Doctoral student in Computer Science with a focus on Brain-inspired Machine Learning Örebro University in Sweden

Örebro University invites applications for a doctoral student position in Computer Science, with a focus on Brain-inspired Machine Learning. The successful candidate will join the Machine Perception and Interaction Lab, a multidisciplinary research group 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 depend on massive datasets and large-scale computing infrastructure, limiting accessibility and deployment. In contrast, biological brains achieve remarkable intelligence with minimal power consumption. This research draws inspiration from biological principles to rethink how intelligent systems represent information, perform computations, and implement algorithms physically. A key direction is the exploration of high-dimensional neural representations—robust, powerful encodings that support continual learning and reasoning. These representations are compatible with emerging hardware such as neuromorphic chips and in-memory computing devices.

The doctoral student will develop frameworks connecting new learning algorithms with their physical implementation, targeting emerging computing hardware. Evaluation will occur in real-world domains like signal processing and combinatorial optimization, where efficient solutions can have significant societal and industrial impact. The project offers opportunities to work at the frontier of artificial intelligence, machine learning, 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 (four years of full-time study) and includes tailored seminar series, programme rules introduction, networking, and career support. The position is linked to a full-time doctoral studentship, guaranteeing employment for the duration of the programme, with an initial salary of SEK 32,300 per month.

Entry requirements include a second-cycle qualification or at least 240 ECTS credits (with at least 60 ECTS credits at the second-cycle level), or equivalent knowledge. Specific requirements are a Master of Science in Engineering or a one-year Master’s degree in a relevant subject, or at least 120 credits including an independent project in a relevant field. Equivalent knowledge from Sweden or abroad is accepted. Candidates should demonstrate strong independent problem solving and critical analysis abilities, good cooperative and communicative skills, and fluent spoken and written English. Knowledge of 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 openness, trust, respect, equal opportunities, and diversity. Application is online; submit a description of research interests, CV, proof of meeting entry requirements, independent project, and other relevant documents. Documents should be in Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, or English; translations required for other languages. The application deadline is 2026-06-05. For more information, contact Dr. Denis Kleyko ([email protected]), Prof. Amy Loutfi ([email protected]), or Prof. Martin Magnusson ([email protected]).

More information for applicants can be found on the university’s career page: https://www.oru.se/english/career/available-positions/applicants-and-external-experts/