As a global leader in the elevator and escalator industry, KONE provides world-class services and innovative solutions for new buildings and existing buildings – everything you need for smooth People Flow. We move two billion people every day, making their journeys safe, convenient, and reliable with smart and sustainable People Flow. To learn more www.kone.com

KONE Technology and Innovation (KTI)  is where the magic happens at KONE. It's where we combine the physical world – escalators and elevators – with smart and connected digital systems. We are changing and improving the way billions of people move within buildings every day. We are on a mission to shape the future of the industry with new technologies and sustainable innovations.

KONE R&D brings together top talent from different disciplines into an industry-leading product and technology organization. We thrive in solving complex customer challenges, connecting legacy with the latest technologies across systems, hardware and software engineering. In fact, roughly half of our R&D roles are in software. Agile ways of working mean that we are better able to meet our customers’ rapidly evolving needs for speed and innovation, in a global environment.

R&D unit in KTI is responsible for developing digital services at KONE. It’s the development engine for our Digital Services such as  KONE 24/7 Connected Services ,  Office Flow  and  Partnership Ecosystem.

We are now looking for Doctoral Researcher in Artificial Intelligence for Engineering  starting April 1st, 2026, or as soon as possible after that. The fixed-term position is for completing doctoral studies.

One of our biggest R&D globally is in Hyvinkää, Finland. We offer flexible working time and hybrid working model. In this role, you can work from our Espoo office as a primary location, if that's more convenient location for you, but regular visits to Hyvinkää are required.

GenAIDE (Generative AI for Industrial Design Engineering) is a Marie-Skłodowska Curie Doctoral Network (DN) funded by the European Union with the objective to research and develop collaborative AI systems that partner with engineers for next generation industrial engineering design. In the network, 14 Doctoral Candidates will carry out research at 16 leading academic and industrial partners. The candidates will have the opportunity to visit various partners in the network.

The goal is to explore new synergies between natural language–based human-AI interaction, nature-inspired optimization and exploration, the social dynamics of human-AI collaboration, and advanced machine learning within engineering. Generative AI is fundamentally reshaping how engineers access domain-specific knowledge, interact with intelligent systems, and leverage AI in design processes. This shift represents a phase transition—one that not only boosts engineering productivity but also broadens the range and complexity of design challenges that can be addressed. For additional details, see the official CORDIS project description: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101226927 .

Who we are looking for

-Excellent M.Sc. degree in Computer Science, Natural Sciences, or Engineering

-Motivation to research generative AI for engineering, with interest in predictive and prescriptive analytics

-Ability to independently lead research and work in an international, interdisciplinary environment

-Proficient in spoken and written English

-Willingness to spend at least 50% of fellowship in partner institutions (3–6 months per stay)

-Must not have resided in Finland for more than 12 months in the last 36 months before recruitment

-Solid programming skills in Python; experience with C or C++ is a plus

The tasks of a Doctoral Researcher focus on research aiming at the completion of a doctoral thesis, doctoral studies and other related tasks.  Selected Doctoral Researcher is expected to complete the doctoral dissertation within 3 to 4 years and obtain the doctoral degree within a maximum of four years. The duties, qualification requirements, and the language skills of Doctoral Researcher is stipulated by  the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines  (Doctoral Students).

A good command of English is required. High mobility is required: project is in European doctoral school while based in Espoo/Hyvinkää, Finland but you will work several months abroad with project partners. A trial period of six months will be used in the beginning of the employment.

The eligible candidate has, or is about to obtain, a suitable Master's degree. In addition, the Doctoral Researcher must have a permission for post-graduate studies at the University of Jyväskylä. If the applicant does not have permission for post-graduate studies, it must be  applied with a separate application  procedure from the Faculty of Information Technology after selection for the position.

Selected Doctoral Researchers must not receive any other income for activities carried out within the framework of the action than that provided by the beneficiary.

Benefits

• Three-year research contract with the possibility to complete a PhD degree​

• Participation in an international network of excellence in AI and engineering​

• Member of a prestigious MSCA European Doctoral Network​

• Long-term visits at high-level partner institutions in the network ​

• MSCA Mobility allowance and possible MSCA Family allowance and social benefits

• Working in international team in AI

Finland offers an exceptional quality of life with free world-class education (including English-medium options), affordable childcare, excellent family benefits, and reliable healthcare.

Espoo — Finland’s second largest and fastest-growing city — is just 15 minutes by metro from Helsinki, capital of Finland. It is one of the country’s most international communities, home to over 150 nationalities. Residents enjoy vibrant cultural and leisure services, breathtaking nature including Nuuksio National Park, 165 Baltic Sea islands, 95 serene lakes, 40 km of coastal walkway, and a thriving food, innovation, and events scene. Espoo blends safety, inclusiveness, and opportunity, making it an outstanding place to live, work, and grow. To learn more Visitor | Visit Espoo and Front page | City of Espoo

Jyväskylä, located in the heart of Finland’s beautiful Lakeland region, offers outstanding opportunities for nature, outdoor adventures, and sports. It is one of Finland’s key educational hubs, home to a large and active student community that contributes to a vibrant cultural atmosphere. For practical information on the University of Jyväskylä, the city, and life in Finland, the University’s International Staff Guide is an excellent resource.

The salary for the first three years is based on the Marie Curie Program regulations and consists of a gross monthly salary defined from the MSCA Living allowance amounting to 3400 €/month (gross). In addition, a MSCA mobility allowance and possible family allowance will be paid. All amounts are subject to deductions and taxes.

The salary for the possible fourth year of doctoral studies is based on the regulations of the University of Jyväskylä. There are no tuition fees.

How to apply?

The application documents that should be included in English and in PDF format:

-A Curriculum vitae, composed according to good scientific practice and considering the template for researcher´s curriculum vitae by  The Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity .

-A short and free-form motivation/cover letter (max 2 pages), including your research interests, career goals and previous experience and merits in relation to the qualifications for this position.

-A letter of recommendation from a university professor who has taught or supervised the applicant, or from the applicant’s current employer, would be highly beneficial.

-Degree certificate (highest degree).

For further information  please contact Karthik Sindhya (Lead Data Scientist) karthik.sindhya@kone.com

Please submit your application by January 15th, 2026 via KONE’s career- site www.kone.com/jobs Please notice, that applications sent via email are not considered.

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At KONE, we are focused on creating an innovative and collaborative working culture where we value the contribution of each individual. Employee engagement is a key focus area for us and we encourage participation and the sharing of information and ideas. Sustainability is an integral part of our culture and the daily practice. We follow ethical business practices and we seek to develop a culture of working together where co-workers trust and respect each other and good performance is recognized. In being a great place to work, we are proud to offer a range of experiences and opportunities that will help you to achieve your career and personal goals and enable you to live a healthy and balanced life.

Read more on www.kone.com/careers