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 a

Postdoctoral Researcher

to join our multi-talented Centre for Wireless Communications – Networks and Systems (CWC-NS) research group to carry out research on SmartBAN Enabled Human Vital Sign Measurements project. Research will be done as a part of CWC-NS's Wireless Medical Communications (WiMeC) group. The associated project is done in tight collaboration with Microelectronics Research Unit (MIC) at the same faculty.

The faculty and the research group

Centre for Wireless Communications (CWC) at the Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (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 – Networks and Systems and CWC – Radio Technologies. 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, technologies and networks.

The open position relates to a project focusing on developing a seamless and stretchable wearable device for human vital sign measurements. By adopting and further developing ETSI SmartBAN standard for low-power wireless body area network connectivity enables real-time data streams between several wearable devices. Especially, the research focus will be in the development of an intelligent network hub, so called Smart Coordinator. The SmartBAN will be computationally light, and it supports reliable operations across heterogeneous networks. Multiple wireless protocols enable physically high-reliable and secure wireless communications. In the future, new features will become a part of the Smart Coordinator or hub (e.g., handset, watch or even wristband). A Smart Coordinator may be viewed as a smart edge device that is capable of controlling and coordinating the operation of SmartBAN in an efficient and transparent manner and is capable of connecting a SmartBAN to other IoT services through heterogeneous networks. This also means lower implementation cost and energy consumption for the other network nodes. Smartness will also provide heterogeneity management, semantic interoperability and IoT compliance to mention few SmartBAN specific features being available. Now, there is also a possibility to affect the functionalities of the Smart Coordinator as a member of a European standardization body as the definition work at ETSI is going to start.

Open position for a postdoctoral researcher

• The position relates to wireless communications and computer science domains.
• Main duties include contribution to research and development on Smart Coordinator functionalities and implementation of smart body area network coordinator and thus, participation to ETSI SmartBAN standardization work.
• Other tasks include development and harmonization of related semantic SmartBAN ontology with the corresponding ones, e.g., from oneM2M.
• We offer a four-year fix-termed position for post-doctoral researcher.

Qualification requirements for a postdoctoral researcher

• We expect a doctoral degree in a field of wireless communications or computer science. The doctoral degree must have been received no more than 10 years ago.
• The successful candidate must have at least five years research / work experience in the related research field.
• You are fluent in English.
• We expect suitability for independent research work but also expect you to integrate into our research group.
• You have a positive mindset and the ability to interact with people from various backgrounds.

What we offer

• We offer you a place in a highly talented research group, working to solve globally significant research problems.
• University´s wide variety of support services are at your disposal, allowing you to focus on your research.
• In addition to modern research facilities, we offer you personnel benefits such as free occupational healthcare, affordable sports 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 successful candidate will receive also benefits provided by the Finnish government 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.

Salary

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 November 21^st, 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/ [with ten most important indicated]

4)     A research plan, max. 3 pages

5)     Certificates/Diplomas: Scanned copy of the original doctoral degree certificate 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 position is fixed term for maximum 4 years starting from Jan 1, 2022 and ending 31.12.2025. A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

For further information, please contact Adjunct Professor Matti Hämäläinen, Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (ITEE), Centre for Wireless Communications – Networks and Systems, matti.hamalainen@oulu.fi.

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

 Edited November 5th: Application time prolongued.