Doctoral Researcher in Computer Science and Engineering (Embodied AI)

We are now looking for

Doctoral Researcher

to join us at the Center for Machine Vision and Signal Analysis (CMVS) at the Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (ITEE).

CMVS is a creative, open, and internationally attractive research center that combines the expertise of the University of Oulu's computer vision and biosignal analysis scientists. Through expertise spanning decades and extensive international collaboration, CMVS continues to conduct internationally acknowledged work on the cutting edge of its research areas.

Our research center enjoys a high reputation in AI and CV in the computer science field. We publish in top-tier conferences and journals, including CVPR, ICCV, ECCV, NeurIPS, AAAI, TPAMI, IJCV, TIP, etc. 

About the job

The position is part of the InfoTech research project “ThinkControl: Non-Invasive Brain Signal Decoding for Neural 3D Human Motion Reconstruction and Transfer Using Latent Diffusion Models” (2026–2029) at the University of Oulu. The project develops next-generation non-invasive brain–machine interfaces by decoding EEG signals into continuous latent representations for fine-grained control of 3D human motion.

Your role will involve advancing neural signal processing and AI models to enable mind-driven 3D motion understanding and generation in the following ways:

• Developing machine learning methods to decode EEG-based motor imagery for 3D human motion reconstruction, focusing on latent diffusion models, ControlNets, and neural representation learning.

• Processing multi-modality data (EEG, EMG, fMRI) to build a high-quality, continuous neural–behavior dataset and improving decoding accuracy through cross-modal knowledge distillation.

• Leveraging multimodal AI models to interpret internal representations of EEG–motion mapping and supporting mixed-reality interfaces for neural interaction.

• Publishing high-quality research outcomes in top-tier venues to ensure degree progress and project impact.

You will work within an interdisciplinary research team, manage project-related tasks, and disseminate findings through international scientific journals and conferences. The project environment includes collaboration with experts in neuroscience and clinical studies, including VR-based stroke rehabilitation.

What We Offer

• The supervision by Assistant Professor Haoyu Chen, who has a rich research experience with more than 60 publications, including top-tier AI venues like CVPR/ICCV/AAAI/NIPS/IJCV/TIP. The student will also be jointly supervised by postdoc researcher Delfin Tursin, who has rich experience in biosignal processing and motor imagery.
• Sufficient computing resources from both faculty and the Finnish National Computing Center (LUMI, Puhti, and Mahti) with thousands of GPUs (A100 and V100) to use (research on large models is available).
• Help you to produce high-quality research outcomes with the support of our international, supportive, and open-minded team.
• Sufficient grants for traveling, including research visits, and attendance in various CV and ML conferences, and also the chance to collaborate with world-leading research groups, such as Cogtlab at Stanford University, A*star lab at Nanyang Technological University.
• 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?

We expect from you: 

• You must have a Master's degree in computer science, or in a relevant field, that was awarded not more than five years ago.
• A strong motivation towards ground-breaking/high-quality research.
• A transdisciplinary research orientation with demonstrated research experience or interest.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills in English.

We also appreciate:

• An international vision and an open mind
• Experience with AI/deep learning algorithms and development

Please also see the requirements of the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS)

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-€2800 per month (before taxes). A six-month trial period is applied to the position.

How to apply?

Are you interested? If yes, please apply through our recruitment system by December 25th, 2025 (23:59 Finnish local time).

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

1. Motivation letter (max. 2 pages, excluding references) indicating the motivation and how the applicant will contribute to the research program.
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.
4. A research proposal (max. 3 pages) outlining the research you plan to carry out during the three years of the position.
5. Contact information of two persons is available for recommendation
6. Certificates/Diplomas: Scanned copy of the original master's degree certificate.

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, including people of different ages, genders, and those from linguistic, cultural, or minority groups. 

Candidates will be evaluated based on their overall qualifications and experience, suitability for the work of the research programme, potential as leading researchers, and ability to collaborate and work with others.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please get in touch with Assistant Professor Haoyu Chen, chen.haoyu(at)oulu.fi