KTH Royal Institute of Technology is accepting applications for several doctoral opportunities in engineering, computing, biotechnology, robotics, geodesy, materials science and power electronics. The current recruitment round includes nine vacancy announcements, although the total number of available places may be higher because the call in Networked Systems Security refers to multiple doctoral students.

The advertised PhD positions at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden, cover topics including deep learning for biological systems, underwater robotics, sustainable satellite networks, fluorescence-based biomolecular imaging, digital twins, GNSS surveying and silicon carbide power devices.

Applicants must apply for a specific advertised position before they can be considered for admission to doctoral studies. KTH normally announces doctoral vacancies nine times each year—in February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November and December.

Because application deadlines and vacancy identification numbers were not included in the supplied list, candidates should open the official KTH recruitment portal, search for the exact title and confirm the closing date before applying.

Official KTH vacancies page: View vacancies at KTH Royal Institute of Technology
Official doctoral positions information: Vacant doctoral positions at KTH

Check: Fully Funded PhD Positions at Karolinska Institute, Sweden (2026 Intake)

Table of Contents

About KTH Royal Institute of Technology

Founded in 1827, KTH Royal Institute of Technology is Sweden’s largest technical university and one of Scandinavia’s leading institutions for engineering and technology research. Its principal campus is in Stockholm, while some university activities are located at other sites in the Stockholm region.

KTH conducts research and education across areas such as:

Architecture and the built environment
Biotechnology and health technology
Computer science and artificial intelligence
Electrical engineering
Engineering physics
Industrial technology and management
Information and communication technology
Materials science
Robotics and autonomous systems
Sustainable energy and environmental engineering

A doctoral position at KTH provides an opportunity to work in an international research environment with access to advanced laboratories, computing infrastructure and collaborations with universities, public organizations and technology companies.

KTH’s location in Stockholm is another advantage. The Swedish capital is home to a substantial technology and innovation sector encompassing telecommunications, biotechnology, clean energy, digital services, automation and advanced manufacturing.

How Doctoral Education Works at KTH

The first step toward becoming a doctoral student at KTH is to apply for a vacant position. Doctoral candidates are recruited to specific research projects rather than admitted through one general university-wide application.

A standard Swedish doctoral degree comprises 240 higher education credits, corresponding to four years of full-time study. The programme normally includes:

Independent research
Doctoral-level courses
Academic seminars
Conference participation
Scientific publications
Preparation and public defence of a doctoral thesis

Some doctoral students also undertake teaching, supervision or departmental duties. When these duties are included, the employment period may be extended in accordance with Swedish regulations and university conditions.

Most doctoral students at KTH are university employees and receive a monthly salary rather than a scholarship. Exact salary, contract duration, benefits and employment conditions are stated in each official vacancy announcement.

Two opportunities in the current list are advertised as licentiate positions. A Swedish licentiate degree is a third-cycle research qualification comprising 120 higher education credits, generally equivalent to two years of full-time study. Applicants should not assume that a licentiate position will automatically continue into a full PhD. The individual advertisement is the authoritative source for the degree objective and potential continuation arrangements.

Current PhD Positions at KTH Royal Institute of Technology

1. Doctoral Student in Fluorescence-Based Biomolecular Spectroscopy/Imaging

This doctoral opportunity is positioned at the intersection of molecular science, optical technology and biomedical imaging. Fluorescence-based spectroscopy and microscopy are important tools for studying biological molecules, cellular processes and molecular interactions with high sensitivity.

Depending on the project description, the research may involve experimental optics, fluorescence measurements, image analysis, biomolecular sample preparation or the development of advanced spectroscopy and microscopy techniques.

The position may be relevant to graduates in:

Biophysics
Biotechnology
Applied physics
Chemistry or biochemistry
Molecular biology
Optical engineering
Biomedical engineering

Candidates should consult the advertisement for required laboratory experience, programming skills and knowledge of fluorescence methods.

Official application: Open the KTH vacancies page and search for “Doctoral student in Fluorescence-based Biomolecular Spectroscopy / Imaging.”

2. Doctoral Student in Deep Learning for Biological Systems

This position combines artificial intelligence with the analysis and modelling of biological systems. Deep learning is increasingly used to interpret complex biological datasets, recognize patterns and construct predictive models.

The opportunity may interest candidates with experience in machine learning, computer science, computational biology, bioinformatics, applied mathematics or a related quantitative discipline. Applicants with a life-science background and strong programming or data-analysis skills may also be suitable, depending on the official eligibility criteria.

A strong application could highlight experience in areas such as:

Python and scientific computing
Deep neural networks
Statistical modelling
Biological data analysis
Optimization
Computer vision or sequence modelling
Reproducible machine-learning workflows

Applicants should explain how their previous studies connect computational methods with biological research questions.

