Doctoral student in Game-Theoretic Methods for Multi-Agent Autonomous Systems Full-time NEW

Doctoral Student In Game-Theoretic Methods For Multi-Agent Autonomous Systems

KTH Royal Institute of Technology, School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Project Description

Third-cycle subject: Electrical Engineering

Autonomous systems are increasingly deployed alongside humans to carry out complex coordinated tasks. In these settings, autonomous systems must handle strict spatial and temporal constraints while adapting in real time to supervisory commands, unexpected obstacles, and environmental disturbances. Enabling trustworthy human–robot collaboration calls for new mathematical foundations and computational tools that unify decision-making, planning, and control.

We are seeking an exceptional doctoral student to conduct research at the intersection of game theory and control for multi-agent autonomous systems. The position is part of the Digital Futures project Human-in-the-Loop Autonomy via Hybrid Games. The work will span both mathematical foundations of hybrid games and the design of computationally tractable controllers for deployment on real robotic platforms.

The research will address:

• Hybrid dynamic games under temporal logic task specifications;
• Game-theoretic modelling of human–robot interaction;
• Experimental validation on multi-robot and underwater robotic platforms;

Supervision: Assistant Prof. Giuseppe Belgioioso and Prof. Dimos Dimarogonas are proposed to supervise the doctoral student. Decisions are made on admission

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to postgraduate education (Chapter 7, 39 § Swedish Higher Education Ordinance), the applicant must have basic eligibility in accordance with either of the following:

• passed a second cycle degree (for example a master's degree), or
• completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 second-cycle higher education credits, or
• acquired, in some other way within or outside the country, substantially equivalent knowledge

In addition to the above, there is also a mandatory requirement for English equivalent to English B/6.

Selection

In order to succeed as a doctoral student at KTH you need to be goal oriented and persevering in your work. During the selection process, candidates will be assessed upon their ability to:

• independently pursue his or her work
• collaborate with others,
• have a professional approach and
• analyze and work with complex issues.

A strong background in optimization and automatic control is required. Familiarity with game theory, hybrid systems, MPC, or formal methods will be advantageous. Proficiency in programming, and any prior hands-on experience with robotic platforms, will also be beneficial.

Selected candidates must be able to provide contact information to at least one academic or professional reference. The candidate must be able to demonstrate high motivation for doctoral studies.

After the qualification requirements, great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

Target Degree: Doctoral Degree

Information Regarding Admission And Employment

Only those admitted to postgraduate education may be employed as a doctoral student. The total length of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education in four years' time. An employed doctoral student can, to a limited extent (maximum 20%), perform certain tasks within their role, e.g. training and administration. A new position as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, and then the employment may be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time.

As a doctoral student, you are entitled to a workplace with many employee benefits and monthly salary according to KTH's Doctoral student salary agreement. Read more about Doctoral studies (PhD) | KTH | Sweden.

To Apply For The Position

Apply for the position and admission through KTH's recruitment system. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the advertisement.

Applications must include the following elements:

• Copies of diplomas and grades from previous university studies and certificates of fulfilled language requirements (see above). Translations into English or Swedish if the original document is not issued in one of these languages.Copies of originals must be certified.
• CV including your relevant professional experience and knowledge. (max 2 pages).
• Application letter with a brief description of why you want to pursue research studies, about what your academic interests are and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. (max 1 page).
• Representative publications or reports (e.g., master thesis).
• Name of at least one academic or professional reference.

Applications must be received at the last closing date at midnight, CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

Other Information

For information about processing of personal data in the recruitment process.

It may be the case that a position at KTH is classified as a security-sensitive role in accordance with the Protective Security Act (2018:585). If this applies to the specific position, a security clearance will be conducted for the applicant in accordance with the same law with the applicant's consent. In such cases, a prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved following the security clearance.

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Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

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Apply here Type of employment Temporary position Contract type Full time Full-time equivalent 100% First day of employment According to agreement Salary Monthly salary according to KTH's doctoral student salary agreement Number of positions 1 Location Stockholm County Stockholms län Country Sweden Reference number PA-2026-3142 Published 01.Oct.2026 Last application date 01.Nov.2026 Contact Giuseppe Belgioioso giubel@kth.se