POSTDOCTORAL AND RESEARCH FELLOW POSITIONS IN INTERACTIVE AI
fcai.fi/postdocs
Finnish Center for Artificial Intelligence FCAI is searching for exceptional postdoctoral researchers and research fellows to tackle complex and exciting problems in the field of machine learning. Come and join us to create the next generation of AI that is data-efficient, trustworthy and understandable!
FCAI is a vibrant research center for Artificial Intelligence in Helsinki, bringing together the expertise in AI research from both academia and industry. Hundreds of researchers are involved in various research and educational activities, and dozens of industrial actors collaborate in joint initiatives. Moreover, as the birthplace of Linux, and the home base of Nokia Bell Labs, F-Secure, Rovio, Supercell, Slush (the biggest annual startup event in Europe), Helsinki is the largest ecosystem of high-tech companies and R&D centers in Northern Europe.
FCAI is initiated by Aalto University, University of Helsinki, and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. It has been selected as one of the prestigious Flagships of the Academy of Finland, a status granted to very few selected centers of excellence with high societal impact. The total budget of FCAI is 250 M€ over the next 8 years.
RESEARCH PROGRAM
For more information see fcai.fi/research/
Interactive AI enables AI that people can naturally work and solve problems with, and which demonstrates the ability to better understand our goals and abilities, takes initiative more sensitively, aligns its objectives with us, and supports us. Read more at fcai.fi/interactive-ai
Keywords: Interactive machine learning; reinforcement learning and computational rationality; cognitive modelling; probabilistic programming for behavioral sciences.
Several professors contribute. Coordinating professor: Antti Oulasvirta
READY TO APPLY?
Please submit your application here. Choose in the application form one or more of the research programs described above and explain in the motivation letter how you could contribute to the selected research area(s).
Required attachments:
A letter of motivation describing your previous research experience and future research interests linked with the FCAI research programs. Maximum length: 1 page.
CV
List of publications (please do not attach full copies of publications)
Contact details of at least 2 senior academics available to provide references
A transcript of the doctoral studies and degree certificate of the PhD degree
All material should be submitted in English. Short-listed candidates may be invited for an interview in Helsinki or via skype.
We will start processing the applications in May 14th so please apply quickly. The call will remain open until the positions are filled. By applying to this call, organized by the Finnish Center for Artificial Intelligence, you apply with one application to both Aalto University and the University of Helsinki. The employing university will be determined according to the location of the supervising professors.
FCAI supports the principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action. Qualified candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates should have or be close to having a PhD in Computer Science, Statistics, Data Science or a related quantitative field and are expected to have an excellent track record in scientific research in one or several fields relevant to the position. Good command of English is a necessary prerequisite. In the review process, particular emphasis is put on the quality of the candidate’s previous research and international experience, together with the substance, innovativeness, and feasibility of the research interests, and their relevance to FCAI research programs. Efficient and successful completion of studies is considered an additional merit.
COMPENSATION, WORKING HOURS AND PLACE OF WORK
The salary for a postdoctoral researcher starts typically from 3 500 EUR per month, and increases based on experience. In addition to the salary, the contract includes occupational healthcare benefits, and Finland has a comprehensive social security system. The positions are located at the campuses of Aalto University and the University of Helsinki.
The selected candidates will be appointed for fixed-term positions, typically for two years with an option for renewal. For exceptional candidates, a longer-term Research Fellow position can be considered. The length of the contract and starting and ending dates are negotiable. In addition to research work, the hired researchers have the opportunity to develop their teaching skills and participate in the supervision of students. The amount of teaching included in the contract is about 5% and the form and content negotiable.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Research-related information: coordinator at fcai.fi
Application process: Akseli Kohtamaki (firstname.lastname at aalto.fi)
ABOUT THE HOST INSTITUTIONS
Aalto University and the University of Helsinki form a globally top-ranked fundamental research cluster in AI with both universities being ranked e.g. in the top-20 in 2019 THE impact ranking. Moreover, VTT brings to FCAI its strong track record and networks for application of AI technologies to industrial and societal problems. Together we have a long tradition and track record of decades of pioneering machine learning research, with no counterparts in the Nordic countries.
Aalto University is a community of bold thinkers where science and art meet technology and business. We are committed to high-quality research with significant impact on the international scientific community, industry and business, as well as the society at large. Aalto is an international community: more than 30% of our academic personnel are non-Finns. Aalto University has six schools with nearly 20 000 students; it is in world’s top-10 of young universities (QS Top 50 under 50). For more information, see www.aalto.fi/en/.
The University of Helsinki, established in 1640, is one of the world’s leading universities for multidisciplinary research. The University of Helsinki is an international academic community of 40,000 students and staff members. The university lays special emphasis on the quality of education and research, and it is a member of the League of the European Research Universities (LERU). For more information, see www.helsinki.fi/university/.
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland is a visionary research, development and innovation partner. We drive sustainable growth and tackle the biggest global challenges of our time and turn them into growth opportunities. We go beyond the obvious to help the society and companies to grow through technological innovations. We have over 75 years of experience of top-level research and science-based results. VTT´s turnover and other operating income is 258 M€. VTT is at the sweet spot where innovation and business come together. For more information, see www.vttresearch.com.
ABOUT FINLAND
Finland is a great place for living with or without family – it is a safe, politically stable and well-organized Nordic society. Finland is consistently ranked high in quality-of-life and was just listed as the happiest country in the world: worldhappiness.report/news/finland-again-is-the-happiest-country-in-the-world/. For more information about living in Finland: www.aalto.fi/services/about-finland