Official application: Visit KTH’s official job portal and search for “Doctoral student in deep learning for biological systems.”

3. Doctoral Student in Underwater Robotics

The Underwater Robotics position is suitable for applicants interested in autonomous systems operating in complex marine environments. Underwater robots can be used for scientific exploration, environmental monitoring, infrastructure inspection, mapping and industrial operations.

Research in underwater robotics commonly draws on several fields, including control engineering, signal processing, navigation, perception, sensor fusion and artificial intelligence. Working underwater creates distinctive technical challenges because communication is limited, visibility can be poor and satellite-based positioning is generally unavailable beneath the surface.

Potentially relevant educational backgrounds include:

Robotics
Computer science
Electrical engineering
Mechanical engineering
Control and automation
Mechatronics
Marine technology

Candidates should use the official advertisement to confirm whether the project is primarily experimental, theoretical, simulation-based or focused on field deployment.

Official application: View KTH vacancies and search for “Doctoral student in Underwater Robotics.”

4. Doctoral Student in Sustainable Satellite Networks

This doctoral project addresses satellite networks from a sustainability perspective. Satellite systems are becoming increasingly important for global connectivity, Earth observation, navigation and scientific applications. At the same time, the rapid expansion of satellite constellations creates challenges involving energy consumption, network management, hardware lifecycles and the long-term use of space.

The project may suit applicants with knowledge of:

Communication networks
Wireless communications
Satellite systems
Network optimization
Computer engineering
Systems engineering
Sustainability assessment

The successful candidate may be expected to combine communication or network expertise with an understanding of system-level sustainability. Check the official notice for the project’s exact interpretation of sustainable satellite networking, expected research methods and technical requirements.

Official application: Search KTH’s recruitment portal for “Doctoral student in Sustainable Satellite Networks.”

5. Doctoral Student (Licentiate) in Engineering Materials Science

This is a licentiate position, not necessarily a full four-year doctoral appointment. Engineering materials science examines the relationships between a material’s structure, processing, properties and performance.

Depending on the project, the research could involve metals, polymers, composites, ceramics or other engineering materials. The vacancy may require experimental characterization, computational modelling, microscopy, mechanical testing or analysis of manufacturing processes.

Relevant academic backgrounds could include:

Materials science and engineering
Mechanical engineering
Applied physics
Chemical engineering
Manufacturing engineering
Engineering mechanics

Applicants should carefully review the official advertisement to understand the specific material system, research methods, employment period and licentiate-degree requirements.

Official application: Visit the KTH vacancies portal and search for “Doctoral student (Licentiate) in Engineering Materials Science.”

6. Doctoral Student (Licentiate) in Digital Twins for Electrified Construction

This licentiate project connects digitalization with the electrification of construction activities. Digital twins are virtual representations of physical equipment, processes or systems that can be updated using operational data.

Within electrified construction, digital twins can potentially support system planning, performance monitoring, energy management and more informed decision-making. The position may combine physical modelling, simulation, sensor data and digital platforms.

Potentially relevant backgrounds include:

Mechanical engineering
Electrical engineering
Construction engineering
Industrial engineering
Computer science
Control engineering
Energy systems
Data science

Because this is advertised as a licentiate appointment, candidates should verify whether it is designed as a two-year research programme and whether any pathway to a doctorate is mentioned.

Official application: Open KTH’s official vacancy page and search for “Doctoral student (licentiate) in digital twins for electrified construction.”

7. Doctoral Student in Geodetic Surveying with GNSS

This PhD position focuses on geodetic surveying using Global Navigation Satellite Systems. GNSS technologies—including GPS, Galileo and related systems—are essential for precise positioning, mapping, infrastructure development and monitoring changes in the Earth’s surface.

Geodetic research can involve satellite observations, coordinate reference systems, positioning algorithms, atmospheric effects, measurement uncertainty and statistical adjustment.

The vacancy may be relevant to candidates in:

Geodesy
Geomatics
Surveying engineering
Earth sciences
Applied mathematics
Remote sensing
Civil engineering

Applicants may benefit from experience in GNSS data processing, programming, estimation methods or geospatial analysis. The official advertisement should be consulted for the project’s precise focus and required software expertise.

Official application: Search KTH vacancies for “Doctoral student in geodetic surveying with GNSS.”

8. Doctoral Students in Networked Systems Security

The plural title indicates that this vacancy announcement may cover more than one doctoral position. Networked systems security is a broad research field concerned with protecting communication infrastructure, distributed platforms and connected devices from attacks and operational threats.

Possible areas of study include:

Network and protocol security
Distributed systems
Internet security
Cloud and edge computing
Internet of Things security
Privacy-enhancing technologies
Secure software and systems
Security measurement and analysis

The ideal applicant is likely to have a strong foundation in computer science, cybersecurity, communication systems or computer engineering. Depending on the project, candidates may need programming skills, experience with experimental network platforms, knowledge of formal methods or an understanding of applied cryptography.

