PhD Student in Automatic Control: Learning-Based Robot Control from Expert Demonstrations and Self-Experience Linköping University in Sweden

Linköping University invites applications for a PhD student position in automatic control at the Department of Electrical Engineering (ISY). This opportunity is part of the ELLIIT project, focusing on the intersection of robotics and control theory. The research aims to develop learning-based methods that combine expert demonstrations with experiential reinforcement learning, enabling robust and data-efficient skill acquisition for mobile manipulation tasks. By integrating expert data and reinforcement learning, the project seeks to create generalizable strategies for mobile manipulation that perform effectively across diverse real-world scenarios.

Key research directions include leveraging multi-modal expert demonstrations (such as vision, force, and proprioception) to acquire coherent and transferable skills, and using experiential learning to control redundant degrees of freedom and handle task variations beyond those demonstrated. The Division of Automatic Control offers a vibrant, internationally oriented research environment with a strong balance between theory and real-world applications. Research areas include autonomous systems, data-driven modeling, learning-based control, optimization, complex networks, and sensor fusion. The division maintains extensive collaborations with industrial partners and leading research groups worldwide, providing doctoral students with excellent opportunities for international exposure and impactful research.

As a PhD student, you will devote most of your time to doctoral studies and research projects, with the possibility of teaching or other departmental duties up to 20% of full-time. The position is fully funded for four years, with possible extension up to five years based on teaching and institutional assignments. Salary is determined according to a locally negotiated salary progression, and employment benefits are provided by Linköping University.

Applicants must have a master’s degree in electrical engineering, engineering physics, mechanical engineering, computer engineering, robotics, or engineering mathematics, or have completed at least 240 credits with at least 60 in advanced courses in these subjects. Equivalent knowledge acquired in other ways is also acceptable. Candidates should demonstrate a strong background in robotics and control engineering, analytical and problem-solving skills, solid programming experience (e.g., Python, C++), and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Proficiency in English, both spoken and written, is essential. Additional qualifications considered meritorious include knowledge of machine learning, reinforcement learning, optimization, experience with multi-modal sensor data, and simulation environments such as PyBullet, MuJoCo, Gazebo, or Isaac Sim.

The employment will begin by agreement, but the latest expected start date is October 31, 2026. Background screening may be carried out before any decision on employment is made. Applications must be submitted online by May 19, 2026. For more information about the division and working at ISY, visit the provided links. Contact the department via the provided email for further information.

Linköping University values diversity and equal opportunities, welcoming applicants with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. The university has framework agreements and declines direct contacts from staffing and recruitment companies as well as vendors of job advertisements.