Three Postdoctoral Researchers (3-year positions) within the 6G-Future Sustainable Society research theme

The University of Oulu is seeking talented postdoctoral researchers to join a newly funded program: 6G-Solutions and Responsible Innovations for the Future Sustainable Society (6G-FSS). 6G-FSS leverages the technological expertise of the 6G Flagship , Digital health , and Sustainable energy systems to do world-class interdisciplinary research for a data-driven, hyperconnected future society with digitalized healthcare and energy-thrifty power systems.

We now invite candidates across disciplines with strong research skills to apply for the 3-year (2022 – 2024) postdoctoral positions in 6G-FSS.

6G-FSS Research theme and job description

6G-FSS is one of the three new research themes supported by the Academy of Finland (2021-2026). 6G-FSS is a joint multidisciplinary effort of four faculties (Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Technology and Oulu Business School) and over 400 Principal Investigators. 6G-FSS will function in close cooperation with the vibrant OuluHealth ecosystem and the healthcare providers of the City of Oulu, the Oulu University Hospital , and the Future Hospital 2030-project. Furthermore, the University of Oulu is surrounded by several research centers and industrial partners enabling active research cooperation. Solutions and responsible innovations for the future sustainable society will be invented in five subthemes of 6G-FSS, which are shortly described here:

6G-FSS1, Citizen-centered health data solutions: Future society calls for a paradigm shift towards sustainable intelligent citizen-centered proactive and predictive healthcare. Rapid development of digital technologies creates opportunities of combining intelligent interactive digital processes, which need to be ensured with evidence-based research.

-          Creating new approaches in the development of preventive and predictive, personalized digital processes and solutions​.

-          Evaluating the impact of citizen generated health data on person’s health, lifestyles, and adherence to the self-care. ​

-          Developing business models for citizen centered proactive and predictive healthcare​.

Further information concerning the 6G-FSS1 research theme: Professor Maritta Perälä-Heape, Centre for Health and Technology,  [email protected] ; Professor Petri Ahokangas, Martti Ahtisaari Institute, [email protected]

6G-FSS2, Ubiquitous digital care pathways and service models in secure and intelligent environments:  Development of advanced digital care pathways between patients and primary healthcare, hospitals and virtual healthcare services, which facilitate efficient participation and extended communication with patients and healthcare professionals on different levels with enhanced security, privacy and trust, quality and reliability of various smart environments and digital applications and healthcare services.

-          Using novel digital services for information management of preventive healthcare to improve person’s health, promote selfcare, and to improve efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare, and generation of new value.

-          Finding new opportunities and outcomes of secure digital care pathways, service models and novel healthcare technology.

-          Utilizing 5G/6G technologies for information flows in the secure, accurate and reliable healthcare systems.

Further information concerning the 6G-FSS2 research theme: Adjunct Professor Matti Hämäläinen, CWC-Networks and Systems, [email protected] ; Professor Miia Turpeinen, Finnish Coordinating Center for Health Technology Assessment, [email protected]

6G-FSS3, Future AI-tailored wireless hospital: Advanced digital solutions for clinical applications (diagnostic, treatment, and follow-up methods) in the future intelligent hospital by applying edge computing, machine learning, impact analysis and health technology assessment.

-          Enabling precision medicine and advanced therapies based on AI-augmented diagnostics and instantaneous point of care delivery of health information.  

-          Ensuring wireless networks and virtual healthcare services in trustful and secure environments. 

-          Making information flows timelier by using 5G/6G technologies. 

-          Facilitating data mining from hospital’s medical records and/or data pools.

Further information concerning the 6G-FSS3 research theme: Professor Jarmo Reponen, Research Unit of Medical Imaging, Physics and Technology, [email protected] ; Professor Simo Saarakkala, Research Unit of Medical Imaging, Physics and Technology, [email protected]

6G-FSS4, Sustainable energy systems empowering users with digital services: Distribution grids are being transformed from passive to active distribution networks, with enhanced capacity for integration of renewable and flexible energy source, especially significant in remote and developing areas.

