Örebro University invites applications for up to two doctoral studentships in Computer Science, with a research focus on neuro-inspired computing. These positions are affiliated with the Machine Perception and Interaction Lab, a multidisciplinary group working at the intersection of artificial intelligence, robotics, machine learning, and human-robot interaction. The project centers on unconventional computing, specifically the development of novel neuro-inspired algorithms and their hardware realizations, aiming to make future intelligent systems more efficient and powerful.

Current intelligent systems require massive datasets and large-scale computing infrastructure, limiting their accessibility and deployment. In contrast, biological brains achieve remarkable intelligence with minimal energy consumption. Drawing inspiration from these biological principles, the project seeks to rethink how intelligent systems represent information, perform computations, and physically implement algorithms. A key research direction involves high-dimensional neural representations, which offer robustness and powerful encodings for continual learning and reasoning. These representations are compatible with emerging hardware such as neuromorphic chips and in-memory computing devices.

Doctoral students will develop frameworks connecting new learning algorithms with their physical implementation, targeting advanced computing hardware. The research will be evaluated in real-world domains like signal processing and combinatorial optimization, where efficient solutions can have significant societal and industrial impact. This is an opportunity to work at the frontier of artificial intelligence, computational neuroscience, neuro-inspired computing, and hardware technologies.

The doctoral programme consists of courses and an independent research project culminating in a doctoral thesis. It comprises 240 ECTS credits over four years of full-time study. Students benefit from a tailored seminar series, introduction to programme rules, and networking and career support. The studentship guarantees full-time employment for the duration of the programme, with an initial salary of SEK 32,300 per month, subject to satisfactory progress.

Entry requirements include a second-cycle qualification (Master's degree or equivalent), or completion of at least 240 ECTS credits (with at least 60 ECTS at the second-cycle level), or substantially equivalent knowledge. Specific requirements are a Master of Science in Engineering or a one-year Master's degree in computer science or related subjects, or at least 120 credits including an independent project in a relevant field. Candidates should demonstrate strong problem-solving, critical analysis, cooperative and communicative skills. Fluent English is essential; Swedish is not required. Merits include coursework, thesis, or publications in digital signal processing, electrical engineering, computer vision, machine learning, artificial intelligence, cognitive science, neuromorphic computing, or robotics.

Örebro University values diversity, equal opportunities, and a work environment characterized by openness, trust, and respect. Application is online; required documents include a description of research interests, CV, proof of meeting entry requirements, independent project, and other relevant certificates. Documents must be in Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, or English; translations are required for other languages. The application deadline is 16 January 2026. For more information, contact Dr. Denis Kleyko ([email protected]), Prof. Amy Loutfi ([email protected]), or Prof. Martin Magnusson ([email protected]).

For further details and to apply, visit the university’s career page or the direct application link provided.