Postdoctoral researcher in learning, control, and games KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden

KTH Royal Institute of Technology is advertising a postdoctoral researcher in learning, control, and games based in Stockholm, Sweden, within the Department of Mathematics. The project is aimed at highly motivated researchers interested in intelligent systems where artificial intelligence, human decision-making, and dynamical environments interact. The position sits at the intersection of applied mathematics, systems and control, game theory, machine learning, optimization, and decision-making.

The research will focus on the mathematical foundations and computational methods needed to analyze, learn, and coordinate complex closed-loop systems. These systems involve three tightly coupled components: a dynamical environment, algorithmic decision makers, and strategic or adaptive agents. The project emphasizes feedback effects and how decisions influence the physical environment, the behavior of other participants, and the data available for future learning. Key scientific challenges include stability, identifiability, performance, and robustness, with the goal of designing intelligent systems that are reliable, efficient, sustainable, resilient, and well-behaved at the system level.

The successful candidate will also be enrolled in the Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems, and Software Program (WASP), which provides access to extensive resources and is a major Swedish initiative in artificial intelligence and autonomous systems. This adds an important interdisciplinary and national research context to the appointment, especially for candidates working on AI-enabled decision-making, autonomous systems, and human-centered intelligent systems.

The workplace is the Department of Mathematics at KTH, which has a vibrant research environment spanning applied, computational, and pure mathematics, as well as mathematical statistics. The group has particular strengths in optimization and mathematical systems theory, with emphasis on network and nonlinear control and games, numerical analysis, and large-scale nonlinear programming. The department also collaborates with startups, industry leaders, and academic institutions across Sweden and Europe, with applications in robotics, radiation therapy, cell biology, and supply chain optimization.

Eligibility requires a doctoral degree or equivalent foreign degree by the time the hiring decision is made. The ad also highlights a strong mathematical foundation, exceptional publication record, advanced analytical ability, independent and collaborative working skills, strong communication, and awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues. Preferred qualifications include having completed the doctorate within the last three years, expertise in relevant research areas, and teaching or mentoring experience.

The appointment is a temporary full-time postdoctoral position for up to two years. Applications must be submitted through KTH's recruitment system. The deadline is 2026-10-16 (midnight CET/CEST). A complete application must include a CV with research areas and publication list, a cover letter (maximum one page), a statement of current research and future research plans (maximum two pages excluding references), copies of diplomas and grades from previous university studies, and the contact information of at least three professional references, including email addresses, phone numbers, and affiliations. The contact person listed in the advertisement is Silun Zhang ([email protected]).