Tenure Track Assistant or Associate Professor in Learning Process Data Analytics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

We are now looking for

Tenure Track Assistant / Associate Professor in Learning Process Data Analytics

to join us in Hybrid Intelligence (HI) Research Programme at the University of Oulu (Finland).

The University has recently launched a new multi-faculty strategic research programme, “Hybrid Intelligence: Human-AI Co-evolution and Learning in Multi-realities (HI). The programme forms a part of our national profiling actions supported by the Academy of Finland. HI stands on the fundamental research on emotion AI, learning processes and perception engineering for AI-based solutions e.g. in education and nursing. HI research combines the strengths of both humans and machines, emphasizing mutual understanding and learning from each other in their co-evolution. We propose to build the idea of a metaversum by combining our physical and virtual realities towards a multi-reality. The programme focuses on international top-level collaborative and multidisciplinary research, supported by unique LeaF, a learning and interaction research infrastructure and its new Ethics Forum and Data Forum which together will establish a new deep cross-cutting HI discussion in ethical and responsible ways. HI aspires to scientific leadership in solving global challenges by facilitating human-human and human- technology interaction, understanding and collaboration for the human capital behind AI. With its’ international networks HI will pave the way towards breakthroughs in how humans and machines interact and understand and learn from each other. HI will recruit new talented international researchers to bolster scientific profile at the University of Oulu and initiate new collaboration with companies.

Position

This tenure strives for methodological and analytical expertise in understanding complex human learning and interaction processes to build HI systems that augment rather than replace human intelligence. The theme which tenure will be working will utilize multimodal data on learning processes that derive from the multi-reality platforms and the “human-machine understanding” to train, work and collaborate with humans and AI and then transfer of responsibility to humans. The research topics include but are not limited to:

• Investigating and modelling complex cognitive, emotional and social learning processes based on current learning theories.
• Studying individual and collaborative learning processes in face-to-face and multi-reality platforms.
• Translating human learning process data to algorithms for AI-driven systems for collaborate with learners for supporting adaptive learners.
• Collaborating in multidisciplinary teams to design and develop advanced learning technologies and hybrid learning solutions for multiple realities.

This is a unique opportunity for someone with a research focus on methodological issues that arise from the intersection of multimodal learning analytics and the learning sciences, or other analytic approaches. We expect close collaboration and contribution to other subthemes in Oulu University Hybrid Intelligence profiling theme.

About the job

As an Assistant/Associate Professor, you will:

• Develop and sustain research, scholarly and creative activities leading to academic publications and public-facing outreach initiatives
• Establish research partnerships across disciplinary boundaries in Finland and internationally
• Collaborate with programme leaders to further progress the aims of Hybrid Intelligence
• Participate in administrative (e.g. university or faculty level) service duties
• Take part in national and international academic networks and scientific organizations
• Design education and provide teaching for undergraduate and graduate level courses
• Act inter-sectorally to develop the impact of research
• Supervise undergraduate and graduate students and contribute teaching

What we offer?

We offer you a supportive academic environment in a community of committed scholars and the possibility to make use of funding opportunities to generate new research ideas and build an innovative programme that will attract international scholars. The University of Oulu offers flexible working hours, an excellent work-life balance and provides a range of occupational healthcare services. Our competitive salaries include paid leave and an additional holiday bonus in the summer. Read more about working with us and our other staff benefits.

This position includes a generous start-up package that comes with funding for research expenses and hiring e.g. postdoctoral researcher (4 years) and/or PhD students (4 years). The stat-up package details are based on negotiations with appointable candidates. If you are moving from abroad, we offer comprehensive relocation packages to support your smooth relocation to Oulu.

Finland is one of the most liveable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, excellent education system, and competitive economy. Oulu is a city known for its stunning natural surroundings, vibrant cultural life, and friendly, easy-going atmosphere. Residents of Oulu enjoy Finland’s high standard of living combined with affordable housing. Read more about living in Oulu.

Who are you?

Our tenure track (Assistant and Associate Professor) is positioned for exceptionally talented researchers with a high potential to advance in their careers. The top candidates will undergo an evaluation by external, international experts and are required to reach top scores (5-6 on a scale from 1 to 6 for scientific activity and as the overall score) in order to qualify for the position.

You are expected to hold a Ph.D. in learning sciences, data sciences, learning analytics or related fields with a special orientation in understanding learning. Because this is a transdisciplinary position, depending on the position level, we value vision (assistant professor) or demonstrated experience (associate professor) in transdisciplinary approaches in research. Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills are necessary. The working language of the HI programme is English.

The general criteria for each career level are as follows:

Qualifications for a tenure track Assistant Professor position: You must demonstrate the ability to work independently and have proven teaching skills. In order to be eligible for a position as Assistant Professor, you must have received your doctoral degree not more than ten years ago (at or later than 2013).

Qualifications for a tenure track Associate Professor position: You must demonstrate evidence of scholarly research work and relevant teaching skills. You must have the ability to lead research as well as have experience in acquiring external research funding. We also expect you to have sufficient and relevant experience in international scientific work and evidence of international cooperation.

Salary

Those hired at Assistant or Associate level will be tenure track positions with five-year terms at each level. The Professor position will be a permanent, tenured position.

In Assistant or Associate Professor positions, the salary is based on levels 5-7 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 (maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). In EUR terms, the salary will likely be between 3500-5500 for an Assistant or Associate. A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

How to apply and evaluation process

Interested? If yes, please apply 16.4.2023 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

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

1. A letter of motivation with contact information, stating the career level (assistant/associate/full professor) at which you would like to be evaluated.
2. CV following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
3. List of publications following the guidelines of the Academy of Finland (with the ten most important ones marked)
4. Brief account of research merits (max 2 p.)
5. Brief account of teaching merits or teaching portfolio (max 2 p.)
   1. Teaching philosophy, teaching strategies and methods
   2. Practical experience in teaching and efforts to improve teaching
   3. Description of educational material (curricula, handouts, assignments, workbooks)
   4. Professional development as a teacher
   5. Evaluation from teaching (student evaluations, peer evaluations, awards and assessed test lectures)
   6. Future teaching goals and plans for development, especially in relation to the teaching
6. Details regarding acquisition of research funds
7. A brief research and action plan (max 2 p.)
8. Contact information of 2–4 persons available for recommendation

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

The selection process follows the University of Oulu´s recruitment guidelines. The process is carried out by a recruitment committee and the candidates are subjected to publication analyses based on their publication lists. The candidates that are considered most suitable by the recruitment committee will also undergo an expert evaluation assessing the following merits:

• Research activities and their reflection in the candidate’s publication record, scientific presentations and other recognitions, e.g. awards and patents
• Teaching activities and their evaluation (teaching portfolio; including students’ evaluation)
• Supervision of undergraduate, master’s and doctoral students
• Successful acquisition of competitive research funds
• International scientific activities (research, keynotes, workshops, conferences) and networks
• Academic community and administrative services
• Academic and public relevance of research activities

The eligible candidates fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact the coordinator of HI, Satu Kaleva; satu.kaleva (at)oulu.fi Mobile: +358 50 4787744 (Mon - Fri at 14:00 – 15:00 EET) or HI director Professor Sanna Järvelä only by email: sanna.jarvela (at)oulu.fi

Edited 21.3.2023: Application time extended from 24.3.2023 to 10.4.2023

Edited 6.4.2023: Application time extended from 10.4.2023 to 16.4.2023.