-          Developing advanced digital solutions and 6G energy services, which facilitate consumer participation, and ensure enhanced security, quality and reliability of energy and digital services.

-          Integrating digital solutions to energy systems to facilitate flexibility and sustainability.

-          Linking sustainability of energy systems to climate and energy policies, especially the aim of climate neutrality  

Further information concerning the 6G-FSS4 research theme: Professor Eva Pongracz, Water, Energy, and Environmental Engineering, [email protected] ; Assistant Professor Hirley Alves, CWC-Radio Technologies, [email protected] ; Professor Maria Kopsakangas-Savolainen, Oulu University Business School, [email protected]

6G-FSS5, Energy efficiency of digitally enabled user-centric systems: Development of energy-thrifty systems and energy harvesting, with the aim to overcome the continuous reliance on power cables or charging/changing batteries. The theme is linked to the development of eHealth sensor devices and data gathered from those with the 6G Flagship research.

-          Applying designed and manufactured systems keeping sustainability, i.e., overall energy consumption, energy-efficient edge computing and wireless connectivity, material usage and environmental friendliness, as a high priority.

-          Creating overall sustainability from materials to data management through component and radio design, their manufacturing, data collection, transfer, and handling.

-          Developing digital solutions to enable active user engagement in future sustainable energy communities

Further information concerning the 6G-FSS5 research theme: Professor Heli Jantunen, Microelectronics Research Unit, [email protected] ; Professor Aarno Pärssinen, CWC-Radio Technologies, [email protected] , Professor Osmo Tervonen, Research Unit of Medical Imaging, Physics and Technology, [email protected]

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

-          Collaborate with programme leaders to further the aims of 6G-FSS, such as organizing topical conferences or workshops

-          Taking part in teaching activities may be possible, depending on faculty need and the successful candidate’s own teaching/research capabilities

What we expect

A successful applicant can have a background in a wide range of scientific disciplines: medical, technical, business, natural sciences, or related field. A doctoral degree completed not more than ten years ago (at or later than 2012) is expected. The candidate should have a vision, ambition, and passion for research, and a track record of scientific accomplishments. 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.

In the application, the candidate is expected to indicate which of the five research themes of 6G-FSS is closest to applicant´s own research interests. The applicant may also indicate ongoing or planned connections with specific researchers and identify a desired research unit in the application. However, this is not a pre-requisite. Matching between the applicants and appropriate hosting research unit can also be performed during the evaluation and selection process.

What we offer

We offer a great opportunity to become a part of a strategically and globally significant research area and world-class research community with excellent working facilities. 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. 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. With 15,000 students and 3,000 employees, The University of Oulu is one of the Nordic countries’ largest universities. More information: http://www.oulu.fi/english/ .

Oulu is a Northern Nordic city known for its stunning natural surroundings, vibrant cultural life, and friendly, easy-going atmosphere. Residents of Oulu enjoy Finland’s high standard of living combined with affordable housing and lower living costs compared to larger cities in the south. 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

Terms of employment

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

The position is for a fixed term of three years (2022 – 2024). The successful candidate will be employed at the University of Oulu. The final host faculty will be identified based on the specific research interest and expertise of the applicant. A trial period of 6 months is applied in the positions.

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 Thursday, September 30, 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
• If already able to identify, a potential hosting research unit/PI (optional)
• Description of the ongoing research
• Linkage of the research to the 6G-FSS theme
• 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. A doctoral degree must have been completed before starting the position and must not be obtained more than 10 years ago (at or later than 2012).

Only applications containing all relevant appendices and submitted through the online recruitment portal by the deadline will be considered. The selection process follows the University of Oulu’s recruitment guidelines and is carried out by a nominated recruitment committee. 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:

6G-FSS Director Professor Johanna Uusimaa, PEDEGO Research Unit, [email protected]

6G-FSS Vice-director Professor Ari Pouttu, CWC-Networks and Systems, [email protected]

Concerning application process and practical arrangements:

6G-FSS Coordinator Anne Mäkelä, [email protected] , mobile: +358 50 3505867