Postdoctoral Researcher, Learning regulation with AI, LET Lab, Faculty of Education and Psychology

The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary, international research university, with about 3,600 employees who produce new knowledge based on high-standards research and provide research based education to build a more sustainable, smarter, and more humane world. The University of Oulu community has about 17,000 people in total. Our northern scientific community operates globally and creates conditions for the emergence of innovations.  

We are now looking for

a Postdoctoral Researcher

to join us in the Learning and Educational Technology research Lab (LET Lab) at the Faculty of Educational and Psychology

About the job 

In this position, you will participate in LET Lab research as part of Finnish Academy funded Learning regulation with AI – promoting adaptive K-12 learners (LEAD)project. The aim of the project is to inform the design of evidence-based solutions for developing adaptive self-regulated learners by integrating self-regulated learning (SRL) theory with AI capabilities. The objectives of this project are:

(1) To re-new SRL theory and research by implementing the novel trigger concept  to guide data use and analysis;

(2) Investigate how K-12 students control, monitor and regulate their learning;

(3) Provide evidence to guide the design of new AI-driven learning technologies that collaborate with learners to help them to be purposeful, adaptive self-regulated learners.

We use multimodal data and utilize AI techniques to further understand and provide support for regulatory processes in collaborative learning. LEAD will contribute that K-12 education pedagogical innovations are aligned with technological innovations.  

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to contribute to research on designing, and evaluating the design of new AI-driven learning technologies that collaborate with learners to help them to be purposeful, adaptive self-regulated learners. You will conduct research within a team, manage project-related tasks, and disseminate research findings in leading international scientific journals. The topic will be closely connected to the Hybrid Intelligence research programme in Oulu University.

• As a postdoctoral researcher, you will engage in innovative research within learning sciences leveraging your own particular expertise.
• In the LEAD project, your responsibilities will include designing and conducting laboratory and in-situ studies[JE1], analyzing multimodal data, and publishing your findings in high-impact journals.
• As a member of the Learning and Educational Technology research lab, you will collaborate with a multidisciplinary research group, contributing to joint publications and other research efforts.

What we offer?

• A globally recognized international network of experts within the LET Lab, across University of Oulu’s Hybrid Intelligence research program, and in partner institutions and LEAD partners throughout Europe
• 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 close-ones in settling into Oulu.
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• We have a 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, excellent education system, and competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Who are you?

 In order to succeed and enjoy the position, we expect from you: 

• Doctoral degree in education, educational psychology, learning sciences, cognitive sciences, computer sciences or related areas.
• Strong understanding of learning theories and self-regulated learning theory is required.
• Methodological interest or skills in multimodal data and analysis, mixed-methods research, and research in real-world settings.
• Have experience in research data collection, data coding, and analysis. Experience with theory-drive quantitative data analysis (R/SPSS, Python).
• Software development (Python), use of web APIs for data processing (e.g. OpenAI, HuggingFace), experience using cloud-based high-performance computing systems or experience with specialist software (Praat, NVivo, Observer) is a plus, but not required.
• Interest in human-AI complementarity, including prior experience with topics like learning analytics, human-computer interaction, real-time spoken natural language processing, legal and ethical considerations in processing sensitive data.
• Fluent English, knowledge of Finnish is a plus.
• Agentic work approach and good collaboration and academic writing skills.

Salary

The position is fixed-term for 2,5 years starting 1st of January 2025 or as agreed.

The salary will be based on the levels 5-6 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 (maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). Starting gross salary will be approx. 3600-4200 € per month (before taxes).  A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 18.11.2024 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

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

1. CV, following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity 
2. Cover letter
3. List of publications, following the guidelines of the Academy of Finland 
4. Certificates/Diplomas
5. Contact information of 2 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, different genders and members of different language, cultural or minority groups. 

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact Professor Sanna Järvelä