Postdoctoral Researcher in Distributed Intelligence for Edge Computing

The North changes the world – more sustainable, more intelligent, more humane. At the University of Oulu, we work as part of the international science community to produce new scientific information and science-based solutions. We are committed to educating 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 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/

We are now seeking

a talented Postdoctoral Researcherwith strong research skills

to join the Center for Ubiquitous Computing (UBICOMP), Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (ITEE), University of Oulu, Finland. UBICOMP is the largest cluster of Ubiquitous Computing and Human-Computer Interaction researchers with a research agenda of edge computing, distributed computing, edge AI, as well as decentralized and distributed learning and decision-making in one of its teams (Interactive Edge). We regularly publish in the best ACM and IEEE venues, including top conferences and journals. Our research is primarily funded through external competitive grants by national and international funding agencies.

The position is directed to investigate Edge AI and edge intelligence. In this context, the position can have a special focus on any combination of

• IoT and embedded systems,
• Edge computing and distributed systems, and
• Distributed AI/ML and Multi-Agent Systems.

Furthermore, a successful candidate should have strong practical background in building real-world prototype edge computing and IoT systems and understand the associated real-world problems. The candidate should be familiar with software engineering practises and technologies, such as DevOps, virtualization, containerization, and microservices.

Job description

The position’s primary duties are to:

-          Carry out a research project and sustain activities that lead to high-quality academic publications, funding applications, and public-facing, creative-outreach initiatives.

-          Work in close co-operation with the partners in our research projects and coordinate the work of our researchers in those projects.

-          Collaborate with other researchers and research groups to further the aims of our research agenda, such as organizing topical conferences or workshops.

-          Taking part in teaching activities may be possible, depending on faculty needs and the teaching/research capabilities of the successful candidate.

What we expect

• A background in computer science and engineering, statistics, applied mathematics, or a related field
• A doctoral degree completed not more than ten years ago (at or later than 2012) is expected
• Essentially, the candidate should have a vision, ambition, and passion for edge AI research, and an outstanding track record of scientific accomplishments
• Further, interest in working across and beyond disciplinary boundaries is highly appreciated and encouraged
• Fluency in both written and spoken English, as well as good communication and teamwork skills are required
• Networking skills, as well as potential in acquiring supplementary funding, will be taken as merits

Terms of employment

The position is due to begin in January 2022 or as negotiated.

The position is for a fixed term of 3 years (2022 – 2024). The successful candidate will be employed at the Center for Ubiquitous Computing, University of Oulu. A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

Salary

The salary will be based on level 5-6 of the demand level chart for university-level 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). The EUR salary will be, depending on the qualifications, approximately €3500-4000 per month. Regular salary is paid 12 months per year, including paid leave and an additional holiday bonus in the summer. In addition to the salary, the employed person will be insured by the university and provided occupational healthcare.

Finnish government provides benefits to residents and their families, for example possibility to the national healthcare system and high-quality affordable childcare and school services.

How to apply

Send your application using the electronic application form latest on Sunday, October 31st, 2021 at 23:59 (EET).

The application should be written in English. Please include the following documents as separate pdf-files:

• Research themes of interest.
• Professional experience, expertise, and career plans.
• Description of applicant’s ongoing research.
• Linkage of the research to the FRACTAL themes.
• Objectives and implementation.

2. Brief research and action plan for the postdoctoral period (max. 3 pages).

3. Curriculum vitae following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity: http://www.tenk.fi/en/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae

4. List of publications, following the guidelines of the Academy of Finland: https://www.aka.fi/en/research-funding/apply-for-funding/how-to-apply-for-funding/az-index-of-application-guidelines2/list-of-publications/ [a full list with five most important publications highlighted].

5. Contact details of 2-3 persons available for recommendation.

6. Certificates/Diplomas: a scanned copy of the original doctoral degree certificate

Only applications containing all relevant appendices and submitted through the online recruitment portal by the deadline will be considered. The candidates will be evaluated based on their overall qualifications and experience, suitability, and potential. The eligible applicants fitting best in the research profile expected for the position may be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified when the selection process is completed.

Further information and enquiries

Concerning research related information:

FRACTAL project (https://fractal-project.eu/ ) scientific project lead (UOULU) Lauri Lovén, UBICOMP Research Unit, [email protected]

Interactive Edge research group director Susanna Pirttikangas, UBICOMP Research Unit, [email protected]

Concerning application process:
Research Support Specialist Elina Rossi, [email protected], tel. +358407471071