PhD Student in Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS),

Take the opportunity to study for a PhD in a collaborative and international research environment at Luleå University of Technology. The research subject Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) studies integrated software and application architectures for massively distributed embedded systems across the IoT–Edge–Cloud-continuum. The subject combines research in distributed and decentralized architectures, semantic interoperability, AI-supported decision support, and adaptive hardware platforms. Research is conducted in close collaboration with industry, European research initiatives, and international academic partners.

Subject Description

Cyber-Physical Systems focuses on integrated software and application architectures with implementations of massively distributed embedded systems that interact with each other and their environment to enable secure, goal-driven, autonomous and evolvable solutions.

Project Description

The Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) group at Luleå University of Technology is currently building the CPS Lab, an experimental environment for research on connected, intelligent, and autonomous systems. The vision is to create a living laboratory where researchers, students, and industrial partners can develop, deploy, and evaluate future CPS under realistic conditions.

The lab provides a unique environment where physical systems, digital infrastructure, and AI technologies converge. Researchers have access to industrial equipment and data, edge and cloud computing resources, advanced AI infrastructure, and autonomous platforms, enabling experimentation across the full continuum from sensors and embedded devices to large-scale computing systems. The laboratory also serves as a testbed for new forms of human–AI collaboration, intelligent decision support, adaptive user experiences, and trustworthy autonomous systems.

The research is conducted in close collaboration with industrial partners and addresses challenges in areas such as manufacturing, energy, transportation, and critical infrastructure. The position is ideal for candidates who enjoy combining fundamental research with hands-on experimentation and who want to help shape the future of CPS.

Duties

As a PhD student, you will contribute to research on next-generation CPS where sensing, computation, communication, and decision-making are tightly integrated. Your work may involve distributed systems, blockchain technologies, industrial data sharing, trustworthy AI, cloud and edge computing, and the design of autonomous CPS. A central goal is to understand how complex systems can operate safely, efficiently, and intelligently in real-world environments. The CPS lab will be the main environment for you research studies.

You will communicate your results in scientific journals and at international conferences. Most of your working time will be devoted to your own research studies. The position includes experimental and theoretical work, software prototyping, evaluation of distributed systems, and participation in collaborative research activities together with senior researchers and industrial partners. You will also contribute to teaching and supervision activities.

Qualifications

To be eligible for the position, you must hold a Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

Required Qualifications

• Good programming skills
• Knowledge of distributed systems, computer networks, or embedded systems
• Ability to communicate in spoken and written English
  
  

Meritorious Qualifications, Equally Weighted

• Experience with distributed and decentralized systems
• Knowledge of cloud, edge, or IoT computing environments
• Experience with open-source software development
• Knowledge of orchestration, virtualization, or container technologies
• Experience with secure and scalable communication systems
• Knowledge of fault tolerance, resilience, or autonomous coordination in distributed systems
• Experience with software prototyping, system integration, or experimental evaluation
  
  

We value collaboration skills, curiosity, and an interest in working in interdisciplinary and international research environments. You should be able to work independently while also contributing actively to a research team.

For Further Information About The Subject See

General syllabus for the Board of the faculty of science and technology

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. Starting: 20260901, or later upon agreement

For further information about the position, please contact Professor Ulf Bodin, +46 920-49 3036, [email protected]

Union Representatives

SACO-S Diana Chroneer,(+46 )920-49 2037 [email protected]

OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, (+46) 920-49 1721 [email protected]

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, 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: 2026-07-17

Reference number: 4023-2026