Tampere University and Tampere University of Applied Sciences create a unique environment for multidisciplinary, inspirational and high-impact research and education. Our universities community has its competitive edges in technology, health and society. www.tuni.fi/en 

The Advanced Learning, Control and AutomatioN (ALCAN Research Group), part of the Automation Technology and Mechanical Engineering Unit at Tampere University, Finland, is pleased to announce the opening of a Doctoral Researcher position. This position focuses on "Integrated Learning and Control." It offers an exciting opportunity to engage in innovative research at the intersection of optimal control, machine learning and robotics.

Job Description

As ALCAN Research Group, we work on the safety and reliability of complex autonomous systems that interact directly with people. We invite applications for a fully funded Doctoral Researcher position to conduct research in our recently awarded 4-years project, Human Intention Aware Control Strategies for Autonomous Driving (HUMINAC). The project focuses on developing novel, human intention–aware control strategies at the intersection of machine learning, reinforcement learning, and optimal control. Our work aims to make a significant impact not only on autonomous driving but also across robotics and autonomous systems more broadly.

The direction of the research will be shaped by the project tasks. However, the research focus and responsibilities can be tailored to align with the candidate's skills, experience, and interests. The position involves collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to advance current knowledge and technology in this field, publishing findings in reputable journals, presenting at international conferences, and may include a few months of mobility to a European partner for collaborative work during the research stages.

Requirements

Applicants are expected to meet the following criteria:

• Educational Qualification: A master's degree in Engineering with a background in computer science, mechatronics engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field at the time of application.
• Academic Background: A solid background in optimal control and machine learning is necessary. Additional knowledge in optimization, reinforcement learning, and model predictive control is highly desirable.
• Technical Proficiency: Strong skills in Python and MATLAB based programming are essential. Particular experience in common frameworks (e.g., JAX, PyTorch, and CasADi) would be a big plus. Proficiency in C++ would also benefit hardware implementations. Candidates should also be willing to further develop their coding efficiency.
• Language Skills: Proficiency in both written and spoken English is required. Applicants should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Proficiency in Finnish is not required. Working Style: Ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Candidates should demonstrate a balance of autonomy and collaborative skills.
• Additional Competencies: A strong willingness to engage deeply in the research field of robotics and autonomous systems is highly appreciated. An interest in pursuing a research career and the capacity for hard work are also valued.

Please note that the eligibility of the student for admission criteria in doctoral program will be verified before final decision is made. Please visit the admissions webpage for more information on eligibility requirements.

Tampere University is a unique, multidisciplinary, forward-thinking, and evolving community. Our values are openness, critical thinking, diversity, learner-centredness, courage, erudition, and responsibility. We hope you can embrace these values and promote them in your role.

We offer

The position of Doctoral Researcher will be full-time and it will be offered for a fixed-term period of 3 years and can be potentially extended. The expected starting date is November 1, 2025, or as mutually agreed upon by both parties. A trial period of six months applies to a new employee.

The salary will be based on both the job demands and the employee's personal performance in accordance with the University Salary System. The position is placed on the job demand level 2 (the demand level chart for the teaching and research staff). In addition, employees will receive performance-based salary. Typical salary for a Doctoral Researcher in the first stage of studies is approximately 2980 euros/month.

Tampere University is strongly committed to the highest level of scientific research and the provision of high-quality doctoral education. The unit and the faculty support the doctoral students by offering training and peer support. The University offers a wide range of staff benefits, such as occupational health care, flexible working hours, excellent sports facilities on campus and several on-campus restaurants and cafés with staff discounts. Please read more about working at Tampere University.

Tampere is the largest inland city in Finland and is considered a major academic hub in the Nordic countries. The region is home to a vibrant, knowledge-intensive entrepreneurial community, and the city is an industrial powerhouse with a rich cultural scene and a reputation as a centre of Finland's information society. Additionally, Finland is known for being one of the most stable, free, and safe countries in the world, based on various ratings by prominent agencies. Tampere is surrounded by stunning nature, with forests and lakes offering countless opportunities for easy-to-access outdoor adventures and refreshment throughout the year.

Read more about Finland and Tampere: 

•  Visit Finland 
• This is Finland 
• Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment: Welcome to Finland
• Visit Tampere

How to apply

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system (link below). The closing date for applications is September 21, 2025 (23.59 EEST / UTC+3).

Please write your application and all accompanying documentation (listed below) in English and combine them into a single PDF file named “LastnameFirstname.pdf”. Please note that other file formats will not be accepted.

1. A cover letter (maximum length 2 pages) explaining your background, motivation for pursuing a research career, rationale for applying for the position, and reasons you are particularly suited for this role.

2. Curriculum vitae, including:

• Personal details and the date of the CV.
• Degrees (including all degrees you have, along with their dates (month/year)).
• Other education and expertise.
• Language skills.
• Previous work experience.
• Research outputs (list of publications, patents, etc.), if any.
• Other key academic and non-academic merits.
• Python, MATLAB and C++ skills, experience in common frameworks (e.g., JAX, PyTorch, and CasADi), familiarity with Linux environment (with your own evaluation of your level, from low to excellent) – include links to any open-source code you have on Github or other repositories.
• The contact details of up to two referees. References will not be contacted during the initial review process.

3. Degree certificates and supplements:

• Bachelor’s and master's degrees and any other relevant diplomas in their original language. Provide an official translation if the original language is not English.
• Transcripts of records for bachelor’s, master’s, and other completed programs in their original language. Provide an official translation if the original language is not English.
• A certificate of English language proficiency or other means to prove your English language skills.

4. Other relevant documents that support your application (optional).

Please follow the above instructions carefully. Incomplete or non-compliant applications will not be accepted for evaluation.

For more information, please contact: 

Assistant Professor, Group Leader Gokhan Alcan, gokhan.alcan(at)tuni.fi , Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences Automation Technology and Mechanical Engineering

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Tampereen yliopisto ja Tampereen ammattikorkeakoulu muodostavat yhdessä Suomen toiseksi suurimman monitieteisen, innostavan ja vaikuttavan tutkimus- ja oppimisyhteisön. Korkeakouluyhteisömme osaamiskärjet ovat tekniikka, terveys ja yhteiskunta. Lue lisää: www.tuni.fi

Tehtävänkuvaus

Tampereen yliopiston Automaatio- ja konetekniikan yksikköön kuuluva Advanced Learning, Control and AutomatioN (ALCAN) -tutkimusryhmässä on avoinna väitöskirjatutkijan tehtävä. Tehtävä keskittyy integroituun oppimiseen ja ohjaukseen. Tehtävä tarjoaa jännittävän mahdollisuuden osallistua innovatiiviseen tutkimukseen optimisäädön, koneoppimisen ja robotiikan risteyksessä. Työn tarkka sisältö määrittyy projektin tavoitteiden pohjalta, mutta voidaan sovittaa hakijan aikaisempaan kokemukseen ja osaamiseen.

Hakuohjeet

Lue tarkemmat tiedot tehtävästä ja hakuohjeet yllä olevasta englanninkielisestä ilmoituksesta. Jätäthän hakemuksesi yliopiston sähköisellä hakulomakkeella (linkki löytyy tämän ilmoituksen alta).

Hakuaika tehtävään päättyy 21.09.2025 klo 23.59.

Lisätiedot: Assistant Professor, tutkimusryhmän johtaja Gokhan Alcan, gokhan.alcan(at)tuni.fi