Doctoral Researcher in Plausibility and AI-enhanced Virtual Agents in XR

We are now looking for a

Doctoral Researcher

to join us in the Hybrid Intelligence: Human-AI Co-evolution and Learning in multi-realities (HI) multidisciplinary research programme at the University of Oulu. 

The programme is part of our national profiling actions supported by the Academy 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 crosscutting 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.

The doctoral researcher position will be located at the Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (Center for Ubiquitous Computing, Perception Engineering Group). We invite applications from candidates across various fields and disciplines who are interested in pursuing work that transcends disciplinary boundaries and who possess a strong background in the following areas: XR development (especially digital character technology), biomedical engineering, computational or cognitive neuroscience, machine learning and AI.

About the job

The position is part of Hybrid Intelligence: Human-AI Co-evolution and Learning in Multi-realities (HI) profiling research programme at the University of Oulu, funded by the Academy of Finland in the Profi7 initiative. Your role will involve developing and evaluating XR experiences accommodating to the HI paradigm in the following ways:

• Interpreting human state and responses (e.g. attention, emotions, confusion, intentions, preferences) from multimodal data (e.g. machine vision, biosensors, EEG)
• Studying modern ML/AI solutions in the context of human-digital character interaction
• Developing and studying XR applications utilizing digital characters in various domain areas
• Carrying out rigorous human-subject research

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

What we offer?

• Supervisors with rich research experience with top-tier conferences, such as CVPR/ICCV/ECCV, NIPS, IEEVR, and journals, such as TPAM, IJCV, or TIP, TVCG, TAP ensuring the quality of the research training.
• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team, where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
• 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 your loved ones in settling into Oulu.
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• 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 a competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Who are you?

We expect from you:

• You must have a Master's degree in either computer science, biomedical engineering, or psychology, (or in a similar relevant field), that was awarded not more than five years ago (or you are graduating by the start date of the contract).
• A strong motivation towards ground-breaking/high-quality research.
• An international vision and an open mind are recommended.
• A transdisciplinary research orientation with demonstrated research experience or interest.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills in English.
• Experience in the domain of game engine development for XR technologies (e.g. Unity, Unreal Engine) and/or in the domain of machine learning and AI

We also appreciate:

• An experience in either neural data collection and analysis (especially EEG) or working with non-brain-related biosensors (e.g. ECG, EDA, EMG)

Salary

The positions are fixed-term starting earliest 01.05.2025 and lasting for 4 years, counting from the starting day. 

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). Starting gross salary for a doctoral researcher is typically approx., 2600-2800 € per month (before taxes).  

A trial period of 6 months is applied for the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 16.4.2025 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

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

• Motivation letter (max. 3 pages, excluding references) indicating the motivation and how the applicant will contribute to the HI research program.
• Detailed CV.
• List of publications, following the guidelines of the Academy of Finland.
• A research proposal, (max. 3 pages) outlining the research you plan to carry out during the four years of the position.
• Letter(s) of recommendation or contact person(s) who can give references.
• Certificates/Diplomas: A scanned copy of the original master’s degree certificate (a transcript of records in case the applicant has not yet obtained the certificate).

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, such as people of different ages, different genders and members of different language, cultural or minority groups.

Only applications containing all relevant appendices submitted through the online recruitment system by the deadline will be considered. The selection process follows the University of Oulu’s recruitment guidelines and is carried out by a nominated recruitment committee. 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.

The candidates who are considered most suitable will be invited to an on-site or remote interview.

All applicants will be notified during the selection process.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please get in touch with Assistant Professor Matti Pouke, matti.pouke(at)oulu.fi