Doctoral student in Computer Science with focus on Robotics and Human-Robot Interaction - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Engineering, Lund University, is currently accepting applications for a fully funded PhD position (4 years full-time), starting at the earliest convenience. We are seeking a candidate with a keen interest in Robotics and Autonomous Systems, focusing specifically on Human-Robot Interaction.

Description of the workplace

The position at Lund University's Dept. of Computer Science is supervised by Assoc. Prof. Elin A. Topp and Assoc. University Lecturer Maj Stenmark, within the research group for Human-Robot Interaction, a part of the Robotics and Semantic Systems (RSS) division. More information at https://cs.lth.se/english and https://rss.cs.lth.se. 

RSS is a growing division with collaborating groups with research and teaching in AI, Machine Learning, Robotics and Robotic Learning, Human-Robot Interaction, and Natural Language Processing. Together with the Dept. of Automatic Control, the division operates RobotLab LTH (https://robotics.lth.se), which grants access to many types of robots.

The focus of the PhD project will be human-robot collaboration, specifically investigating robot-to-human handover tasks, e.g. for surgical instruments. A detailed description of the project can be found at https://cs.lth.se/topp-elinanna/phd-project/. The project is funded by WASP and connected to the WASP Research Arena “Robotics”, providing ample opportunity for data collection and result demonstrations in addition to our own facilities at Lund University.

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 will also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%),

In addition to these general duties, you are expected to:

• Participate in WASP’s graduate school activities (courses, study trips, national events and conferences, etc), which includes regular travel.
• Participate in activities (data collection, demonstration, integration) in the WASP Research Arena “WARA-Robotics”.
• Engage in the division’s internal activities (seminar series, reading groups, etc).
• Contribute to the department’s and division’s efforts in undergraduate teaching.

Admission requirements 

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

• 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 in Computer Science if the applicant has:

• at least 60 second-cycle credits at an advanced level with relevance for the research topic, or 
• an MSc in Engineering in Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Engineering Physics, or Engineering Mathematics. 

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

Additional requirements

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Strong mathematical skills.
• Good coding skills.

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: 

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study.
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
3. Written and oral communication skills.
4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience. 

Other assessment criteria

• 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.

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

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. At the RSS division, you will find:

• A custom-tailored curriculum to prepare you for a career in robotics research for universities and companies.
• A creative, diversified, and collaborative working environment in one of the world's most innovative and most liveable areas.
• Opportunities for participating in international research conferences and for connecting with scientists and practitioners around the world.
• Access to activities and events within Sweden’s largest research funding programme and its graduate school, WASP (The Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program, https://wasp-sweden.org).
• Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University 

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 §§.

How to apply

Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. 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.).

Welcome to apply!