Postdoctoral Researcher in Hybrid Intelligence; Advancing Wellbeing, Education and Quality of Life in Healthcare

We are now looking for a

Postdoctoral Researcher in Hybrid Intelligence; Advancing Wellbeing, Education and Quality of Life in Healthcare

for a three-year fixed-term position to contribute to our Hybrid Intelligence (HI) Research Programme at the University of Oulu (Finland). The postdoctoral researcher position will be in the Faculty of Medicine. 

The Hybrid Intelligence research programme forms a part of our national profiling actions supported by the Research Council 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 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 the scientific profile at the University of Oulu and initiate new collaborations with companies.

About the job

We are especially seeking candidates who align with the strategic goal of advancing the renewal of the University of Oulu's scientific profile.

We are calling for proposals dealing with the following HI theme 4, Emerging sustainable effects of human technology interaction on the quality of life. This theme explores how human-technology interaction, particularly through AI and XR, can sustainably enhance quality of life.

Focus areas include:

• Advancing Healthcare Education: Developing augmented learning solutions that leverage XR environments and AI-driven customization to support healthcare education and professional development. Examples are, fostering workplace adaptability, developing clinical and decision-making skills, language learning for culturally and linguistically diverse professionals, and creating inclusive, immersive training modules.
• Improving Healthcare: Investigating how augmented care solutions, such as XR-based diagnostics, therapy, or patient engagement tools, can address diverse healthcare challenges. This includes developing culturally inclusive, AI-powered models to support healthcare professionals and enhance patient outcomes.

The aim is to contribute to sustainable and human-centered innovations that align with healthcare’s future needs, focusing on wellbeing, education, and effective integration of advanced technologies into everyday practices.

We expect these temporary positions will contribute to the Hybrid Intelligence research program themes regarding new research results, publications, and/or research funding proposals.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will 

• Engage in writing and submitting applications for research funding contributing to the HI research.
• Collaborate closely with the HI program and researchers involved in the program and contribute to HI research publications.
• Actively participate in HI scientific program activities and development.
  

What we offer?

We offer you a supportive academic environment in a community of committed scholars and the possibility to use funding opportunities to generate new research ideas and build an innovative program that will attract international scholars.

Benefits of working at the University and in Finland include:

• University occupational health insurance. The Finnish government also benefits residents and their families such as access to the national healthcare system and high-quality, affordable childcare and school services. 
• 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.
• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
• 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. 
• 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, an excellent education system, and competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

What we expect

• A doctoral degree in a relevant field awarded not more than five years ago.
• A transdisciplinary research orientation with demonstrated research experience or interest.
• Capacity to collaborate in Hybrid Intelligence research and research dissemination activities.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills in English. 

Salary

Positions are fixed-term for three years starting earliest 1.4.2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The salary will be based on 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 (a maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). The starting gross salary will be approx. 3600-4200 € per month (before taxes).  A trial period of 6 months is applied for the positions.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 11.3.2025 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

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

1. A motivation letter (max 2 pages) that indicates one of the HI themes the candidate is applying for and explains why the candidate has the right expertise for the position. In addition, the letter should summarize previous research accomplishments, current work, and an idea of how to contribute to the HI research theme.
2. CV, following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
3. List of publications, following the guidelines of the Research Council of Finland.

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 HI coordinator, Dr Satu Kaleva, satu.kaleva(at)oulu.fi and/or Professor Kristina Mikkonen, kristina.mikkonen(at)oulu.fi