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 hiring talented researchers for

one Doctoral Student and one Postdoctoral Researcher

positions to work with our multi-talented research group Intelligent Connectivity for Wireless Networks/Systems (ICON) in Centre for Wireless Communications (CWC) at University of Oulu, Finland. The positions are available in an Infotech funded research project led by assistant professor Sumudu Samarakoon starting from 2022.

The faculty and the research group

Centre for Wireless Communications (CWC) at ITEE was established in 1995 and provides high quality bachelor, master and doctoral level education in wireless communications and radio frequency (RF) engineering. CWC employs personnel of almost 200 including 17 professors, 15 other senior scientists, more than 30 postdoctoral researchers and over 70 doctoral students. It consists of two research units: CWC – Radio Technologies and CWC – Networks and Systems. The areas of research cover radio frequency engineering, signal processing and machine learning for wireless systems, wireless communications engineering for different layers, networking, and various vertical applications of wireless systems, technology and networks. The ICON research group focuses on the intersection of machine learning, communication and control, with the goal of enabling intelligent communication based on limited data and extracted knowledge. These works range from theoretical analysis to proof-of-concept developments.

The research focus within this call is the communication-control co-design (CoCoCo) of wireless networks with limited radio resources by leveraging the tools from machine learning (ML), stochastic optimization, risk management, control theory among many others. In this view, the selected candidates are expected to work on theoretical and algorithmic frameworks enabling CoCoCo of single and multi-agent systems with the aspects of communication-efficiency, robustness, low latency and scalability.

Open position for a doctoral student

Along the research work under the focus of CoCoCo, a doctoral student has responsibilities on,

• Fulfilling doctoral study requirements
• Contributing to research projects and proposals through their research outcomes
• Active participation on implementation and demonstration tasks
• Assisting postgraduate teaching
• Collaborating with the research group

Qualification requirements for a doctoral student

• We expect master’s degree in electrical engineering, communications engineering or corresponding field completed with excellent grades
• Proven track record on machine learning and possibly on control theory
• Open-minded and enthusiastic towards research
• Capable of pursuing independent research
• Excellent with communication skills in English
• A skilful team worker

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

In addition to following research on CoCoCo in an independent manner, a postdoctoral researcher needs to,

• Actively contribute on research project planning, proposal preparation, and management
• Involve with implementation and demonstration tasks
• Assist and coordinate postgraduate teaching
• Co-supervision of masters and doctoral students
• Collaborate with the research group

Qualification requirements for a postdoctoral researcher

• We expect doctoral degree in electrical engineering, communications engineering or corresponding field completed with excellent grades. The doctoral degree must have been received no more than 10 years ago.
• Proven track record on machine learning and possibly on control theory
• Open-minded and enthusiastic towards research
• Capable of pursuing independent research
• Excellent with communication skills in English
• A skilful team worker as well as a leader

What we offer

• Place in a highly talented research group, working to solve globally significant research problems in the fields of communications, control, and machine learning.
• 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.
• Regular salary is paid 12 months per year, including paid leave and an additional holiday bonus in the summer.

• University´s wide variety of support services are at your disposal, allowing you to focus on your studies and research work.
• In addition to modern research facilities, we offer you personnel benefits such as support for sport services and endless opportunities to develop your skills and competences.

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 December 12th, 2021 at 23:59 (Finnish local time). The application should be written in English and include the following:

1)     A motivation letter (max. 1 page) summarizing the applicant’s preferred research directions and challenges, your ambition and personal goals for research, highlights of prior study, research and innovation experience. Information about your most valuable skills, characteristics and competence.

2)     Curriculum vitae (max. 4 pages) and list of publications in accordance with the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity

• • CV: http://www.tenk.fi/en/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae
  • List of publications: https://www.aka.fi/en/research-funding/apply-for-funding/how-to-apply-for-funding/az-index-of-application-guidelines2/list-of-publications/

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

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

5)     A Research plan (max. 3 pages) for the postdoctoral position candidates only.

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 or as soon as possible thereafter. A trial period of 6 months is applied to the positions.

For further information, please contact Sumudu Samarakoon, assistant professor, sumudu.samarakoon@oulu.fi   

About Oulu, Finland

Finland is one of the most liveable 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

Edited 23.11.2021: application period extended