PhD Student in Automatic Control with Focus on Hygiene Technology

Luleå University of Technology is in strong growth with world-leading competence in several research areas. We shape the future through innovative education and ground-breaking research results, and based on the Arctic region, we create global social benefit. Our scientific and artistic research and education are conducted in close collaboration with international, national and regional companies, public actors and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has a total turnover of SEK 1.9 billion per year. We currently have 1,840 employees and 17,670 students.

In the coming years, multi-billion investments will be made in large projects in Northern Sweden to create a fossil-free society both nationally and globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these cutting-edge research projects and in the societal transformation that they entail. We offer a broad range of courses and study programmes to match the skills in demand. We hope that you will help us to build the sustainable companies and societies of the future.In the Department of Computer Science, Electrical and Space Engineering, the university has brought together research and education in electrical engineering, space technology, computer and systems science. We are now looking for a PhD student to grow our team and strengthen our research in the area of Automatic Control, where we focus on control and automation, dynamic modelling, instrumentation and system monitoring for various applications ranging from process control, clean energy, data center, health care, agriculture and structural engineering, to mention a few. We work in close collaboration with industry and stakeholders regionally and internationally. The Automatic Control group also has a strong link with the ProcessIT Innovations at Luleå University. ProcessIT Innovations is a collaboration center in northern Sweden that works to develop new technical solutions based on the needs in industry.

We are looking for an ambitious and creative researcher who wants to contribute to cutting edge research in control applications and mechatronics oriented towards the below profile area(s). The position as a PhD researcher provides ample opportunity for interaction with industry, participation in academic conferences, experience from scientific publishing and other personal and professional development. The project will be carried out at Luleå University of Technology’s campus in Luleå.

Subject description
Automatic Control comprises the analysis and synthesis of models and model-based algorithms for control, estimation, and monitoring of complex dynamic systems.

Project description
Control Engineering and Instrumentation are growing in importance due to the need for high quality data and information to make decisions and take correct actions in almost every process that involves automation. This project where the PhD student will be involved in is to design and develop innovative technology for public hygiene and sanitary application. The recent global pandemic has shown the importance of this subject, where sensing and automation technology may provide a solution. This project is an exciting multidisciplinary research and development project, where researchers from control engineering, computing, product design, manufacturing and health science will collaborate together. Skills and creativity will play an important role in delivering this project. The project is supported by industrial collaboration and funding.  

Duties
As a PhD student you are expected to perform both experimental and theoretical works within your research studies as well as communicate your results at national and international conferences and in scientific journals. Most of your working time will be devoted to your own research studies. You will work closely with your academic supervisor and collaborators within the project. In addition, you have the opportunity to be involved in other academic roles, such as teaching, lab demonstrating and mentoring undergraduate students. You also have plenty of opportunities for training and skill developments. As a researcher, you work as a neutral party in many contexts, which provides a great opportunity to be involved in challenging development projects.

Qualifications
To be qualified for the position, you must have a master’s level degree or equivalent in Control Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science or other related subjects. Experience and interest in working on hardware design project is necessary. Skill in and familiarity to at least one engineering design software such as MATLAB/Simulink, LabVIEW, SOLIDWORKS or similar software are required. Strong scientific skills and experience in real life experiments, as well as effective communication skills, written and orally, are considered as a strong plus. You need to be independent at the same time a good team player. You will represent the group in different occasions, both in Sweden and world-wide, hence high proficiency in English is required.

Further information
Employment as a PhD student is limited to 4 years, teaching and other department duties may be added with max 20%. Placement: Luleå Campus. Starting: By Agreement

For further information about the position, please contact:
Dina Shona Laila, Professor and Head of Subject, (+46)920-49 3448, dina.shona.laila@ltu.se

Union representatives:
SACO-S Kjell Johansson (+46)920-49 1529 kjell.johansson@ltu.se  
OFR-S Lars Frisk, (+46)920-49 1792 lars.frisk@ltu.se

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 full 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: 11 February 2024
Reference number: 5121-2023