Applicants should state clearly which project or research direction they prefer if the official advertisement presents several options.

Official application: Visit KTH’s recruitment portal and search for “Doctoral students in Networked Systems Security.”

9. Doctoral Student in SiC Bipolar Devices for Power Electronics

This doctoral project focuses on silicon carbide bipolar devices for power-electronics applications. Silicon carbide is a wide-bandgap semiconductor that can operate under high voltages, temperatures and power densities, making it important for energy conversion, electric mobility and industrial power systems.

The project may involve semiconductor device physics, electrical characterization, device simulation, fabrication processes or reliability studies. Applicants should review the full announcement to determine whether cleanroom experience is required.

Relevant academic backgrounds may include:

Electrical engineering
Engineering physics
Semiconductor technology
Materials science
Microelectronics
Applied physics
Power electronics

Candidates should emphasize any experience with semiconductor devices, electronic materials, cleanroom processing, electrical measurements or numerical device modelling.

Official application: Open the KTH job portal and search for “Doctoral student in SiC bipolar devices for power electronics.”

General Admission Requirements

To be admitted to third-cycle studies in Sweden, applicants normally need to have:

Completed a second-cycle qualification, usually a relevant master’s degree;
Completed at least 240 higher-education credits, including at least 60 credits at the second-cycle level; or
Acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in Sweden or another country.

Meeting the general requirement does not guarantee admission. Each position also has specific eligibility and selection criteria related to the project. These may include particular courses, technical skills, research experience, programming ability or laboratory knowledge.

Applicants must also demonstrate sufficient English proficiency to conduct research, complete doctoral courses, write scientific publications and communicate within an international academic environment. The individual vacancy explains what documentation is accepted.

How to Apply for a PhD at KTH

Applications must normally be submitted electronically through the recruitment system connected to the vacancy. Sending a CV directly to a professor usually does not replace the formal online application.

A typical application may require:

Curriculum vitae outlining education, employment, research experience, publications and technical skills.
Motivation letter explaining your interest in the project and your suitability for the position.
Degree certificates and transcripts from bachelor’s and master’s studies.
Master’s thesis or selected publications, if requested.
Proof of English proficiency, where applicable.
Contact details for academic referees or recommendation letters.
Other project-specific documents listed in the advertisement.

All applicants should follow the vacancy instructions exactly. If the announcement requests a short research statement, thesis summary or explanation of technical experience, provide it in the stated format.

Tips for a Strong Application

Tailor the motivation letter

Avoid using one generic letter for all nine positions. Explain why the specific research topic interests you and connect it directly to your education, thesis, employment or research projects.

Provide evidence of your skills

Do not merely list machine learning, spectroscopy, GNSS or semiconductor modelling as skills. Briefly explain where you used the method, what problem you addressed and what outcome you achieved.

Highlight independent research experience

A master’s thesis is often the strongest evidence that you can formulate research questions, select appropriate methods, analyze results and communicate scientific findings.

Address interdisciplinary fit

Several of these projects cross conventional subject boundaries. For example, deep learning for biological systems requires communication between computational and life-science researchers, while digital twins for electrified construction connects engineering, data and sustainability.

Submit before the deadline

The closing time may follow Swedish local time. Upload the application early enough to resolve technical problems and confirm that every required attachment is included.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are KTH PhD positions open to international applicants?

Yes. International candidates may apply if they satisfy the general and position-specific eligibility requirements. Degrees completed outside Sweden will be assessed for equivalence.

Do doctoral students at KTH receive a salary?

Most advertised doctoral studentships at KTH are salaried employment positions. Salary and employment conditions are governed by the relevant university arrangements and are specified in the official notice.

Is Swedish required?

English is widely used in KTH’s doctoral research environments. Swedish may not be required for many technical projects, but candidates must check each advertisement for language requirements, especially when teaching, fieldwork or collaboration with local organizations is involved.

What is the difference between a PhD and a licentiate position?

A Swedish PhD consists of 240 credits, while a licentiate degree consists of 120 credits. A licentiate appointment is therefore shorter and should not automatically be interpreted as a full PhD position.

Where should candidates apply?

Applications should be submitted through the vacancy’s online application button on KTH’s official recruitment portal.

Apply for KTH PhD Positions in Sweden

These PhD positions at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden, offer research opportunities across some of today’s most important scientific and engineering fields—from secure digital infrastructure and biological AI to sustainable space systems, robotics and next-generation power electronics.

Application dates were not provided with the vacancy list and may differ between positions. Candidates should search for the exact job title, read the complete announcement and submit all documents through the official portal.

Official links:

Vacancy availability, deadlines and requirements can change. The individual advertisement published by KTH is the authoritative source.

PhD Positions at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden