PhD Student in Automatic Control with focus on complex networks and multiagent dynamics
Back to available jobsWe are looking for a PhD student in automatic control at the Department of Electrical Engineering (ISY).
Your work assignments
The research area for the position is complex networks and multi-agent dynamics. Particular emphasis is placed on opinion dynamics as well as distributed problems in coordination, optimization, and learning. The research encompasses both theoretical and computational aspects. You will develop dynamic models and apply them, for example, to analyze sociotechnological networks and to model interactions between humans and AI agents (such as LLM-based chatbots and autonomous vehicles).
As a PhD student, you devote most of your time to doctoral studies and the research projects of which you are part. Your work may also include teaching or other departmental duties, up to a maximum of 20 per cent of full-time.
Your qualifications
You have a master’s degree in electrical engineering, engineering physics, computer science, applied mathematics or have completed courses with a minimum of 240 credits, at least 60 of which must be in advanced courses within the subjects mentioned above. Alternatively, you have gained essentially corresponding knowledge in another way. The degree requirement must be met no later than at the time the employment decision is finalized, which occurs when the employment contract is signed.
We are looking for a candidate who works in a performance-oriented manner, takes responsibility for their tasks, and maintains a high standard of quality in their work. You take initiative, can work independently, and possess strong analytical skills with a scientific approach.
Furthermore, you should be able to place your own research in a broader context and relate your work to the overall objectives of the project and the subject area. You work in a structured manner and can prioritize effectively among tasks.
This position also requires the ability to communicate your message clearly, both in academic settings and in collaboration with others. As our activities are conducted in an international environment, you must also have a strong ability to communicate in English, both orally and in writing.
Your workplace
The Division of Automatic Control offers a vibrant, internationally oriented research environment with a strong balance between theory and real-world applications. The division conducts high-quality research, doctoral education, and undergraduate teaching in key and rapidly evolving areas such as autonomous systems, data-driven modeling, learning-based control, optimization, complex networks, and sensor fusion.
Research at the division is characterized by close integration of methodological development and practical applications. We maintain extensive collaborations with industrial partners as well as with leading research groups worldwide, providing doctoral students with excellent opportunities for international exposure and impactful research.
As a PhD student, you will join an open, collaborative, and intellectually stimulating environment that values scientific curiosity, independence, and teamwork. More information about the division is available at: https://liu.se/en/organisation/liu/isy/rt.
For more information about working at the Department of Electrical Engineering, go to: https://liu.se/en/article/open-positions-at-isy.
The employment
When taking up the post, you will be admitted to the program for doctoral studies. More information about the doctoral studies at each faculty is available at Doctoral studies at Linköping University.
The employment has a duration of normally four years’ full-time equivalent. Extension of employment up to five years is based on the degree of teaching and institutional assignment. Further extensions may be granted in exceptional circumstances. You will initially be employed for one year, after which your employment will be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time, depending on your progress through the study plan.
To learn more on working as a PhD student at ISY, please contact: isyphdcouncil@groups.liu.se.
Starting date by agreement, but we expect you to start your employment no later than December 31, 2026.
Background screening may be carried out before any decision on employment is made.
Salary and employment benefits
The salary of PhD students is determined according to a locally negotiated salary progression. The starting salary is currently 36 400 SEK per month before tax.
As an employee of Linköping University, you will be eligible for Swedish social benefits. This includes, e.g., universal health care, paid parental leave, subsidized childcare, and the national pension system.
You can read more about Swedish social benefits here.
More information about employment benefits at Linköping University is available here.
Union representatives
Information about union representatives, see Help for applicants.
Application procedure
Apply for the position by clicking the “Apply” button below. Your application must reach Linköping University no later than May 15, 2026.
Applications and documents received after the date above will not be considered.
We look forward to receiving your application!
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