Joint Professorship in Technologies for Autonomous Manufacturing

We at the University of Oulu (UO) work as part of the international science community to produce new scientific information and science-based solutions. We are committed to educate future pioneers to build a more sustainable, intelligent and humane world. Creating new, taking responsibility and succeeding together are values that build a strong foundation for all our actions. We offer a working environment where individuals can cultivate their skills, do meaningful work, and develop professionally. Our university's several specialized research and service units enable extensive and diverse development and career opportunities for experts in various fields. More information: http://www.oulu.fi/english/ .

VTT is one of the leading applied research organisation in Europe. What unites us are curiosity, a passion for learning and a purpose: to solve the biggest challenges of our time and turn them into sustainable growth and well-being. Our cross-disciplinary community of over 2000 brilliant minds is focused on creating impact through science-based innovation. Get to know us further by exploring VTT’s research infra at VTT World .

The following position is open at the University of Oulu and VTT:

Joint Professorship in Technologies for Autonomous Manufacturing

Job Description and Location

The position is for a five-year period and is located in the Faculty of Technology / Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (50 %) http://www.oulu.fi/en  and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland ltd. (50 %) www.vttresearch.com . The employer will be the University of Oulu.

The home faculty at the University of Oulu will be decided based on the expertise of the applicant. At the Faculty of Technology, the position would be located in the Intelligent Machines and Systems Research unit (https://www.oulu.fi/intelligent/ ).  At the Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (http://www.oulu.fi/itee ), the position would be located at the Biomimetics and Intelligent Systems Group (https://www.oulu.fi/en/biomimetics-and-intelligent-systems-group ).

Autonomous Manufacturing is a concept and technology set targeting greater productivity, profitability and efficiency. As such it serves directly the sustainability goals in manufacturing in reducing CO2 emissions, improving energy and material efficiency as well as in following the principles of circular economy and enabling the twin transition.

In line with the strategic objectives of UO and VTT, the candidate is expected to focus on the research of the technologies for autonomous manufacturing. The specific fields of interests could be, but not limited, to robotics, artificial intelligence and machine learning applications in the manufacturing industry. Also, possible fields of study are Industrial Internet and digital manufacturing (e.g., situational awareness, simulation, analysis, visualization). Understanding of emerging manufacturing technologies and strategies is essential.

We are looking for a visionary research leader with strong interest in the development of next generation autonomous manufacturing technologies. The person should be familiar with the state-of-the-art solutions and real-world constraints in manufacturing industries and multidisciplinary research to generate new innovations and solutions. The candidate should be active in international networks and capable to build national and international research projects and lead them. Proven track record in collaborative research with industrial companies in the field of study is required. The candidate will work closely with research teams in UO and VTT on autonomous manufacturing concepts and advanced technologies with the aim of enhancing sustainable manufacturing.

Required Qualifications and Language Proficiency

Qualifications for successful candidate include a doctoral degree in computer science and engineering, electrical, mechanical or automation engineering or a closely associated field; high quality scientific competence proven by publications and other merits; experience in supervising scientific research; ability to give high quality education based on research and supervision of doctoral theses, as well as evidence of international collaboration in his/her field of research. Furthermore, proven track record in acquisition of research funding from multiple sources is required.

The assessment of applicants is based on their scientific publications and other research achievements, teaching experience, pedagogical training and other teaching merits. In addition, the applicant’s activity in the scientific community, practical familiarity within the field concerned, and success in acquiring domestic and international research funding, scientific work abroad and other international activities will be included in the assessment. Industrial experience and commercialization of scientific results are strong merits.

The teaching language at the University of Oulu is Finnish. It is also possible to teach in English.

What we offer

• You will become a part of a strategically and globally significant research area and world-class research community. In addition to modern research facilities, the University of Oulu offers you sports, culture and wellness benefits and salary payments for 12 months / year. The successful candidate will receive full benefits provided by the University of Oulu to university employees, including free time corresponding to holidays and free occupational health care services. The university provides relocation support for internationally recruited employees.
• The salary will be approximately 6000–7800 EUR per month. It is based on levels 8–10 of the demand level chart for teaching and re-search staff of Finnish universities and on personal work performance (maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). In addition, an annual holiday bonus is paid based on the collective agreement.
• Other benefits: Finland is one of the most livable countries, with a high quality of life, safety, excellent education system, and competitive economy. The successful candidate will receive also benefits provided by the Finnish state to residents, for example possibility to obtain access to the national healthcare system, tax benefits for employees with children and high-quality affordable childcare services.

Application and Selection Procedure

Applications, including attachments, should be submitted using the electronic application form by January 31, 2022, 23:59 (Finnish local time). Applications sent by email will not be considered. The application should be written in English and the following information needs to be included:

Reviewer Assessment

The selection process follows the University of Oulu recruitment guidelines. The process is carried out by a recruitment committee and the candidates are subjected to bibliometric analyses based on their publication lists. The University of Oulu has also signed the International Dora Declaration  in early 2020. The candidates that are considered most suitable by the recruitment committee will also undergo an expert evaluation.

Interview and proposal by the recruitment committee

The recruiting committee analyses the reviewers´ evaluations, interviews the suitable candidates and makes the proposal for appointment.

Official Employment

Based on the proposal by the recruiting committee the dean will make his/her proposition to the vice rector, who in turn will makes the nomination to the post.

The position is scheduled to be filled as of September 1st, 2022 or as agreed, and it is subject to a six-month trial period.

For further information regarding this position, please contact:

Professor Jukka Riekki, Dean of the Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, email: jukka.riekki(at)oulu.fi

Professor Riitta Keiski, Dean of the Faculty of Technology, email: riitta.keiski(at)oulu.fi

Professor Juha Röning, Leader of the Biomimetics and Intelligent Systems Group, email: juha.roning(at)oulu.fi

University Lecturer Toni Liedes, Chair of the Recruitment Committee, Faculty of Technology, email: toni.liedes(at)oulu.fi

Vice President Petteri Alahuhta, VTT Cognitive Production Industry, email: petteri.alahuhta(at)vtt.fi

About Finland and the City of Oulu:

For the fourth year in a row, Finland has been evaluated as the world's happiest country according to the UN-sponsored World Happiness Report survey data. The capital of Northern Finland, the City of Oulu, is a combination of beautiful, northern nature, vivid cultural life, and modern technology. Oulu has been chosen to be the European capital of culture in 2026. The city is also known for its highly educated people and friendly, easy-going atmosphere. The residents of Oulu enjoy the high standard of living Finland is known for, while the cost of living is still affordable in national comparison. The Oulu region is home to over 200 000 people making it the largest urban centre in northern Nordics and one of the fastest growing regions in Finland. Find out more about Oulu: https://www.oulu.fi/university/living-in-oulu