Doctoral Researcher in Information Systems (Infotech Spearhead project on EU AI Act Regulatory Sandboxes)

We are now looking for

Doctoral Researcher

to join us in the INTERACT Research Group at the Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (ITEE). INTERACT focuses on research and teaching on Information Systems and Human-Computer Interaction.

This doctoral researcher position is part of the strategic spearhead projects funded by Infotech for the years 2026-2028. Infotech is one of the four multidisciplinary research centers at the University of Oulu. This specific project is titled "EU AI Act’s Regulatory Sandboxes – from Sociotechnical Imaginaries to Evidence‑Based Design".

About the job

This is a three-year doctoral research project focused on the upcoming regulatory sandboxes under the EU Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act). Regulatory sandboxes are experimental spaces for testing AI systems under regulatory oversight. Every EU member state must establish at least one regulatory sandbox by August 2026, and the November 2025 Digital Omnibus initiative calls for an EU-wide sandbox to be run by the AI Office in Brussels.

The scope, activities, and schedule of this doctoral research will be defined early on between the doctoral researcher and the supervisor. The activities may include some of the following:

• Conduct interviews with Finnish and EU stakeholders, including public institutions, experts, academics, and AI companies, regarding the governance, design, and evaluation of AI regulatory sandboxes.
• Develop theories and methods for understanding, designing, and operating regulatory sandboxes. The relevant theories may include, but are not limited to, sociotechnical imaginaries, institutional theory, evidence-based practice, paths and trajectories, and role theory.
• Develop and test design prototypes and contribute to the operations of actual regulatory sandboxes.
• Provide actionable guidelines and policy briefs for policymakers, industry, and civil society stakeholders. 

You will also participate in various activities as a coworker at the INTERACT Research Group and collaborate with the AI-REG project.

What we offer

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team, where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture, and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits. 
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and your close ones in settling into Oulu.
• We have an HR Excellence in Research -quality label, which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers. 
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, an excellent education system, and a competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Who are you?

To succeed and enjoy the position, we expect from you:

• Master’s degree in Information Systems or related discipline. A Master's degree must have been completed before the start of the doctoral researcher's work.
• Expertise in, and/or passion for AI, policy/regulation, and sociotechnical perspectives.
• Familiarity with qualitative research methods, especially interview-based research.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Ability to work independently and within a diverse, interdisciplinary team.
• Openness to other scientific disciplines and to multidisciplinary approaches.

See also the requirements of the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS)

We also appreciate

• Finnish language skills.
• Experience with EU regulations and policy processes, especially the EU AI Act.
• Programming or data analytics skills.
• Design research or prototype development skills.
• Skills in survey research.
• Interest in the philosophy of science.

Salary

The position is fixed-term for 3 years as of 1.2.2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The salary will be based on the levels 2-4 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (a maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). The starting gross salary will be approximately. € 2,600-€ 2,800 per month (before taxes). A six-month trial period is applied to the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If so, please apply by 17 December 2025 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

The application should be written in English and include the following:

1. Cover letter (one A4)
2. Research plan, outlining how you would envision the project over a three‑year timeline, and including 3–5 key references to the academic literature to which your research will contribute
3. CV following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
4. Certificates/Diplomas
5. Contact information of two persons available for recommendation

Applicants whose profiles best match the position will be invited to an on‑site or remote interview. All candidates will be notified of the outcome during the selection process.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, such as people of different ages, genders, and linguistic, cultural, or minority groups. 

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact the project PI Arto Lanamäki (University Lecturer, Docent): arto.lanamaki@oulu.fi