Faculty of Education and Psychology, Learning and Learning Process

The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary, international research university, with about 3,600 employees who produce new knowledge based on high-standards research and provide research based education to build a more sustainable, smarter, and more humane world. The University of Oulu community has about 17,000 people in total. Our northern scientific community operates globally and creates conditions for the emergence of innovations.  

We are now looking for

a Postdoctoral Researcher

to join us in the Hybrid Intelligence: Human-AI Co-evolution and Learning in multi-realities (HI) research programme at the University of Oulu. The programme is 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 building the metaverse idea 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 will establish a new deep crosscutting 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 the scientific profile at the University of Oulu and initiate new collaborations with companies.
The postdoctoral position will be placed in the Faculty of Education and Psychology (Learning and Educational Technology (LET) Research Lab). We invite applications from candidates across fields and disciplines who have strong research skills in learning sciences, computer sciences, or a relevant field, and who are interested in pursuing work across and beyond disciplinary boundaries.

About the job

We are seeking candidates engaged with the theme:  Understanding learning process to augment humans, especially contributing implication how HI can impact learning and teaching.  Candidates should focus on designing, developing, and utilizing technology in new domains for shared regulation between humans and AI. This includes efforts to enhance education through augmented learning and the development of hybrid intelligence systems. This theme will work with various underserved people and stakeholders to develop adaptive platforms implementing HI. It provides feedback to other HI aspects via cyclic processes which helps to push forward positive effects and mitigate negative ones in future development.
We expect that these temporary positions will contribute to the Hybrid Intelligence research program themes regarding new research results, publications, and/or writing research funding proposals.
As a postdoctoral, you will 
•    Engage in writing and submitting applications for research funding.
•    Collaborate in service to the HI programme, faculty, and university. 
•    Contribute to HI research publications.
•    Actively participate in HI program activities and development.

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 here.
  • Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close-ones in settling into Oulu.
  • Development and career options of the big organization.
  • We have a HR Excellence in Research -quality label which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers. 
  • Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
  • Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, excellent education system, and competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Who are you?

In order to succeed and enjoy the position, we expect from you: 

  • Doctoral degree in learning sciences or computer science, or in a relevant field, that was awarded not more than ten years ago. 
    •    A transdisciplinary research orientation with demonstrated research experience or interest.
    •    Ability for independent scientific work and capacity to collaborate in research and research dissemination activities.
    •    We are looking for a team player with solid research and development skills.
    •    We expect candidates to demonstrate a willingness to engage in the study of both human learning processes and the design and development of AI systems.
    •    Experience with educational technology and/or software design and development is an advantage.
    •    Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills in English.

We also appreciate

  • Scientific merit, including publications and CV in line with the applicant’s career stage and discipline, and potential to attract external funding.
  • Feasibility of the research plan and its suitability to the work of HI research programme.
  • The extent and nature of transdisciplinary in the proposed research plan.
  • National and international networks.
  • Societal relevance.

Salary

The position is fixed-term for 4 years as of 01.04.2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. The starting date for this role could be subject to negotiation with the successful applicant.

The salary will be based on the levels 5-6 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). Starting gross salary will be approx. 3600-4200 € per month (before taxes).  

A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 15.03.2024 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

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

  1. Detailed CV
  2. Cover letter
  3. List of publications, following the guidelines of the Academy of Finland 
  4. Certificates/Diplomas
  5. Contact information of 2 persons available for recommendation
  6. Teaching Portfolio containing:
    1. Teaching philosophy, teaching strategies, and methods
    2. Teacher’s self-reflection on his/her teaching style, a personal background idea of teaching; how are these reflected in teaching?
    3. A description of oneself as a teacher and an implementer of educational work
    4. Practical experience in teaching and efforts to improve teaching
    5. Description of educational material (curricula, handouts, assignments, workbooks)
    6. Professional development as a teacher
    7. Evaluation of teaching (student evaluations, peer evaluations, awards, and assessed test lectures)
    8. Plans for future directions of teaching in the discipline concerned
  7. Other attachments

The eligible applicants 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.

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

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact Assistant Professor Andy Nguyen, andy.nguyen(at)oulu.fi 

 

 Application period extended from 15.3 to 31.3. All applications are being considered. /Updated 1.3.2024

 

Type of employment Temporary position over 6 months
Contract type Full time
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Oulu
County Pohjois-Pohjanmaa
Country Finland
Reference number 2024/61
Published 13.Feb.2024
Last application date 31.Mar.2024

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