Doctoral student/-s in Computer Science, specially in Machine Learning and AI for Robotics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

We are offering one or more four-year PhD positions to qualified students with interest in Machine Learning with Robotics and Autonomous Systems as fields of application, at Lund University's Department of Computer Science [1], with funding provided by the Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Programme (WASP). The respective PhD projects will include close collaboration with other universities in Sweden.

We are looking for students with enthusiasm for working practically with robots, who have good theoretical and mathematical foundations and who want to help lead the way towards the next generation of robots that have the ability to think and learn from humans. The position may be extended up to five years if departmental duties are included with 20%.  

What we expect:

• Strong analytical skills

• Good mathematical skills
• Good coding skills
• Knowledge of (preferred) or willingness to learn C++, Python and Linux
• Background in one or more of the following: Software Engineering, Machine Learning, AI, Robotics or Computer Vision

• Strong interest in working on the above-mentioned topics for four (five) years
• The ability to work both independently and in small teams

What we offer:


• A custom-tailored curriculum to prepare you for a career in machine learning and robotics research for universities and companies
• A creative, diversified, and collaborative working environment in one of the world's most innovative and most livable areas [2]

• Integration into the WASP Graduate School [3], which offers regular opportunities (courses, workshops, international study trips) for learning more about AI, Machine Learning and closely related topics and linking up with interdisciplinary teams
• Opportunities for participating in international research conferences and for connecting with scientists and practitioners around the world
• Additional funding for equipment and travel
• Competitive compensation

[1] http://cs.lth.se/english

[2] http://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/about/work-at-lund-university/why-work-at-lund-university

[3] http://wasp-sweden.org/graduate-school/activities/

Project focus areas:

The PhD projects are all set within the area of Machine Learning in robotic applications, however, there are different focus areas we are targeting, such as

• Combining Deep Reinforcement Learning with a Knowledge Based approach for robotic skill representation,
• Robotic skill learning, e.g., for interactive perception

Research subject

Computer Science

Work duties

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties may also include 20% teaching in case of a 5 year PhD position.

Admission requirements

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Computer Science if he or she has either:

• 150 credits in mathematics, engineering, and science, including at least 60 advanced credits in computer science and an advanced project worth 30 credits, and of relevance to computer science, or
• An MSc in Engineering, or other advanced degree, including at least 60 credits in computer science related courses.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

(In Sweden, 60 credits correspond to one year of full time studies.)

Assessment criteria

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

Knowledge and skills relevant to the subject description above. An assessment of the ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems. Written and oral communication skills Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Terms of employment

Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position, which of the project focus areas sketched above you are mainly targeting, and in what way this research area corresponds to your interests and educational background. The cover letter should also describe your experience in coding, mathematics and your experience with robotics, AI, computer vision or machine learning. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

The candidate should be able to start the PhD studies no later than January 1, 2019.  We will review the applications on a rolling basis, please submit your application as soon as possible.