Do you want to build your expertise in dynamics and control? LUT University is seeking a motivated junior (doctoral) researcher to work in the field of dynamics and control, specifically in optimal estimation. Your work will research methods to get better information about the state of robots and machinery, enabling novel predictive-maintenance and diagnostics practices and helping in the drive toward autonomous and efficient operation. To that end, your work will bridge the gap between mathematical theory on moving horizon estimation (MHE) and engineering applications throughout mechatronics and robotics and will therefore reach from theory to experiment.
The research is carried out at LUT University's Dynamics and Control research group, which aims to advance autonomous operation of mechatronic and robotic systems, and investigates advanced modeling, control, simulation, machine learning, and optimization approaches to design systems to perform resiliently, flexibly, and in a networked manner. Research activities are closely connected to international collaboration and long-term research initiatives in the field. This project is conducted in close collaboration with Leibniz University Hannover, Germany.
What your work will be like
Your research work will focus on advanced nonlinear estimation and filtering approaches for mechatronics systems, contributing to your doctoral dissertation. You will work as part of an active international research team, conduct independent research under supervision, and participate in joint research activities within the group. At LUT, supervision is designed to support your success: supervisors provide expertise, guidance, and individualized support to help you progress in both your research and doctoral studies.
As part of the doctoral program, it is planned that you will spend approximately six months at Leibniz University Hannover during your studies and participate in international collaboration with leading research partners.
What we expect from you
The position requires a master's degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in a relevant discipline, such as mechanical engineering, computational engineering, computer science, applied mathematics, or a closely related field. You may be a recent graduate or have some relevant experience; most importantly, you demonstrate strong motivation and commitment to high-quality research.
You should be able to understand and apply control-theoretic concepts as well as mathematical modeling of mechanical and mechatronical systems. Further, you should be eager to apply that knowledge to real-world systems like machines with electric and hydraulic actuation, robots, and vehicles. It is considered beneficial if a good prior knowledge in the field of optimal control and for programming and software development (Python, Matlab, C/C++, Git) can be shown, e.g., based on prior university courses or theses.
You should be able to work independently, communicate effectively, and collaborate well within an international research environment.
Junior researchers must submit an application for the right to complete doctoral studies with all required appendices to the LUT Doctoral School within the first two months of the employment relationship.
What we offer
We offer a dynamic and supportive research environment where you can build your own research profile, contribute to long-term research initiatives, receive mentoring from experienced supervisors, and participate in professional development activities. The position includes access to a research incentive scheme that provides personal rewards for high-quality publications meeting established criteria.
The position is preferably based at the Lappeenranta campus, but placement at the Lahti campus is possible upon discussion during recruitment. We apply a flexible hybrid approach to work. However, regular on-site presence, e.g., for laboratory work and meetings, is required.
The position requires occasional travel to international conferences and readiness to spend approximately six months in person at Leibniz University Hannover, Germany.
The employment relationship will start with a one-year term (including a six-month trial period) and may be extended for up to three additional years, depending on the progress of your studies and research.
The work is expected to start in early 2026. Working hours are flexible, supporting work-life balance, with a total of 1,612 annual working hours in accordance with the collective agreement for Finnish universities.
The salary is determined according to the Finnish university salary system for teaching and research staff (requirement level 1). The starting salary is approximately EUR 2,780 per month, depending on experience and qualifications.
Interested? Please submit your application by 18 January 2026 at 23:59 (UTC+2h). Fill out the online application form and attach the following documents in English and in PDF format:
- A cover letter describing your motivation and suitability specifically for this position, based on your expertise acquired during studies and potential prior work experience
- A curriculum vitae (CV) following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
- Scanned copies of your original bachelor's and master's degree certificates and transcripts of records; if the original documents are not in English or Finnish, each document must be accompanied by an official certified translation into English (or Finnish). If the degree is unfinished, please provide an official estimate of your graduation.
- Your master's thesis or its draft or any other significant research work completed
- Contact details of two references
- A list of publications (if any)
- Links to code samples/GitHub or a relevant technical report (optional)
We will review applications on a rolling basis.
For more information, you may call Assistant Professor Henrik Ebel at +358 50 305 2979 on 22 December 2025, 29 December 2025, 5 January 2026, or 12 January 2026 between 10:00 and 11:00 (UTC+2). You can also contact him by email at [email protected].
Read more about LUT as an employer and the LUT Doctoral School.
Explore information for international staff.
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Technical support for using the recruitment system: [email protected].
Application period starts: 2025-12-18 10:00Application period ends: 2027-01-18 23:59