Postdoc in AI-Based Program Construction

In this position you will be a leading member of an exciting research group in AI-based software engineering. You will conduct original research, co-supervise doctoral students, teach, and contribute to grant applications, establishing a great foundation for the next step in your academic career.

About us 

The Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Chalmers and University of Gothenburg in Sweden with approximately 270 employees from more than 30 countries is widely recognized for excellent research and education. Our department is located in Sweden’s second largest city Gothenburg – the world’s most sustainable destination every year since 2016 according to the Global Destination Sustainability Index. The four research divisions at our department are essential scientific facilitators in a vibrant ecosystem of software-intensive companies such as Volvo, Ericsson, and Einride. This ecosystem is complemented by a growing start-up scene supported by collaboration hubs like MobilityX Labs and AI Sweden, the national center for applied AI that is bringing together over 120 partners across public and private sectors including academia.

We are announcing one postdoctoral researcher position that is placed at the Division of Interaction Design and Software Engineering, with Chalmers University of Technology as the employer. Our division provides world-leading research and education in the development of complex and software-intense systems and is characterized by extensive international cooperation as well as close collaboration with the local industry. With approximately 50 researchers including PhD students, postdocs, and faculty on all levels, we are one of the largest academic software engineering research groups in the world. Our core expertise is in AI Engineering, software testing, requirements engineering, behavioral software engineering, and software engineering for automotive systems. Being broadly recognized in the academic community, our division has hosted top international conferences such as ICSE, SPLC, and ICSA during the past recent years.  

About the research project  

As a postdoc, you will conduct original research in the area of AI-based program construction or performance engineering, co-supervise one or more doctoral students, teach in the first- and second-cycle software engineering programs, supervise bachelor and master’s theses, and contribute to grant applications. We understand the position of a postdoctoral researcher as a stepping stone towards a faculty appointment. Hence, ample training and mentoring towards developing your own research programme and leading your own research group will be provided.

Additionally, it will be expected that you assume a leadership role in the ICET-lab research group, and coordinate meetings and events of the research group. ICET-lab is diverse in gender, nationality, religion, and sexual orientation. Willingness to interact positively and without discrimination with this diverse group will be expected.

As a successful applicant, you will be funded by a project of the Swedish Research Council (Vetenskapsrådet, VR).  As part of your research project, you will (micro-)benchmark Java-based applications using JMH. You will collect performance measurements from real projects, statistically analyse them, and conduct experiments with modern machine learning techniques and generative AI. A strong background in software engineering as well as some interest in machine learning will be required for this project.  Interest in compilers and the Java Virtual Machine are a benefit to this project.

You will work primarily with Dr. Philipp Leitner. However, collaborations with other students or faculty in the Division of Interaction Design and Software Engineering or the Computer Science and Engineering department will be encouraged.

 
Who we are looking for 

The following requirements are mandatory: 

• To qualify for the position of postdoc, you must hold a doctoral degree in software engineering, or computer science awarded no more than three years prior to the application deadline*.  
• You will need strong written and verbal communication skills in English 
• You have demonstrated good research potential during their PhD, evidenced by accepted publications in competitive software engineering venues (including, but not limited to, ICSE, FSE, ASE, TSE, EMSE).

You are expected to be somewhat accustomed to teaching, and to demonstrate good potential within research and education. 

*The date on your doctoral degree certificate is considered the official date of completion. Exceptions to the three-year eligibility limit may be made for documented circumstances such as parental leave, sick leave, or military service. 

The following experience will strengthen your application: 

• Prior research experience in AI4SE, software performance engineering, or experimental software engineering
• Demonstrated teaching experience

What you will do   

• Supervise master’s and/or PhD students to a certain extent 
• Possibility to engage in teaching at undergraduate/master’s level 

The position is meritorious for future roles in academia, industry, or the public sector. 

Contract terms  

The position is a temporary full-time employment for two years with the possibility of a one-year extension. 

The position requires physical presence throughout the entire employment. A valid residence permit must be presented by the start date, otherwise the offer may be withdrawn. 

What we offer 

• As a postdoc at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about  working at Chalmers  and our benefits  for employees. 

• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 

• Read more about Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg. 

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence. We celebrate diversity and consider equality and inclusion as fundamental aspects of all our activities. 

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in. 

Application procedure 

The application should be written in English be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files. 

CV 

• A comprehensive CV, including a complete list of publications. 
• Details of previous teaching and pedagogical experience. 

Cover letter (max 1 page) 

• Clearly motivate your fit to the outlined role

Sample writing (e.g., a published paper)

• If your writing sample is co-authored with others, please indicate your personal contribution.  

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.  

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview. 

We welcome your application no later than January 23rd, 2026

The selection among candidates that fulfill the general eligibility criteria will be conducted by a committee of staff at the department, chaired by Dr. Philipp Leitner. The selection process will include remote interviews (potentially multiple rounds) and, optionally, a campus visit in Gothenburg (travel costs will be reimbursed).

The assessment will be based on the candidate’s CV, quality of publications and dissertation, performance during interviews, and other relevant prior experience (e.g., teaching or work experience).

For questions: 

Regarding the position:
Associate Professor Philipp Leitner
Email: philipp.leitner@chalmers.se

Regarding the Division of Interaction Design and Software Engineering:
Division manager Prof. Eric Knauss
Email: eric.knauss@cse.gu.se

Regarding the appointment procedure:
HR-partner Robin Garnham
Email: robin.garnham@chalmers.se

We look forward to your application! 

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***  

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society. 
Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.