Postdoc in industrial systems with a specialization in automation

Mälardalens Universitet; Eskilstuna kommun; On-site; SEK 400,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

Mälardalens Universitet is seeking a postdoctoral researcher in the field of smart and portable automation. This role emphasizes research independence and collaboration with industry partners, with a maximum contract period of 3 years.

The successful candidate will engage in innovative research, develop automation methods and participate in both research and limited teaching responsibilities, making significant contributions to the research group.

Qualifications

• PhD degree awarded no more than three years before application period.
• No prior postdoctoral position at MDU exceeding one year.
• Documented experience in experimental research.
• Ability to work independently throughout the research process.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Plan and carry out scientific studies in smart and portable automation.
• Participate in project meetings, workshops, and joint activities.
• Contribute to scientific writing and dissemination of research results.
• Engage actively in industrial applications.
• Teach or perform departmental duties up to 20%.

Skills

Experimental research

Industrial robots

Collaborative robots

Portable robotic platforms

Control systems programming

Education

PhD degree in Production Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation or similar

Tools

PLC

Python

C/C++

MATLAB

ROS

Job description

Overview

The Faculty of Engineering and Health Sciences offers research-based education and conducts research in engineering, health, and information design, focusing on societal challenges and collaboration with industry and public partners.

Employment Details

• Employment: Temporary employment
• Period of employment/Start date: As agreed
• Scope: Full time
• Number of positions: 1
• Closing date for application: 2026-08-09
• Campus location: Eskilstuna
• School: Teknikvetenskap

Position Description

The purpose of the position is to give the employee an early opportunity to develop independence as a researcher and to create conditions for further qualifications after completing the doctoral degree. The position is temporary, with a maximum period of 3 years.

The position consists mainly of research where the candidate is expected to independently plan and carry out scientific studies in the area of smart and portable automation. The work is located within the research profile MARC (Mälardalen Research and Competence Centre for Future Manufacturing) and involves close collaboration with industry partners and other researchers. The candidate will contribute to new methods, technologies, and prototypes for portable and reconfigurable automation, explore how these solutions can be integrated into industrial environments that require flexibility, quality, and resource efficiency. Work may include experimental research in laboratory and industrial settings, system development, analysis of production flows, and co‑creation of knowledge with company partners.

The postdoctoral researcher will also participate in project meetings, workshops, and joint activities where industrial relevance and implementability are key components. Responsibilities include scientific writing of articles, dissemination, oral presentation of research results, active engagement in industrial applications, and up to 20% of teaching or other departmental duties. As part of the research group for Production Development, the researcher will contribute to the development of the group.

Qualifications

• PhD degree in Production Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation, Robotics, or another relevant technical field, awarded no more than three years before the end of the application period.
• No prior postdoctoral position in the same or related subject area at MDU exceeding one year.
• Documented experience in experimental research (laboratory, testbed, or industrial environments).
• Experience with industrial robots, collaborative robots, or portable robotic platforms.
• Experience in programming and configuring control systems for automation and robotics, including languages such as PLC, Python, C/C++, MATLAB, ROS, or equivalent.
• Ability to work independently throughout the research process, including planning, execution, analysis, and reporting of scientific studies.
• Ability to collaborate and interact with individuals at various levels both within and outside academia.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, including documented ability in scientific writing.

Assessment Criteria

• Knowledge or experience with investment projects involving industrial robots, collaborative robots, or portable robotic platforms is considered a merit.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Mälardalen University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates.