Doctoral Researcher in Computer Science and Engineering (Sentient AI)

We are now looking for a

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, combining the expertise of the University of Oulu 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 Research Fellow project "Towards Moravec's Paradox: Decoding Human Spontaneous Behaviors for Sentient AI from Cognitive Aspects" (2025–2029, 622K Euros) at the University of Oulu, funded by the Academy of Finland, see more details.

Your role will involve developing data processing and computing technology to help decode human spontaneous behaviors and explore the next generation of emotion AI in the following ways:

• By including machine learning methods for interpreting human emotions, intentions, preferences, and decision-making, it analyzes facial expressions, body behaviors, and physiological signals.
• Utilizing machines to automatically collect large-scale subject samples for building a high-quality human behavior dataset through advanced interactive behavior analysis algorithms.
• Using Multi-modal Large Language Models to understand human behaviors by visualizing and explaining the internal states and status of data, algorithms, and models through multi-modality for mixed-reality interfaces.
• Publish high-quality research outcomes in top-tier venues to ensure the degree.

You will work in a research team, manage project-related tasks, and disseminate research findings in leading international scientific journals.

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, 
• 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.
• 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 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 4 years, starting on September 1st, 2025, or upon agreement. A trial period of 6 months is applied to the position. For doctoral researchers, the salary will be based on 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 typical starting gross salary will be approximately 2500-2900 € per month (before taxes). 

How to apply?

Are you interested? If yes, please apply through our recruitment system by September 1st, 2025 (23:59 Finnish local time).

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

1. Motivation letter (max. 3 pages, excluding references) indicating the motivation and how the applicant will contribute to the HI 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 four 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, such as people of different ages, genders, and lingual, cultural, or minority groups. 

Candidates will be evaluated based on their overall qualifications and experience, suitability to the work of HI 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