Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Human-Technology Interaction / Human-Centered AI), 2 positions / Tutki

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We are looking for two Postdoctoral Research Fellows to work on the following topics in the field of human technology interaction (human-centered AI): 

Position #1: User needs and design of collaborative AI agents in blue-collar workplaces. This research is part of a project funded by NordForsk called CAI-BLUE. This full-time position will be filled for a fixed-term period of 2,5 years. The planned start is on May 1^st, 2026. 

Position #2: Responsible use of AI in interaction design practice. This research is part of a project funded by NordForsk called RAID. This full-time position will be filled for a fixed-term period of 2 years and 4 months. The planned start is on May 1^st, 2026. 

The workplaces of both positions are located at Hervanta Campus of Tampere University, Finland. 

Both projects are led by prof. Kaisa Väänänen (research group of Human-Centered Technology), In the CAI-BLUE project, the co-PI is prof. Thomas Olsson (research group of Technology x Social Interaction). The groups of Väänänen and Olsson focus on design research for new technologies and digital applications to advance sustainable socities. Both grous are part of the Tauchi research centre, in the Computing Sciences Unit of the Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences.

The hired post-doctoral researchers will collaborate with the other academic partners in the NordForsk projects, located in Sweden, Denmark and Norway.

JOB DESCRIPTION

We are seeking two highly motivated Postdoctoral Fesearch Fellows to join the abovementioned NordForsk projects. The tasks for each position are listed below. 

In the CAI-BLUE project (Position #1), the research tasks of the postdoctoral researcher are on the following topics:

• Planning and conducting design research on blue-collar worker needs for AI agents in team collaboration contexts
• Defining a design framework for collaborative embodied AI agents in the future workplaces
• Studying team-level and organisational AI readiness

The research includes collaboration with the international research partners of the NordForsk project, and part of the fieldwork is conducted with the industrial companies involved in the project. A PhD student will work together with the postdoctoral researcher on the studies. There is room to shape the direction and exact topics of the research based on the postdoctoral researcher’s interests. 

Additionally, this position includes the following tasks: 

• Project management and communication activities in the CAI-BLUE project
• Co-supervision of a PhD student and supervision of master’s students
• Authoring and co-authoring high-quality scientific publications

In addition to the task outlined above, the duties of the postdoctoral researcher will include some teaching tasks (5-10%) and other small tasks in the faculty. These tasks will be agreed with the researchers on individual basis.

In the RAID project (Position #2), the research tasks of the postdoctoral researcher are on the following topics:

• Planning and conducting empirical research on the current and emerging uses of AI in interaction design practice
• Defining design requirements for AI tools that support the changing processes of interaction design
• Other relevant topics such as understanding of how designers meet the challenges introduced by new regulations, such as the EU AI Act, ethical issues, or educational implications

Additionally, this position includes the following tasks: 

• Reporting and communication activities in the RAID project
• Supervision of master’s students, possibly co-supervision of a PhD student
• Authoring and co-authoring high-quality scientific publications

In addition to the tasks outlined above, the duties of the postdoctoral researcher will include some teaching tasks (5-10%) and other small tasks in the faculty. These tasks will be agreed with the researchers on individual basis.

REQUIREMENTS

For both postdoctoral positions:

• A completed doctoral degree in human-computer interaction (HCI), interaction design, human-centered AI (HCAI), information technology, or another relevant field,
• Ability to conduct systematic scientific research related to the topic of the position,
• A curious mind and solid skills in critical thinking and problem solving,
• Knowledge and experience of methods of human-centered design and design research (e.g. research through design); especially qualitative methods,
• Strong organizational skills,
• Supervision experience of master’s students; PhD co-supervision experience is considered a plus,
• Very good communication skills in English, and ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary teams, and
• Ability to write research papers in high-quality peer-reviewed journals or conferences in the field of HCI and/or interaction design research.

Additionally, for the applicants to the CAI-BLUE position, experience of conducting research with industry collaborators is considered an advantage. For the RAID position, work experience of interaction design practice is considered an advantage.

You need to have completed a relevant doctoral degree before the starting date of employment. 

WE OFFER

The full-time positions will be filled for fixed-term periods, as mentioned above. The planned starting date is May 1^st, 2026, or as mutually agreed by both parties. A trial period of six (6) months applies to all our new employees.

The salary will be based on both the job requirements and the employee’s personal performance in accordance with the Finnish University Salary System. According to the criteria applied to teaching and research staff, the position of a Postdoctoral Research Fellow is placed on level 5 of the job requirements scale. A typical starting salary for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow is 3900-4100 EUR/month. The salary increases based on experience.  

We are inviting you to be a part of a vibrant, active and truly international research community. Our HCI research community is one of the largest in Europe, the Tauchi Research Centre. We value interdisciplinarity, as it allows new perspectives and ideas to solve research problems and pursue novel research findings in human-centered interactive technologies. We are strongly committed to the highest level of scientific research and the provision of high-quality doctoral education. 

As a member of staff at Tampere University, you will enjoy a range of competitive benefits, such as occupational health care services, flexible work schedule, versatile research infrastructure, modern teaching facilities and a safe and inviting campus area as well as a personal fund to spend on sports and cultural activities in your free time. Please read more about working at Tampere University. You can also find more information about us and working and living Tampere by watching our video: Tampere Higher Education Community – our academic playground.  

Tampere is one of the major academic hubs in the Nordic countries and offers a dynamic living environment. Tampere region is one of Finland´s three most rapidly growing urban areas and home to a vibrant knowledge-intensive entrepreneurial community. The city is an industrial powerhouse that enjoys a rich cultural scene and a reputation as a centre of Finland’s information society. 

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 Monday, March 2^nd, 2026 (23:59:00 EET / UTC +2). Please note that you will need to choose which position you are applying for (#1 CAI-BLUE / #2 RAID) on the application form. Please write your application and all the accompanying documentation in English and attach them in PDF format. 

Please attach only the following documents to your application: 

• Curriculum vitae according to the TENK template, max 2 pages.
• Free-form application letter including 1) a clear statement which position you are applying for (#1 CAI-BLUE or #2 RAID), 2) a brief explanation of how you meet the criteria for this position, and 3) description of your research interests in the scope of the tasks described above. This letter should be max. 2 pages long, font 12.
• Your publication list, including the link to your doctoral thesis
• PDF copy of your Master’s degree certificates, including transcript of the course records (in Finnish or English)
• PDF copy of your doctoral degree certificate
• A list of referees whom we can contact
• Other relevant documents that support your application (max 2)

For more information, please contact:

Professor Kaisa Väänänen, kaisa.vaananen@tuni.fi

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