PhD in 3 years: Six Doctoral Researchers in Intelligent Work Machines Pilot - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

We are now looking for

Six Doctoral Researchers - Intelligent Work Machines doctoral program

Digitalization, electrification, and autonomy make the machine industry to be on the verge of a disruptive transformation toward intelligent machinery. Real-world machines are being demonstrated around the globe in environments such as indoor and outdoor worksites (mines, airports, and harbors), urban spaces (roads and cities), and in nature (forest, air, and sea) for applications such as civil engineering work, SAR and transportation of goods and people.

The Intelligent Work Machines (IWM) doctoral program links new generations of professionals to the doctoral level with multidisciplinary engineering knowledge needed for intelligent machinery development. The doctoral training connects academic research excellence with relevant industrial research and development challenges and accelerates industrial transformation in the machine industry.

The IWM program performs doctoral training and applied research on intelligent work machines. The research develops and applies state-of-art methods, typically simulation or data-based, in robotics, mechatronics, machine design, machine dynamics, control theory, software technologies, real-time computing, human-machine interaction, communication, vehicle engineering, machine learning and robotic learning, and business models related to intelligent machines to improve safety as well as economic and environmental sustainability of work machines.

The IWM doctoral program collects the leading departments and research groups in intelligent work machines. In the program, there are 31 positions in five Finnish universities: Aalto University, Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology, Tampere University, University of Oulu, and University of Turku.

In this position, you will participate in the national 1000 doctorates pilot program. As a partner in the program, the University of Oulu is dedicated to ensuring you have a carefully planned and guided doctoral research experience that will be tailored to support your career plans, enabling you to continue into demanding expert positions in the changing job markets in industry, the public sector and academia.

The University of Oulu opens six 3-year positions starting 1.8.2024. The intelligent work machines-related focus themes are communications, simulation of dynamics, system engineering and vehicle engineering. The topics in the research groups are:

1. Integrated Active Battery Thermal Management System Strategies for Electric Vehicles
2. Real-time simulation & multidisciplinary design of dynamic systems
3. Model-based development of autonomous agricultural machinery
4. Port automation: Automated logistics and freight management
5. Port automation: Automated machine fleets (swarms)
6. 6G Communication and Beyond for Supporting Verticals, Including Mobile Machinery Applications

Please select the two positions that are most exciting to you. Contact person: Professor Emil Kurvinen, emil.kurvinen@oulu.fi

Qualification requirements

The chosen doctoral researchers will also be expected to apply for doctoral study rights at the University of Oulu Graduate School. Eligibility for study rights will be evaluated during the job application process. We are looking for excellent candidates who must fulfill the following criteria:

1. Must hold a master's degree or equivalent degree (e.g. licentiate) in relevant fields. Undergraduate students are eligible to apply provided their Master’s or equivalent degree is finished by April 30th, 2024.
2. Must have achieved a good grade in their degree (i.e. at least 60 % of the maximum grade in both taught courses and the master's thesis)
3. Must be able to demonstrate English language skills that are sufficient to follow doctoral studies.

We view it as a benefit if you are a highly motivated candidate with good communication, teamwork skills, capability for independent work, and organizational skills.

What we offer

• You will become a part of a highly talented research group, working on strategically and globally significant research areas of digitalization, sustainability, and electrification.
• You will receive support not only from your team and supervisor but also from the university´s wide variety of support services so that you can excel in your studies and research/work.
• A competitive salary is paid monthly, which includes paid leave and an additional holiday bonus in the summer.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits.
• 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 close-ones in settling into Oulu.
• 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.
• 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.

Salary

Doctoral researchers’ salary follows the Finnish university salary system (for teaching and research personnel): A Doctoral researcher level 2 – 4. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (a maximum of 50% of the job-specific component). The typical starting salary for a Doctoral researcher is approx. 2500-2800€ per month (before taxes). A trial period of six months will be applied in the position.

The position is filled for a fixed three-year period. The degree must have been completed by April 30th, 2024. The employment contracts are based on a total working time of 1 612 hours per year, which gives the doctoral researchers freedom to plan their working hours.

How to apply

Applications, together with all relevant enclosures, should be submitted using the electronic application form by 15.4.2024 (23:59 Finnish local time). The application should be written in English and include the following:

1. Certificates/Diplomas Scanned copy of the original relevant Master’s degree certificates and transcript of records and, when necessary, official translations to Finnish or English.
2. A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) summarizing applicant’s professional experience and expertise and describing why applicant is interested in this position. Also, information on personal research interests, experience and career plans are valuable to provide here. Letter should also include potential specific interests in (pilot, unit).
3. Curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages) Curriculum Vitae of the applicant, including a list of any peer-reviewed scientific publications (with full reference details). A recommended CV template can be found on the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity
4. Research plan (max. 4 pages) The research plan should contain information about the background and significance of the research (you can use Impact Helper tool), a description of the intended objectives and methods, and a preliminary schedule.
5. A valid certificate of language proficiency.
6. Prioritize the topics (2 positions)

Note:

Only applications containing all relevant appendices and submitted through the online recruitment system will be considered. Applications received after the call deadline will not be considered.

Call edited 4.4.2024: call deadline extended from 5.4.2024 to 15.4.2024.