Postdoc in AI, Learning, and Control for Sustainable Food Systems

Food systems contribute to major societal challenges, including chronic disease, greenhouse gas emissions, environmental degradation, rising economic costs. Emerging food innovations, combined with digitalization and automation, are transforming agro-food value chains by changing how we produce, process, package, supply, and distribute food. At the same time, dietary choices are recognized as critical determinants of human health and environmental sustainability. The transition toward sustainable food systems requires addressing complex challen

Reference number: PA-2026-2939.

Job description

Food systems contribute to major societal challenges, including chronic disease, greenhouse gas emissions, environmental degradation, rising economic costs. Emerging food innovations, combined with digitalization and automation, are transforming agro-food value chains by changing how we produce, process, package, supply, and distribute food. At the same time, dietary choices are recognized as critical determinants of human health and environmental sustainability. The transition toward sustainable food systems requires addressing complex challenges spanning physical/communication infrastructures, individual behavior and social norms, and policy frameworks.

We are looking for postdocs with a strong background and interest in networked control systems, mathematics, machine learning, and their application to food systems. The project will focus on the analysis and control of food systems, including questions such as how AI-based methods can be used to (1) model and predict complex decision-making behavior across interconnected actors; (2) capture interactions among producers, consumers, policymakers, and technology providers in evolving food ecosystems; (3) design interventions that promote sustainable diets, reduce environmental impact, and improve system resilience.

The duties of the postdoc include

• Conduct innovative research within the scope of the postdoc position at KTH FOOD
• Publication of papers in high-quality journals, including leading perspective articles on sustainability of food innovations; present research at conferences
• Initiate collaboration with other postdocs at KTH FOOD, as well as within relevant networks both nationally and internationally within academia, industry, government, or nonprofits.
• Initiate and participate in funding applications to relevant calls, nationally and internationally.
• Academic service, such as participating in KTH Food Centre and departmental meetings and seminars; contributing to outreach and public engagement activities.

Collaboration with one of the other themes (Sustainable Food production, Functional Food Products and Health, Value Chains and Consumption, Circular Food Processes) is expected.

Qualifications

Requirements

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in Electrical Engineering, Automatic Control, Applied Mathematics, or a similar field.
• The successful applicants are required to have research expertise with an outstanding research and publication record; well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills.
• We are looking for strongly motivated individuals who can work well both independently and collaboratively.
• A good command of English orally and in writing is required to present and publish research results.

Preferred qualifications

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline
• Awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues, with specific focus on gender equality

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

About the employment

The position offered is for, at the most, two years.

A position as a postdoctoral fellow is a time-limited qualified appointment focusing mainly on research, intended as a first career step after a dissertation.

To apply for the position

Log into KTH's recruitment system to apply for this position. You are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete according to the instructions in the ad.

The application must include

• CV including relevant professional experience, publications, three contact references
• An account of (1) why you want to conduct research, (2) what research you propose and how you intend to contribute to KTH FOOD, and (3) how the proposed research relates to your previous work and future goals; maximum 2 pages long (English). Collaboration with one of the other themes (Sustainable Food production, Functional Food Products and Health, Value Chains and Consumption, Circular Food Processes) is expected): In point (2), you can describe how you envision collaborating with one of the other themes.
• Copy of diplomas and grades from your previous university studies. Translations into English or Swedish if needed.

Your complete application must be received at KTH no later than the last day of application, 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.

Contract details

• Number of positions: 2
• First day of employment: According to agreement
• Location: Stockholm, Sweden
• Contact: Angela Fontan (angfon@kth.se)

Apply via the official KTH vacancy page. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email are typically not considered unless the vacancy states otherwise.

Requirements

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in Electrical Engineering, Automatic Control, Applied Mathematics, or a similar field.
• The successful applicants are required to have research expertise with an outstanding research and publication record; well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills.
• We are looking for strongly motivated individuals who can work well both independently and collaboratively.
• A good command of English orally and in writing is required to present and publish research results.

Preferred qualifications

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline
• Awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues, with specific focus on gender equality

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.