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

JOB DESCRIPTION

GPT-Lab at Tampere University invites applications for 3-5 Doctoral Researcher positions in Generative Artificial Intelligence and Software Engineering. The selected researchers will explore topics at the intersection of Generative AI and Software Engineering, contributing to both theoretical understanding and practical development of AI-enabled software systems.

The positions are located in the Computing Sciences Unit within the Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences at Tampere University. The Unit brings together research and education across all major areas of Information Technology. With expertise in software engineering, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and human-computer interaction, the Unit provides a strong foundation and supportive environment for doctoral studies.

In this position, the candidate is expected to:

• Carry out high-quality research on topics related to Generative AI and Software Engineering.
• Publish/present results in international scientific conferences or journals.
• Complete a doctoral degree, including mandatory study credits required.
• Assist in teaching tasks and undergraduate supervision.
• Participate and contribute to the other related activities at the GPT-Lab.

The work will be supervised by Professor Pekka Abrahamsson.
 
 

REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must hold a master’s degree (or equivalent) in one of the following (or closely related) fields:

• Computer Science
• Software Engineering
• Data Science
• Artificial Intelligence

Students in the final stages of their master’s degree may also apply, provided they complete their degree by 31 December 2025 and submit proof of completion to the faculty by that date. 

The selected candidates must separately apply for the doctoral study rights at Tampere University. Please note that the eligibility requirements for employment and for admission to the doctoral programme are distinct, and only candidates who fulfill the doctoral programme’s criteria will receive the study-right. Read more about admissions and eligibility: Doctoral Programme of Computing and Electrical Engineering.

Language Skills:

• Excellent oral and written English communication skills.

Preferred qualifications (considered strong merits):

• First-author or co-author in peer-reviewed publications in Generative AI, Machine Learning, or Software Engineering.
• Demonstrated software development experience through industrial projects, academic prototypes, or open-source contributions.
• A GitHub/GitLab repository or portfolio showcasing prior work (e.g., code, experiments, prototypes).
• Familiarity with deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, Hugging Face).
• Background or interest in: requirements engineering, software testing, software refactoring, or software quality analysis.

Other Skills:

• Ability to work independently and in international, multidisciplinary teams.

WE OFFER

• Opportunity to work in a leading international research environment at Tampere University.

• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and collaboration with world-class researchers.
• Support for career development, including mentoring and participation in international conferences.
• Benefits include occupational healthcare, sports facilities, flexible working hours, staff discounts at campus restaurants/cafés, and travel support for presenting research at major conferences.

Salary and Contract

• The duration of employment is 4 years, corresponding to the target completion time of doctoral studies.
• Employment begins as soon as possible or as agreed.
• We offer a starting salary of €2,714 / month for a doctoral researcher with later increases based on demonstrated PhD progress. The salary will be in accordance with the Finnish University Salary System (brand new salary tables only in Finnish at the moment).
• A 6-month trial period applies to all new employees.
• Location: Tampere, Pori, or Seinäjoki.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your application through Tampere University’s online recruitment system (link below). Applications must include the following documents in PDF format:

• A free-form letter of motivation (cover letter) for the position in question (max. 1 page)
• A free-form research plan aligned with GPT-Lab mission detailing the candidate’s proposed research specialization (max. 1 page)
• Complete CV with contact information (max. 2 pages), including a list of publications (if any)
• Degree certificates and transcripts of records
• Links to GitHub/GitLab portfolio or evidence of software development experience (if available)

Please name all the documents as surname_CV.pdf, surname_letter_of_motivation.pdf etc. Only the applications sent through the university application portal and containing the requested attachments in the instructed format will be considered in the recruitment process.

Deadline for applications is October 3, 2025 at 23:59:00 (Finnish time, UTC+3).

Application process:

The recruitment will proceed in four rounds:

1. Screening
    All applications will be reviewed to ensure candidates meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the job description.
2. Video Submission
    Selected applicants will be invited to submit a short self-recorded video introducing themselves and highlighting their motivation for the role.
3. Technical Task
    Top applicants will be asked to complete a role-related task to demonstrate their skills and problem-solving ability.
4. Interview
    Final candidates will be invited to a structured interview before the selection decision is made.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about the position, please contact, Dr. Muhammad Waseem (Vice-Head of GPT-Lab, Postdoctoral Researcher) by email: muhammad.waseem@tuni.fi.

Tampere University reserves the right to not fill the positions or extend the application period, if needed.  

About Finland and work locations:

Finland is among the most stable, free, and safe countries in the world, consistently ranked high in social progress and quality of life.

Tampere is a major academic hub in the Nordic countries, combining industrial heritage, a vibrant cultural scene, and modern ICT expertise. It offers affordable living, excellent public transport, and easy access to lakes and forests for work–life balance.

Doctoral researchers may also be placed in Seinäjoki or Pori. Seinäjoki is a growing regional center with strong industry links and a supportive community. Pori, located on the west coast, offers a lively cultural life and a developing technology sector. Both cities provide affordable housing, good infrastructure, and convenient connections to Tampere and Helsinki.

Read more:

• Visit Finland
• Finland.fi
• Visit Tampere
• City of Seinäjoki
• Visit Pori

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Tampereen yliopistossa on haettavana Väitöskirjatutkija (Generatiivinen tekoäly ohjelmistotuotannossa / 3-5 tehtävää)

HAKUOHJEET

Lue tarkemmat tiedot tehtävästä ja hakuohjeet yllä olevasta englanninkielisestä ilmoituksesta.

Jätäthän hakemuksesi yliopiston sähköisellä hakulomakkeella (linkki löytyy tämän ilmoituksen alta). Hakuaika tehtävään päättyy 3.10.2025, klo 23:59:00.