George Nikolakopoulos

Luleå University of Technology is a rapidly growing institution with world-leading expertise in several research areas. The Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (RAI) group, part of the Department of Computer Science, Electrical and Space Engineering, is seeking a motivated PhD student to join their dynamic team. The RAI group conducts fundamental and applied research in robotics, with a particular emphasis on aerial, space, and bioinspired robotics. Their vision is to bridge the gap between theoretical advances and real-world applications, with strong involvement in European and national RDI projects. The PhD project will focus on the development of advanced autonomous robotic systems, aiming to enhance robots' abilities to interact with their environments and humans during complex tasks. Application areas include robotics for mining, aerial inspection of aging infrastructure, multi-robotic search and rescue, sensor fusion, and multi-robot coordination. Research topics span 5G/6G connectivity, control of communication networks, Markovian processes, network-based localisation, mesh networking, wireless sensor networks, edge computing, time-delayed systems, and adaptive queuing. The position involves both theoretical and experimental research, with expectations to publish in major international journals and conferences. Additional duties may include supervising MSc students, assisting with grant applications, and participating in teaching and seminars. The successful candidate will work closely with national and international partners, contributing to cutting-edge R&D projects in robotic autonomy. Applicants must have an MSc degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field. Strong scientific skills, hands-on experimental experience, and excellent communication abilities are essential. Fluency in English is required, as the candidate will represent the group in various international settings. The position is fully funded for four years, with possible extension for departmental duties. The application should include a CV, motivation letter, contact details for two referees, and verified diplomas in Swedish or English. The deadline for applications is 27 April 2026. For further information, contact Professor George Nikolakopoulos at george.nikolakopoulos@ltu.se. Apply online using the provided link and reference number 2450-2026.

Luleå University of Technology is seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (RAI) group within the Department of Computer Science, Electrical and Space Engineering. The RAI team is internationally recognized for its research in robotics, with a particular emphasis on aerial, space, and bioinspired robotics. The group is engaged in cutting-edge research projects at the national and European levels, collaborating closely with industry and academic partners. The PhD project will focus on advancing the autonomy of robotic systems, especially in extreme and challenging environments. Research areas include field robotics for mining, aerial inspection of aging infrastructure, multi-robotic search and rescue, sensor fusion, decentralized mission execution, and perception in sensor-degraded environments. Specific topics may involve navigation through unknown environments, rapid dynamics-based planning, semantic exploration, source localization, scene awareness, and mission-specific modules such as autonomous firefighting and rescue operations. The successful candidate will conduct both theoretical and experimental research, aiming to publish in leading international journals and conferences. Responsibilities also include supervising MSc students, assisting with grant applications, and potentially participating in teaching and seminars. The position is fully funded for four years, with the possibility of additional departmental duties (up to 20%). Applicants must hold a MSc degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field. Strong scientific skills, hands-on experimental experience, excellent communication abilities, and fluency in English are required. The application should include a CV, motivation letter, contact details for two referees, and verified diplomas (in Swedish or English). The position is based in Luleå, Sweden, with a flexible start date by agreement. The application deadline is 11 May 2026. For further information, contact Professor George Nikolakopoulos at [email protected]

The Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (RAI) subject at the Department of Computer Science and Electrical and Space Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, invites applications for a PhD student position. The RAI team is renowned for its fundamental research across all aspects of robotics, with particular emphasis on aerial, space, and bioinspired robotics. The group’s vision is to bridge the gap between theoretical advances and real-world applications, leveraging strong expertise in field robotics and active participation in European and national R&D projects. Research in RAI focuses on developing novel robotic systems characterized by advanced autonomy, enhancing robots’ ability to interact with environments and humans during task execution. Application areas include robotics for mining, aerial inspection of aging infrastructure, multi-robotic search and rescue, sensor fusion, multi-robot coordination, perception, decentralization, and mission execution. The position offers opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge projects with national, European, and global impact. As a PhD student, you will engage in research with substantial theoretical and experimental components, aiming to publish in major international journals and conferences. Duties include supervision of MSc students, assisting in grant applications, and participating in teaching, seminars, and presentations. The research topic centers on robotic autonomy, with dense activities in designing, experimenting, and theoretical development. Key research directions include: Autonomous underwater robot navigation in aquatic environments Optimization-based path planning State estimation and sensor fusion for localization and mapping Reactive terrain-aware navigation in dynamic and unstructured environments Experimental validation on robotic platforms Employment is limited to four years, with possible extension for teaching and departmental duties (up to 20%). The position is based in Luleå, Sweden, with a flexible start date by agreement. You will represent the group at national and international events, requiring excellent communication skills and proficiency in English. Eligibility: Applicants must hold an MSc degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Agricultural Engineering, or a related subject. Strong scientific skills, real-life experimentation experience, and very good English proficiency are essential. The application should include a CV with a full description of scientific merits, a motivation letter, a list of two referees, and copies of verified diplomas (in Swedish or English). Application Process: Apply online via the provided link, marking your application with reference number 3987-2026. The deadline for applications is 31 August 2026. For further information, contact Chaired Professor George Nikolakopoulos at george.nikolakopoulos@ltu.se. This position offers a unique opportunity to join a dynamic research team and contribute to the advancement of robotics and artificial intelligence in real-world settings.

The Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (RAI) subject at the Department of Computer Science and Electrical and Space Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, invites applications for a PhD student position. The RAI team is renowned for its fundamental research in robotics, with a special emphasis on aerial, space, and bioinspired robotics. The group’s vision is to bridge the gap between theoretical advances and real-world applications, leveraging strong expertise in field robotics and active participation in European and national R&D projects. The research focus is on developing novel robotic systems characterized by advanced autonomy, enhancing robots’ ability to interact with their environment and humans during task execution. Key application areas include multi-robot collaboration, autonomous search-and-rescue, robotics in mining, and intelligent autonomous swarms. The thematic area is centered on Connected Swarms, encompassing network-aware swarm logic, distributed multi-robot collaboration, human-swarm interaction, intention-aware swarms, ad-hoc mesh connectivity and communication, and multi-role coordination (including UAVs, UGVs, and payloads). As a PhD student, you will conduct research with substantial theoretical and experimental components, aiming for publication in major international journals and conferences. Duties include supervision of MSc students, assisting in grant applications to research funding agencies, the EU framework program, or industry, and may involve teaching assistance, seminars, and presentations. All activities are linked to national, European, and global R&D projects. Eligibility requires an MSc degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related subject. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in C++, Python, and ROS 2. Strong scientific skills, proven excellence in real-life experimentation, and excellent communication skills are highly valued. A very good command of English is essential, as you will represent the group in Sweden and internationally. The position is limited to four years, with the possibility of up to 20% additional departmental duties. Placement is in Luleå, Sweden, with a flexible start date according to agreement. For further information, contact Chaired Professor George Nikolakopoulos at george.nikolakopoulos@ltu.se. Union representatives are also available for consultation. To apply, submit your application online via the provided link. Your application should include a CV detailing all scientific merits, a motivation letter, a list of two referees, and copies of verified diplomas from high school and university (in Swedish or English). Mark your application with reference number 3812-2026. The final day to apply is 16 August 2026. This opportunity offers a dynamic research environment within a leading robotics team, with access to cutting-edge projects and international collaborations. Candidates passionate about robotics, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems are encouraged to apply.