Doctoral Researcher (Human-AI agent collaboration)

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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 competitive edges in technology, health and society. www.tuni.fi/en

Tampere University has an open position for a doctoral student in the Unit of Information and Knowledge Management (NOVI). The fixed-term contract will include working on a dissertation in the newly funded AI Champion project. The thematic focus of the dissertation will be on examining human-AI agent collaboration in the industrial setting.

The Unit of Information and Knowledge Management (NOVI) conducts research related to value creation in the areas of information systems management, knowledge-based management, and digital business. NOVI studies and develops tools, processes, techniques and practices for gathering, analysing, refining and using knowledge throughout an organisation. This holistic approach is needed when resolving practical challenges in both the private and public sectors.

The position is in the INSIGHT research group led by professor Henri Pirkkalainen. The group conducts research on socio‑technical insights within the field of Information Systems (IS) research. Our work concentrates on three interrelated domains: the dark side of IS, which encompasses technostress and the negative consequences of artificial intelligence; the organizational adoption of emerging technologies such as the metaverse and agentic AI; and the governance of information systems. INSIGHT is part of the Research Centre of Gameful Realities.

Job description

The position will be connected to the AI Champion project that has recently received a major funding from Business Finland. The dissertation work will be conducted in this project that offers excellent opportunities for data collection. Postdoctoral Research Fellow Henri Jalo leads the project work from the INSIGHT group.

About AI Champion: 

“The main goal of AI Champion is to create Europe’s leading showcase for AI agents in the MEP supply chain, enabling next-generation process automation and enhancing data flow across the supply chain, while demonstrating the value and capabilities of advanced AI and multi-agent systems for the construction industry.

The project consortium has been established to encompass all stakeholders involved in the MEP construction supply chain and data flow lifecycle, from design to maintenance. Tampere University will contribute to the project with multidisciplinary research team from three different faculties. The research is strongly focused on construction, information and knowledge management, and AI agent development from the MEP perspective. Oulu University brings expertise in industrial engineering and management in MEP sector.”

The task of the AI Champion project that connects with the dissertation is preset. The dissertation should optimally link with the following conditions:

1. Examining human-AI agent collaboration in companies (connected with AI Champion) that are in the process of adopting AI agents
2. Drawing from a certain user behavior perspective on Information Systems research
3. Focusing mostly on quantitative or computational methods

The position has some flexibility to choose a topic of interest from the human-AI agent collaboration perspective. Optimally, the research would focus on positive and negative feedback loops that may foster or disrupt meaningful collaboration outcomes between humans and AI agents, such as drawing from a certain dark side of information systems viewpoint. The project has an opportunity and funding to collect survey data in multiple waves, which is ideal for quantitative methods (e.g., survey research utilizing SEM, fsQCA or similar).

The doctoral research position will include some project tasks in the AI Champion while the main aim is to collect data and work on the dissertation. It is possible to adjust the topic of the thesis to fit the interests of the selected person. Although we expect the student to steer towards research in the Information Systems discipline (e.g., instead of computer science), the position is a multidisciplinary one and potentially caters for students from different backgrounds. The project activities are handled mostly as teamwork. We appreciate a positive attitude and willingness to learn about new technologies.

Requirements

• Master’s degree (awarded by the 6^th of January 2026)
• Ability and interest to work in teams
• A competence to pursue independent scientific work
• Experience with quantitative methods or eagerness to develop these skills
• Fluent in both written and verbal English

Finnish language proficiency is not required but will be considered beneficial for understanding the detailed processes and viewpoints of the companies involved in AI Champion. Previous research experience is appreciated in the application. Interest in teaching in topics relevant to above and project-related fields is strongly appreciated. 

What we offer

In this position, you will have an opportunity to combine research and practice of new technologies and shape the upcoming future practices in the AI agent domain. You will also experience working in a large national research project with multiple partners from the private sector. You will have plenty of peer support via the INSIGHT research group and the Research Centre of Gameful Realities. The position is located at the Unit of Information and Knowledge Management on the Hervanta campus (Tampere). The work can be conducted partly remotely, although we expect you to collaborate with us at the campus as well. You will also experience working with multi-user remote tools in Virtual Reality.

Tampere University has many employee benefits which include e.g. comprehensive occupational health services and flexible working.

The position is full-time with a fixed term initially for 2,5 years between 1.2.2026 – 30.6.2028 or as mutually agreed upon by both parties. Six-month extension to the contract may be possible. Continuation of the position beyond the six-month extension is possible via upcoming related projects. The salary will be based on both the job requirements and the employee’s personal performance in accordance with the salary system of Finnish universities. A typical starting salary for Doctoral Researchers is approximately 2,700 EUR/month. The salary increases based on experience and the progress of doctoral studies. A trial period of six months applies to all our employees.

We are inviting you to be a part of an active and truly international research community allowing you to develop your skills. We have a strong commitment to the highest level of scientific research and the provision of high-quality doctoral education.

How to apply

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is January 6^th, 2026 (at 23:59 EEST / UTC+2). Applications and all accompanying documentation should be written in English/Finnish, and in PDF format. Please note that applicants may be invited to participate to an interview throughout the application time and therefore we encourage to apply as soon as possible.

Applications should include the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Transcript of studies
• Motivation letter
• A4 plan highlighting the envisioned research focus (note. 1 A4 page excludes references)

For more information, please contact: 

Professor Henri Pirkkalainen, henri.pirkkalainen@tuni.fi, +358504371567

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, henri.jalo@tuni.fi, +358503009108

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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

Tohtorikoulutettavan tehtävä sijoittuu tietojohtamisen yksikköön, ja siellä professori Henri Pirkkalaisen johtamaan INSIGHT-tutkimusryhmään, joka tutkii tietojärjestelmien käyttöönottoa ja hyödyntämistä. 

Tehtävänkuvaus

Etsimme motivoitunutta henkilöä tohtorikoulutettavan määräaikaiseen (2,5 vuotta + mahdollinen 6kk jatkosopimus) tehtävään. Hakija tulee osallistumaan laajaan AI Champion -projektiin, jota Henri Jalo johtaa INSIGHT-ryhmässä. Hankkeessa tutkitaan AI-agenttien ja ihmisten välistä yhteistyötä rakennusalan prosesseissa. Hakija toimii väitöskirjatyöntekijänä, jolla on aktiivinen rooli hankkeessa työskentelyssä. Hakija osallistuu mahdollisesti tietojohtamisen yksikön opetukseen kurssiavustajan roolissa. Tehtävään saattaa olla mahdollista saada jatkoa AI Champion -hankkeen päättymisen jälkeen.

Lue tarkemmat tiedot ja hakuohjeet englanninkieliseltä ilmoitukselta. 

Hakuaika tehtävään päättyy 6.1.2026 klo 23:59.

Tagged as: Research, development & R&D