The University of Turku is a world-class multidisciplinary research university which offers interesting challenges and a unique vantage point to national and international research and education.

The fixed-term University teacher position is in the Robotics and Autonomous Systems research unit at the Department of Computing, University of Turku.

The research unit consists of Autonomous Systems Lab (https://asl.utu.fi) and Turku Intelligent Embedded and Robotic Systems lab (https://tiers.utu.fi/) research groups.

The University Teacher is expected to work at the intersection of robotics and AI. In particular, the focus is on utilising algorithms in embedded systems, such as drones and unmanned ground vehicles (UGV), whose computing capacity is limited. The focus is reflected in the advanced level courses that the University Teacher is responsible for: Algorithmic Foundations of Robotic and AI Systems, Perception and Navigation in Robotics, and Aerial Robotics and Multi-robot Systems. These courses utilise different robotic platforms from aerial robotics to collaborative robots, and thus the applicant must have experience of working with real robots. Further details of the robotic platforms can be found here: https://tiers.utu.fi/lab/equipment. It is also expected that the University Teacher jointly carry out interdisciplinary research across the different fields and leverage the opportunities for collaboration with external collaborators.

The work is full-time and will start as soon as possible according to the agreement. The University Teacher position is fixed-term and ends 30.6.2024.

What we expect from the candidate:

- Eligible applicants must have an MSc or MSc tech degree in relevant fields, such as mathematics, computer science, physics, information and communication technology, or another relevant field

- Independence, collaboration and analytical skills, and motivation to work in a multinational and interdisciplinary team on multi-robot systems, embedded AI and DLTs.

- Practical hands-on experience with mobile robots and specifically drones

- Experience in ROS2 as well as Python and C++ programming

- Fluent English proficiency

In addition, we also consider an advantage knowledge of the following topics:

- Experience in preparing research proposals by determining concepts, gathering and formatting information, and writing drafts

- Deep learning and sensor fusion for robotics and embedded systems

- Experience with control systems and optimization algorithms

- Knowledge of algorithms for processing 3D lidar, visual and other relevant sensor data.

The qualification requirements of the positions are stated in the University of Turku Rules of Procedure:  https://www.utu.fi/en/university/organisation A person selected for the post of University teacher is required to have an applicable higher university degree and good teaching skills. When assessing the merits of the applicants, extensive competence in the field in question, teacher training, the ability to produce study materials and the ability to provide multifaceted teaching, and a teaching demonstration will be taken into account.

The Robotics and Autonomous Systems research unit works within the fields of autonomous robots and edge computing, with a focus on developing robust and resilient multi-robot systems to be deployed in real-world conditions. Our research is put in action with a fleet of 50+ micro aerial vehicles, 4 large UAVs (DJI Matrice 300 RTK, DJI S1000) as well as 6 other medium-sized UAVs. These are supported by several ground platforms (Clearpath Husky UGV and others), legged robots (Unitree A1), robotic manipulators (2x Franka Emika Panda cobots) and testing facilities with a motion capture system. Sensors include Ouster OS0-126, OS1-64, Velodyne’s VLP-16, multiple Livox lidars, 20+ Intel Realsense cameras (L515, D435, T265), FLIR Duo Pro R, 1x DJI Zenmuse H20T, 2x ZED 2i cameras and other robotic sensors. Several embedded computational platforms are available, from NVIDIA Jetson (Nano, TX2, NX and AGX) to Intel i7 11^th generation, as well as two local GPU servers for large-scale multi-robot simulations and training deep learning and reinforcement learning algorithms, including a Lambda Vector Workstation with AMD Threadripper 3960X (24x3.8GHz cores) and 2x RTX3090 GPUs.

The salary is determined in accordance with the university salary system for teaching and research personnel. For a University Teacher, the salary will be on the job demands chart on levels 4-6, where the task-specific salary component is 2591,28–3498,98 euro per month. In addition, a personal work performance component will be paid. The personal performance component is a 6% – 50% of the task-specific base salary.

A six (6) month trial period applies to the position.

Applications must be submitted at the latest on Monday 11/04/2022 (23:59) using the electronic application form of the University of Turku at the following address: https://www.utu.fi/careers

The link to the application system is at the beginning of this announcement (“Apply for the job”).

Please include with your application:

1. A motivation letter (1 page),
2. CV (max. 2 pages),
3. List of publications Please see the instructions
4. Academic portfolio https://www.utu.fi/en/university/come-work-with-us/academic-portfolio
5. Copy of degree certificate with translation in English or Finnish (if applicable)
6. Contact information for 1-2 referees (name, affiliation, email)
7. Other documents that may affect the decision-making.

For further information about the position, please contact Professor Juha Plosila (juha.plosila@utu.fi) or Associate Professor Tomi Westerlund (tomi.westerlund@utu.fi). Regarding the recruitment process, please contact HR Specialist Nina Reini (nina.reini@utu.fi).