Doctoral researcher, AI/ML Methods for Hydrological Observations in GNSS-Reflectometry Network

We are now looking for a

Doctoral Researcher

to join the Centre for Wireless Communications Unit (CWC) at the Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering. CWC trains world-class graduates, conducts world-renowned research, and creates new technology in cooperation with the most significant R&D organizations and industries in the field of wireless communications. 

This doctoral researcher position is part of the strategic spearhead projects funded by Infotech for the years 2026-2028. Infotech is one of the four multidisciplinary research centers at the University of Oulu. This doctoral research project is titled GNSS-HydroNet: A GNSS-reflectometry-based sensor network for investigating hydrological processes in Northern Finland. The work will contribute to the Digital Waters Flagship, bringing research and innovations to support decision-making and management in the water sector – digitally (digitalwaters.fi).

About the job

Our objective is to enhance the observation of key winter hydrological parameters, including snow depth, snow water equivalent, and ice thickness, on rivers, lakes, and seas. The outcome of this research is expected to improve the estimation of target hydrological parameters by assimilation of GNSS-R data, in situ measurements by using the AI/ML-based result analyses and methods.

In this role, you will:

• Focus on AI/ML methods to improve hydrological observations using the GNSS-Reflectometry Network.
• Build data processing workflows and implementation of AI/ML methods to identify significant trends and dependencies of the estimated parameters on observation data and various environmental factors.

The doctoral researcher will join a multidisciplinary research team led by Research Director Marko E. Leinonen, Center of Wireless Communications (CWC), and will be supervised in collaboration with Associate Professor Pertti Ala-Aho from the Water, Energy, and Environment Engineering research unit, as well as Postdoctoral Researcher Ankit Regmi from CWC.

What we offer

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic community where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert. 
• Development and career options of the big organization. 
• 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 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 are seeking a talented and motivated candidate to implement Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) algorithms for modeling and improving the observation of hydrological parameters through the assimilation of data from the existing GNSS-R sensor network, field surveys, and other supporting sensors.    

We require from you:

• Master’s degree in communications engineering, computer science, environmental engineering, mathematics, geophysics, or related discipline. A Master's degree must have been completed before the start of the doctoral researcher's work.
• See also the requirements of the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS)

You are also expected to demonstrate the following:

• Experience in AI/ML methods and algorithms.
• Good understanding of signal processing and data analysis.
• Proven experience with data analysis tools such as Matlab/Python/R.
• Experience with GNSS receivers, observables, GNSS-reflectometry or remote sensing topics.
• Readiness in assisting in field campaigns measuring snow and ice properties
• Sound knowledge on radio wave propagation, Radio Frequency (RF) topics.
• Good English language skills both in oral and written communication.
• Ability to work both independently and with different research groups and teams.

Salary

The position is full-time and fixed-term for 3 years as of 01.02.2025 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 approx. 2600-2800 € per month (before taxes).  A 6-month trial period is applied to the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 16 January 2026 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

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

• Cover letter
• CV following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
• Certificates and transcripts of records: Scanned electronic copies of all pages of a) diplomas and b) transcripts of the records of relevant previous degrees. If the original documents are not in Finnish, Swedish or English, each document must be accompanied by an official certified translation into Finnish or English.
• Contact information of two persons available for recommendation

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 linguistic, cultural, or minority groups. 

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact

Research Director, Marko E. Leinonen, email: marko.e.leinonen@oulu.fi

Associate Professor, Pertti Ala-aho, email: pertti.ala-aho@oulu.fi

Postdoctoral Researcher, Ankit Regmi, email: ankit.regmi@oulu.fi