Uppsala University is a comprehensive research-intensive university with a strong international standing. Our ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a long-term difference in society. Our most important assets are all the individuals whose curiosity and dedication make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces. Uppsala University has over 54,000 students, more than 7,500 employees and a turnover of around SEK 8 billion.
The Department of Information Technology holds a leading position in both research and education at all levels. We are currently Uppsala University’s third largest department, have around 350 employees, including 120 teachers and 120 PhD students. Approximately 5,000 undergraduate students take one or more courses at the department each year. You can find more information about us on the department of Information Technology website.
The Division of Computer Systems is a unique research environment, and we develop theory and applications of cyber-physical systems, embedded systems, and computer architecture. Cyber-physical Systems Lab is part of the Embedded Systems Unit and led by Didem Gurdur Broo.
Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University
Description of the research area
Cyber-physical systems, such as robots, autonomous vehicles, smart cities and similar, have the potential to revolutionize the way we live, work, and interact with our environment. At Cyber-physical Systems Lab, we design and develop collaboration, intelligence, and autonomy strategies for cyber-physical systems. The unique strength of the lab is to put sustainability and resilience at the core of these design and development strategies. We are pleased to announce an exciting opportunity to join the Cyber-physical systems Lab as a PhD student focusing on collaborative robots to contribute to this revolutionary changes and help building strategies which will make the future cyber-physical systems sustainable and resilient.
The research area of cyber-physical systems and collaborative robots intersects two dynamic fields of study, combining elements of robotics, control systems, and information technology. It focuses on the integration of physical systems with computational and communication capabilities, enabling seamless interaction and collaboration between humans, robots, and their surrounding environment. Collaborative robots, also known as cobots, are a specific subset of robots designed to work alongside humans, assisting them in various tasks. In the context of CPS, collaborative robots play a significant role in enhancing automation, productivity, and safety in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, infrastructure, and agriculture. These robots are designed to operate in close proximity to humans, enabling effective human-robot collaboration and cooperation. They are equipped with advanced sensing, perception, and decision-making capabilities, allowing them to adapt to changing environments and collaborate with human partners to accomplish complex tasks.
This PhD position is an opportunity to work on cutting-edge research as part of a research group who fosters interdisciplinarity, cares about the future and dares to make a change through research by not only providing technical solutions but also considering the social implications of cyber-physical system applications.
Duties
As a PhD student of the Cyber-physical Systems Lab, you will be supported and provided training to become responsible for conducting research, developing innovative algorithms, and implementing practical solutions to address the challenges associated with collaboration in multi-robot systems. You will work closely with our interdisciplinary team of researchers, industry partners, and stakeholders to push the boundaries of resilient, sustainable, and interoperable cyber-physical systems applications.
Your work will involve integrating different robots, designing data management strategies, developing information exchange mechanisms, designing, and conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and publishing research findings in reputable conferences and journals.
The duties of a PhD student are primarily directed at their own research education, which lasts four years. The work may also involve, to a limited extent (maximum 20%) other departmental duties, such as teaching undergraduate courses and administrative tasks – in which case the position may be extended to a maximum of five years.
We look forward to welcoming PhD students who are excited to learn more and make a significant impact on the design and development of future cyber-physical systems. Join us in pushing the boundaries and shaping the way intelligent systems interact, cooperate, and collaborate in various domains.
Requirements
To meet the entry requirements for doctoral studies, you must
- hold a Master’s (second-cycle) degree in robotics, mechatronics, computer science, or related areas relevant to the PhD topics, or be close to completion, or
- have completed at least 240 credits in higher education, with at least 60 credits at Master’s level including an independent project worth at least 15 credits, or
- have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way.
- Good communication skills in English, both spoken and written, are required.
- Genuine interest and enthusiasm for the research topic
- A foundation and willingness to develop extensive knowledge in robotics.
- Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, or Java.
- Familiarity in robotics frameworks (e.g., ROS) and simulation tools (e.g., Gazebo).
- Strong communication and collaboration skills.
- Willingness to work in an interdisciplinary team.
- A creative and growth mindset coupled with strong problem-solving skills.
- The ability to think critically, identify novel solutions, and adapt to evolving research requirements.
Additional qualifications
- Knowledge in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) techniques and interest in the social and ethical consequences of AI and robotics would be particularly appreciated.
- The field of cyber-physical systems is dynamic and rapidly evolving. The successful candidate should demonstrate flexibility, adaptability, and a willingness to learn and explore new technologies, methodologies, and research directions.
Application
The application must include:
- A statement (at most 2 pages) of the applicant’s motivation for applying for this position, including the candidate’s research interests
- A CV, degrees and grades (translated to English or Swedish)
- A copy of the MSc thesis (or a draft thereof)
- A list of publications (and specific descriptions of the candidate’s own contributions) (if applicable)
- Links to online repositories of code and other artefacts (such as GitHub or Bitbucket) (if applicable)
- Other relevant documents, and the earliest possible starting date
Contact information for at least one reference should be provided. Promising applicants will be invited for an in-depth interview before hiring.
Currently there are more employees with legal gender male than legal gender female among PhD students within the department. The University strives for a more even distribution of legal gender within this category.
Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University’s rules and guidelines.
About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date as agreed. Placement: Uppsala.
For further information about the position, please contact: Didem Gurdur Broo, 0764278546, didem.gurdur.broo@it.uu.se
Please submit your application by 15 august 2023, UFV-PA 2023/2412.
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Submit your application through Uppsala University’s recruitment system.
Placement: Department of Information Technology
Type of employment: Full time , Temporary position
Pay: Fixed salary
Number of positions: 1
Working hours: 100 %
Town: Uppsala
County: Uppsala län
Country: Sweden
Union representative: ST/TCO tco@fackorg.uu.se
Seko Universitetsklubben seko@uadm.uu.se
Saco-rådet saco@uadm.uu.se
Number of reference: UFV-PA 2023/2412
Last application date: 2023-08-15