The Department of Computing at the University of Turku is looking for 1-2 fixed-term Postdoctoral Researchers or Senior Research Fellows in Robotics.
The assignment begins on June 1, 2025, or upon mutual agreement. The positions are fixed-term and will last until December 31, 2027 or April 30, 2028 depending on the project.
Job description
The positions are based in the Turku Intelligent Embedded and Robotic Systems (TIERS) research group in the Robotics and Autonomous Systems unit at the Department of Computing. TIERS is globally connected and focuses on integrating robotics and artificial intelligence across diverse fields. The core focus lies in developing heterogeneous, multifunctional robotic fleets for various applications within industrial and environmental settings. TIERS has a significant external project portfolio at both national and international levels.
The positions are part of the Digital Waters (DIWA) flagship (end date April 30, 2028) and the DIWA Doctoral Pilot programme (end date December 31, 2027). DIWA enables a transition towards the digital representation of real-world water systems (Digital Twin). DIWA integrates cutting-edge research in robotics, machine learning, and sustainable engineering to enhance the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of autonomous systems. More information about DIWA can be found at https://digitalwaters.fi/.
Who we are looking for
We invite applications from highly motivated researchers in mobile robotics with expertise in machine learning. Examples of areas of research that are a good fit for this position include active perception and understanding of complex and unstructured environments, interaction with the environment and enhanced human-machine interaction, robot design, robot control and robot learning. We value experience in developing and applying machine learning algorithms for real-world applications in, e.g., infrastructure or environmental monitoring, search and rescue, agriculture and forestry, surveillance, construction or logistics. Practical experience with physical robotic platforms (aerial, ground or surface robotics) is particularly desirable for both positions. Teaching is an important part of the position - we value teaching experience and pedagogical studies.
We take a broad view of applicants' qualifications, valuing attributes such as extensive academic, professional, and societal networks; contributions to societal impact and outreach; experience in technology transfer; industrial and entrepreneurial expertise; and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Required qualifications and experience:
- Doctoral degree in computer science, artificial intelligence, robotics and automation, data science, or closely related field
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
- Track record in scientific writing (articles)
Desired qualifications, experience and skills:
- Secured research funding and actively contributed to the planning and preparation of research projects
- Practical hands-on experience with mobile aerial, ground or surface robots and mechatronic systems
- A background in one or more of the following: Robotics, Multi-Robot Systems, Multi-Modal Perception, Sensor Fusion, Machine Learning, Generative AI
- Experience in Python and C/C++ programming
- Experience in ROS2 and Linux operating systems
Your responsibilities encompass, but are not limited to:
- Carry out research
- Take part in education and teaching activities
- Supervise Doctoral Researchers
- Supervise MSc (Tech) students
- Contribute to research project planning and preparation
Successful applicants may be appointed to a fixed-term postdoctoral or senior research fellow position depending on their previous academic merits.
Qualification requirements
The qualification requirements for the positions are stated in the University of Turku Rules of Procedure: rules-of-procedure.pdf.
A person selected for the post of postdoctoral researcher is required to have a doctoral degree and the ability to conduct independent scientific work as well as having the necessary teaching skills.
A person selected for the post of senior research fellow is required to have a doctoral degree and the ability to conduct independent scientific work. For the post of a senior research fellow on the third step of the teaching and research staff career structure, evidence of scientific research work and the necessary teaching skills are also required.
We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage all qualified applicants with different backgrounds to apply for our open positions.
Benefits
We offer you responsible and interesting tasks and the opportunity to develop your professional skills in a versatile operating environment. You get a professional and inspiring team to support your work. We take care of your well-being at work and the functionality of your everyday life, e.g. with the help of flexible working hours and our well-being services.
Please read more about University of Turku as an employee from our Come work with us! pages.
The European Commission has awarded the University of Turku the right to use the HR Excellence in Research logo. The logo is a token of the University's commitment to continuous development of the position and working conditions of researchers according to the guidelines set forth in the European Charter for Researchers.
The university offers good support and orientation for international hires. Please learn more about the Finnish culture and relocation to Finland:
Salary and trial period
The salary is determined in accordance with the university salary system for teaching and research personnel and will depend on the degree and qualifications of the applicant.
For a postdoctoral researcher (OV4-OV6), the salary will be in the beginning of the employment on average 3500–3800 euros/month, depending on previous experience and skills.
For a senior research fellow (OV5-OV7), the salary will be in the beginning of the employment on average 4100–4500 euros/month, depending on previous experience and skills.
The amount of the salary is defined when the employment contract is prepared.
A six (6) month trial period applies to the positions.
How to apply
Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is May 5, 2025, at 16.00 (Europe/Helsinki).
Please include with your application:
- A motivation letter with a research statement (max 2 pages)
- CV (max 3 pages, with contact information for 1-2 referees). You may use the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity CV template: https://tenk.fi/en/advice-and-materials/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae
- List of publications
- Copies of degree certificates with translation in English or Finnish (if applicable)
- Other documents that may affect the decision-making. For example, information about grants, prizes and recommendation letters that the applicant wishes to present, to indicate the eligibility and merits for the applied position.
Further information
For further information about the position, please contact: Professor Tomi Westerlund ([email protected]).
With questions about the application process, please contact: HR Specialist Nina Reini, ([email protected]).
Further information of the research group can be found here: TIERS-home-page – Turku Intelligent Embedded and Robotic Systems.
Department of Computing
The Department of Computing educates professionals for the modern digitalised society. Central themes of teaching and research include Digitalisation, Machine Learning, Autonomous and Intelligent Systems, Cybersecurity and Health Technology.
The Faculty of Technology is the newest faculty of the University of Turku, it was established in the beginning of 2021. The Faculty consists of the Department of Computing, Department of Biotechnology and the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering. We have more than 2,000 graduate and postgraduate students and circa 400 employees, 50 of whom are professors. Our faculty is an international, multicultural and diverse work community.
The University of Turku is an inspiring and international academic community of 25,000 students and staff in Southwest Finland. We build a sustainable future with multidisciplinary research, education, and collaboration. With us, your work will have a significant impact and relevance in the changing world.
See our open vacancies
Information for the applicant
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