Postdoctoral researcher in learning, control, and games

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a strong interest in intelligent systems in which artificial intelligence, human decision-making, or both interact with dynamical environments. The successful candidate is expected to have a solid background in one or more of the following areas: applied mathematics, systems and control, game theory, machine learning, optimization, and decision-making.

Reference number: PA-2026-2916.

Job description

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a strong interest in intelligent systems in which artificial intelligence, human decision-making, or both interact with dynamical environments. The successful candidate is expected to have a solid background in one or more of the following areas: applied mathematics, systems and control, game theory, machine learning, optimization, and decision-making.

The project seeks to develop mathematical foundations and computational methods for the analysis, learning, and coordination of complex closed-loop systems involving three tightly coupled components: a dynamical environment, algorithmic decision makers, and strategic or adaptive agents. In such systems, decisions influence not only the physical environment but also the behavior of other participants and the data subsequently available for learning. These feedback effects create fundamental challenges for stability, identifiability, performance, and robustness that cannot be addressed by treating learning, control, and strategic interaction separately. The research will investigate how these coupled systems can be modeled, analyzed, and designed to achieve reliable system-level outcomes. The broader objective is to use insights from closed-loop decision-making to design intelligent systems that are more efficient, sustainable, resilient, and reliable.

The selected candidates will also be enrolled in the Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems, and Software Program (WASP), thereby gaining privileged access to its extensive resources. The WASP is Sweden’s largest individual research program ever, a major national initiative for strategically motivated basic research, education, and faculty recruitment. The program addresses research on artificial intelligence and autonomous systems acting in collaboration with humans, adapting to their environment through sensors, information, and knowledge, and forming intelligent systems-of-systems. The vision of WASP is excellent research and competence in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and software for the benefit of the Swedish industry.

The workplace The Department of Mathematics (https://www.kth.se/math) has vibrant research environment, featuring world-class groups in applied, computational, and pure mathematics, as well as mathematical statistics. The research group excels in optimization and mathematical systems theory, with particular emphasis on network and nonlinear control and games, numerical analysis, optimization with particular emphasis on large-scale nonlinear programming and a range of applications. With a strong tradition of collaboration, the group works closely with startups, industry leaders, and academic institutions across Sweden and Europe, driving innovation and impactful research. Notable industrial projects span robotics, radiation therapy, cell biology, and supply chain optimization.

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.
• A strong foundation in mathematical tools relevant to the project.
• A demonstrated record of exceptional research achievements and publications in high-impact venues.
• Advanced analytical skills, with a proven ability to work independently and collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams.
• Outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively disseminate research findings and collaborate with team members.
• Awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues.

Preferred qualifications

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline
• Expertise in one or more of the specific research areas relevant to the position.
• Teaching and mentoring abilities.

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.

A complete application packet includes the following items

• CV including research areas and a publication list.
• Cover letter (1 page max).
• A statement of current research and future research plans (2 page max except for references).
• Copy of diplomas and grades from all your previous university studies. (Translations into English or Swedish if the original ones are not in any of these languages.)
• The contact information of at least 3 professional references, including their email addresses, phone numbers, and affiliations. The references may be contacted during the evaluation process.

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: 1
• First day of employment: According to agreement
• Location: Stockholm, Sweden
• Contact: Silun Zhang (silunz@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.
• A strong foundation in mathematical tools relevant to the project.
• A demonstrated record of exceptional research achievements and publications in high-impact venues.
• Advanced analytical skills, with a proven ability to work independently and collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams.
• Outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively disseminate research findings and collaborate with team members.
• Awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues.

Preferred qualifications

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline
• Expertise in one or more of the specific research areas relevant to the position.
• Teaching and mentoring abilities.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.