Tampere University and Tampere University of Applied Sciences create a unique environment for multidisciplinary, inspirational and high-impact research and education. Our university community has its competitive edges in technology, health and society. www.tuni.fi/en
Two leading robotics research units at Tampere University - the Department of Automation Technology and Mechanical Engineering and the Signal Processing Research Center - are launching an ambitious large‑scale research project on autonomous mobile robots for extreme environments. The project aims to create the next generation of robots capable of reliable, long‑term autonomous operation in challenging terrain and harsh weather conditions, such as Finnish winter forests. Our research combines cutting‑edge robotic hardware, locomotion and control, perception, and artificial intelligence in close interdisciplinary collaboration. We are now recruiting highly motivated PhD students who want to work at the forefront of robotics research and make a real‑world impact.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The doctoral researchers will be supervised by principal investigators from the Units of Signal Processing and Automation Technology and Mechanical Engineering. Our research broadly covers computer vision, machine learning, robotics, and control, addressing a wide range of problems in artificial intelligence and autonomous systems.
During this project, we develop new technology for small autonomous ground vehicles. The project consists of 4 to 7 PhD students and multiple postdoctoral research fellows and research assistants. The exact number of researchers hired on the project depends on the final approval by the funding agency (pending approval). The main objective is to develop vehicles that can move autonomously in rough terrains, such as forests in Finland, and under harsh weather conditions, such as winter in Finland. Due to the extreme challenge, the project includes all parts of robot design:
- Predictive Terrain-Adaptive Robot Balance and Traversability Control (supervisor: Professor J. Mattila)
- Robot Vision and Perception (supervisor: Professor E. Rahtu)
- Robot Listening and Perception (supervisor: Professor A. Politis)
- Robot Learning for Autonomous Navigation (supervisor: Professor J. Kämäräinen)
Approaches and methods include conventional solid technologies from past robotic research and modern AI-driven technologies that learn from real data and simulations. The project is made together with the top local robotic companies.
REQUIREMENTS
Formal qualification requirements:
- Applicable master’s degree
- Eligibility to pursue a doctoral degree and generally the right to study for a doctoral degree
- Approved study plan and research plan
- Ability and motivation to pursue and complete a doctoral degree as demonstrated during prior studies or otherwise
We seek highly motivated researchers with a strong background in robotics, automation, signal processing, machine learning, control, or related fields. Ideal candidates enjoy interdisciplinary work spanning theory, algorithms, hardware, and real‑world experiments, and are motivated by challenging environments. We value initiative, creativity, solid analytical and programming skills, and a collaborative mindset. Prior experience in mobile robotics, perception, or AI is an advantage, but enthusiasm for cutting‑edge research is essential.
WE OFFER
The full-time positions will be filled for a fixed-term period of three years, which is the expected length of the research project. The expected starting day of employment is as soon as possible.
The salary will be based on both the job requirements and the employee’s personal performance in accordance with the Finnish University Salary System. According to the criteria applied to teaching and research staff, the position of Doctoral Researcher is placed on level 2–4 of the job requirements scale. A typical starting salary for a Doctoral Researcher is approximately 2800 € / month. The salary increases based on experience and the progress of doctoral studies.
Tampere University is the leading university in engineering and technology in Finland.
The Signal Processing at Tampere University has 170 members of which 30-40 % are of foreign origin. The department has held the prestigious status of a Center of Excellence in Research (CoE) elected by the Finnish Academy of Sciences. Core areas of research include image, video and audio signal processing and analysis as well as machine learning related topics. The institute is also part of the European Laboratory for Learning and Intelligent Systems (ELLIS) that provides a strong network of the best European researchers.
As a member of staff at Tampere University, you will enjoy a range of competitive benefits, such as occupational health care services, flexible work schedule, versatile research infrastructure, modern teaching facilities and a safe and inviting campus area as well as a personal fund to spend on sports and cultural activities in your free time. Please read more about working at Tampere University. You can also find more information about us and working and living Tampere by watching our video: Tampere Higher Education Community - our academic playground.
Tampere is one of the major academic hubs in the Nordic countries and offers a dynamic living environment. Tampere region is one of Finland´s three most rapidly growing urban areas and home to a vibrant knowledge-intensive entrepreneurial community. The city is an industrial powerhouse that enjoys a rich cultural scene and a reputation as a centre of Finland’s information society.
Read more about Finland and Tampere:
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is June 24th, 2026, at 23:59 (UTC +3 / EEST). Please write your application and all the accompanying documentation in English and attach them in PDF format.
Please indicate in the application form which research areas you are interested in applying to.
- Curriculum Vitae
- Free-form application letter including 1) a brief statement of how you meet the criteria for this position, and 2) description of your research interests in the scope of the Doctoral Researcher position described above. This letter should be max. 1 page long, font 12. We particularly appreciate self-written over AI-generated letters.
- PDF copies of your master’s and bachelor’s degree certificates, including transcripts of all university records (in Finnish or English)
- Other relevant documents that support your application, e.g. your master’s thesis, the most relevant publications regarding the call, or a list of referees
For more information, please contact:
- Professor Jouni Mattila, [email protected] (Predictive Terrain-Adaptive Robot Balance and Traversability Control)
- Professor Esa Rahtu, [email protected] (Robot Vision and Perception)
- Professor Archontis Politis, [email protected] (Robot Listening and Perception)
- Professor Joni Kämäräinen, [email protected] (Robot Learning for Autonomous Navigation)
Application period starts: 2026-05-28 14:00 Application period ends: 2026-06-24 23:59
