Two Doctoral Students and One Postdoctoral Researcher for Robotics and virtual reality

The North changes the world – we at the University of Oulu 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.

Infotech Oulu Institute is one of the four strategic focus institutes at the University of Oulu supporting high-quality research, coordinating multidisciplinary research activities and doctoral training. Infotech’s science-based expertise meets global challenges determined in the strategy of the University of Oulu (UO) in the focus area” Digitalization and smart society” exploring how digitalization can work for everyone. The research topics include sensing and ubiquitous wireless sensor systems, wireless communication, and other novel services and systems. The research targets future information infrastructures and integrates aspects of technology adoption by complex human groups, communities, and societies.

We are now looking for

Two doctoral students and One postdoctoral researcher to join the Perception Engineering (PE) research group at the Center for Ubiquitous Computing (UBICOMP).

The faculty and the research group

The Perception Engineering (PE) group at the Center for Ubiquitous Computing (UBICOMP) in Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (ITEE),  conducts research on immersive robotic telepresence at the confluence of robotics and virtual reality (https://ubicomp.oulu.fi/research/pe ). The project offering these openings addresses fundamental challenges in such systems: how to automatically compensate for the motions of wide-angle and panoramic cameras, both real and virtual, so that user comfort is maximized, immersion or presence is preserved, and cybersickness is minimized. The project also seeks to develop human perception-based engineering criteria, to advance the scientific understanding of immersive robotic telepresence, and to benefit the larger industrial ecosystem.

Open positions for two doctoral students

• The two doctoral students are expected to contribute to fundamental research efforts at the confluence of robotics and virtual reality.
• Targeted applications of interest include telepresence, comfortable immersion and interaction in panoramas, interface design, human-robot interaction, comfortable and effective locomotion in virtual reality, and the promotion of well-being through wearable display technology.

Qualification requirements for doctoral students

• We expect a master’s degree in computer science, electrical engineering, applied mathematics, automation, or a related field.
• In addition to a core background in robotics or virtual reality, experience in the following areas will be considered favorably: algorithms, dynamical systems, control theory, filtering, motion planning, HCI, and perceptual psychology.
• Fluency in both written and spoken English is required, as well as excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Please also see the requirements of the University of Oulu Graduate School http://www.oulu.fi/uniogs/requirements_for_admission

Open position for a postdoctoral researcher

• The postdoctoral researcher is expected to contribute to fundamental research efforts at the confluence of robotics and virtual reality.
• Potential topics of research are flexible and are drawn from areas such as planning algorithms, reinforcement learning, applied computational geometry, control theory, interaction methods, signal processing, sensor fusion, computer graphics, and human perception.
• Motivating applications include robotic telepresence and tele-embodiment, comfortable and effective locomotion in virtual reality, and the promotion of well-being through wearable display technology.

Qualification requirements for a postdoctoral researcher

• We expect a doctoral degree in computer science, electrical engineering, applied mathematics, or a related field. The doctoral degree must have been received no more than 10 years ago.
• In addition to a core background in robotics or virtual reality, experience in the following areas will be considered favorably: algorithms, dynamical systems, control theory, filtering, motion planning, HCI, and perceptual psychology.
• Fluency in both written and spoken English 
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Demonstrated experience in writing scientific publications, acquiring funding, and teaching are considered merits.
• When assessing the qualifications, aspects to be considered include expertise on the research field and methodology, scientific publications, supervision experience, and activity in the scientific community.

What we offer

• We offer an opportunity to join an international and interdisciplinary research group conducting cutting edge research at the confluence of robotics and virtual reality. The group is supported by highly visible funding instruments such as an ERC Advanced Grant, several Academy of Finland grants, and leads a large national Business Finland co-innovation consortium involving leading research organisations and influential tech companies.    
• The university’s wide variety of support services (including facilities) are at your disposal, allowing you to focus on your studies and research.
• You will also enjoy personnel benefits such as support for sport services and endless opportunities to develop your skills and competences.
• Regular salary is paid 12 months per year, including paid leave and an additional holiday bonus in the summer.
• The employed person will be insured by the university and provided occupational healthcare. The 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.

Salary

The salary of the selected doctoral students will be in accordance with the Finnish universities salary system for teaching and research personnel: level 2-4. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (maximum of 50% of the job-specific component). Starting gross salary will be approx. 2400-2500€ per month (before taxes).

The salary of the selected postdoctoral researcher will be in accordance with the Finnish universities salary system for teaching and research personnel: level 5-6 . In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (maximum of 50% of the job-specific component). Starting gross salary will be approx. 3500-4000€ per month (before taxes).

How to apply

Applications, together with all relevant enclosures, should be submitted using the electronic application form by October 31st , 2021 at 23:59 (Finnish local time). The application should be written in English and include the following:

1)     A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) summarizing applicant’s professional experience and expertise and describing why applicant is interested in about this position. Also, information on personal research interests, experience and career plans are valuable to provide here

2)     Curriculum vitae (max. 4 pages) in accordance with the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity http://www.tenk.fi/en/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae

3)     List of publications based on 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/  

4)     A Research Statement, max. 3 pages

5)     Certificates/Diplomas: Scanned copy of the original doctoral degree certificate (Postdoctoral Researcher position) or of the original master's degree certificate (Doctoral Student positions) and transcript of records and, when necessary, official translations to Finnish or English

6)     Contact information of two senior/experienced researchers who may be asked to give a statement on the candidate

Only applications containing all relevant appendices and submitted through the online recruitment system will be considered. Top candidates will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified when the selection process is completed.

Further information

The positions are fixed-term for maximum 4 years from 01.01.2022 and ending 31.12.2025. A trial period of 6 months is applied in the positions.

For further information, please contact Professor Steven M. LaValle, Center for Ubiquitous Computing (UBICOMP) Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (ITEE), [email protected]

About Oulu, Finland

Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, excellent education system, and competitive economy. The Oulu region is home to over 200 000 people making it the largest urban centre in the Nordics and one of the fastest growing regions in northern Finland. Oulu is a combination of beautiful, northern nature, vivid cultural life and modern technology. Oulu is also known for its highly-educated people and friendly, easy-going atmosphere. Living in Oulu is easy – everything is only max. 20 minutes away! Find out more about Oulu: https://www.oulu.fi/university/living-in-oulu