamental research in all the aspects of robotics with a specific focus on aerial, space and bioinspired robotics. Our vision is aiming in closing the gap from theory to real life, while the team has a strong expertise in field robotics. Specific application areas of focus are robotics for mines, aerial inspection of aging infrastructure, multi-robotic search and rescue, multi sensorial fusion and multirobot coordination, including multirobot perception, decentralization and mission execution. We have a strong European participation in multiple R&D&I projects, while RAI is also participating in the DARPA SUB-T challenge with the CoSTAR Team lead by NASA/JPL.

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.

Duties
As a PhD you will perform research with substantial theoretical and experimental components that should be published in peer-reviewed major international journals and at major conferences. The position will include supervision of MSc and to assist in grant applications from research funding agencies/councils, the EU framework program or the industry. The position might also involve teaching assistance, seminars and presentations.

You will be working in the field of space robotics and their activities will be linked with National, European and worldwide R&D Projects.

The research topic is in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence. More specifically, the position will involve dense research activities in the area of designing, experimenting and theoretical control development in the following research areas:

Research Areas:

1.Multiple spacecraft formation flying
- Collaborative rendezvous and proximity operation with multiple spacecrafts.
- Learning-based motion planning for satellite swarming.
- Intelligent task planning and decision-making for collaborative mission execution.
- Autonomous reconfiguration of spacecraft formation and risk aware planning.

2.Neuromorphic Engineering for Robotics.
- Neuromorphic computing for large-scale optimization in multi-agent robotics.
- Resource-efficient closed-loop control with Neuromorphic Engineering.
- Novel sensor fusion algorithms for event-based neuromorphic cameras and conventional sensors.
- Design of neuromorphic closed-loop architectures with integrated sensing, processing and actuation on neuromorphic hardware.

For further information about a specific subject see general curricula for the Board of the faculty of science and technology

Qualifications
To be qualified for the position, you must have a MSc degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering or Computer Science or related subject. Perfect scientific skills with excellence in real life experimentation, as well as very good communication skills are considered as a strong plus. You will represent the group in different occasions, both in Sweden and world-wide, hence very good knowledge in English is a must.

Information
Employment as a PhD student is limited to 4 years, teaching and other department duties may be added with max 20%. Placement: Luleå. Starting according to agreement.

For further information please contact Chaired Professor George Nikolakopoulos +46 920 491298, geonik@ltu.se

Union representatives:  SACO-S Kjell Johansson kjell.johansson@ltu.se +46 (0)920-491529, OFR-S Lars Frisk, Lars.Frisk@ltu.se +46 (0)920-491792

In case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of 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 with a full description of all the scientific merits of the candidate, motivation letter, list of two persons that could provide you recommendations and copies of verified diplomas from high school and universities. The diplomas must be written in Swedish or English. Preferably write your application in English. Mark your application with the reference number below.

Final day to apply: April 10, 2023
Reference number: 1241-2023