Doctoral Researcher in Interactive Multiobjective Optimization for Sustainable Industrial Energy Systems
University of Jyväskylä (JYU) is seeking to recruit a Doctoral Researcher to join the internationally recognized Multiobjective Optimization Group in the Faculty of Information Technology. The position is part of the multidisciplinary research project, which develops tools and methods to support the transition of industrial energy systems toward resilience, carbon neutrality, and cost‑effectiveness. The employment period begins on 1 September 2026 (or other agreed time) and continues until the end of the project at the end of 2029.
About the Position
The research is related to the INDENSYS (Industrial energy systems as part of resilient climate neutral society) project funded by the Research Council of Finland. As a doctoral researcher, you will contribute to the core scientific work of the project by:
- Conducting high‑quality research in multiobjective optimization, uncertainty modelling, explainability, or risk analysis.
- Publishing research results in international peer‑reviewed journals.
- Completing your doctoral studies as part of the project.
Your research will focus on developing new interactive multiobjective optimization methods to support industrial decision makers navigating complex trade-offs in uncertain, volatile energy markets. You will work at the intersection of mathematical optimization, decision analysis, Bayesian uncertainty modelling, and visual decision support.
Collaboration is central to the position. You will work closely with researchers at JYU, Aalto University, and project’s international collaborators; and interact with Finnish industrial partners through real-world case studies. The project provides a rich environment for producing scientifically and practically impactful results.
As part of the research project, you will also contribute to the development of open‑source decision-support tools using the open-source software framework DESDEO, implemented in Python. Thus, solid programming skills are important for thriving in this position.
Key Research Themes
Your doctoral research will target one or more of the following areas:
• Interactive visualizations for multiobjective optimization
Visualizations that help decision makers explore the solutions and objective function values in detail (e.g., visualizations for showing uncertainty in objective functions or diagrams showcasing interdependencies or technical details)
• Uncertainty modelling and Bayesian belief elicitation in interactive multiobjective optimization
Approaches allowing experts to express beliefs about uncertain future outcomes (e.g., energy markets, fuel prices), directly influencing optimization results.
• Explainable multiobjective optimization
Techniques and visualizations that make optimization outcomes and trade-offs understandable and transparent for industrial stakeholders.
• Adversarial and probabilistic risk analysis
Novel methods for incorporating human‑driven risks (e.g., intentional disruptions to critical infrastructure) into energy system decision/optimization models.
Who we are looking for
Skills Needed to Thrive
- Strong interest in multiobjective optimization, decision analytics, uncertainty modelling, or related fields.
- Solid programming and software development skills; Python experience is highly beneficial.
- Ability to work independently and collaborate in a multidisciplinary team.
- Curiosity, motivation, and willingness to tackle complex real‑world problems.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must have:
- A master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., computer science, mathematics, applied mathematics, operations research, industrial engineering, or a closely related discipline).
- Good written and spoken English skills for research communication, publication, and collaboration.
- Knowledge of Finnish is not required but considered beneficial for interaction with Finnish industry partners.
- The commitment to apply for doctoral study rights at the University of Jyväskylä after being tentatively selected. The eligibility requirements must be met: Doctoral studies: Eligibility requirements | University of Jyväskylä
The selected candidate must obtain doctoral study rights through a separate application procedure from the Faculty of IT (with the help from the supervisors) before the start of employment. Therefore, corresponding eligibility requirements must be met. A trial period of six months will be used in the beginning of the employment.
Benefits
- A stimulating research environment in a globally recognized research group.
- Supervision by leading experts in multiobjective optimization, uncertainty modelling, explainability, and decision support.
- Collaboration with Aalto University and industry partners providing real‑world case studies.
- Opportunities for international research visits within the project’s partner network.
- Strong support for publishing in high‑impact international journals and progressing toward an academic career.
- You will work in the University of Jyväskylä’s Agora building, situated in a beautiful lakeside setting with views of the surrounding Finnish forests.
Finland has a high standard of living, with free schooling (also in English), affordable childcare, good family benefits, and healthcare. Jyväskylä is located in central Finland in the Finnish lakeland and has excellent opportunities for different nature, outdoor, and sports activities. The city of Jyväskylä is a major educational center and the city has a large student population. As such there is a vibrant cultural scene in the city. To find useful information about the University of Jyväskylä, the City of Jyväskylä and living in Finland, see the University's International Staff Guide.
The salary for a Doctoral Researcher is determined based on the task-specific demand level 2–4 of the university salary system for teaching and research staff. The starting salary will be approximately 2500 €/month (gross income). With progress of thesis work, the salary will be revised in accordance with the Collective Agreement of Finnish Education Employers.
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.
- Motivation letter (max 1 page), free‑form letter describing:
- why you are applying for this position,
- why you would be a strong candidate,
- your research interests and relevant skills (e.g., Master’s thesis topic, methodological experience),
- and the contact information of two referees.
- Degree certificate (highest degree).
- (Optional) Preliminary Research Plan
Optionally you can include, a short preliminary research plan (max 3 pages including references) related to the themes of the INDENSYS project.
Please use the Faculty of Information Technology research plan template:
https://www.jyu.fi/sites/default/files/2025-06/research_plan_template_ITK.pdf
Applications should be submitted via the University of Jyväskylä online application form by March 13, 2026. Applications sent via email are not considered.
For further information, please contact Postdoctoral Researcher Juho Roponen, juho.o.roponen@jyu.fi.
We offer good working conditions for researchers and promote the principles of HR Excellence in Research, HRS4R. The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) is based on the values of the European Charter for Researchers & The Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (Charter & Code). JYU is committed to fairness, consistency and transparency in selection decisions, and undertakes the recommendations for the responsible evaluation of a researcher in Finland. JYU has signed the DORA Declaration. By signing the agreement, JYU is committed to complying with the CoARA principles.
Our application process is transparent, professional and international. We communicate openly with the applicants throughout the recruitment process. All appointment decisions are based on careful consideration within the faculty. We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage qualified applicants, regardless of background, to apply for this position.
Faculty of Information Technology
At the University of Jyväskylä, everyone can find their place in the human-centered environment of 2,500 experts and 14,000 students. Our goal is to create wisdom and well-being for us all. It is essential that each member of the community thrives and has opportunities to develop and grow. We cherish openness of thinking as well as the balance between research and education. Our naturally beautiful campus is located at the heart of the city of Jyväskylä. JYU is the third-largest employer in Central Finland.
You can get to know the beautiful campus areas of the University of Jyväskylä by watching this video: Kampuselämää Jyväskylän yliopistossa - University campus life at JYU - YouTube.
Faculty of Information Technology – Building the Digital Future Together
Welcome to Finland’s largest and first Faculty of Information Technology – a place where technology meets humanity and ideas turn into innovation. Here, we build the digital future through research, education, and close collaboration.
Our faculty uniquely integrates perspectives from technology, information, business, and human behavior. Our multidisciplinary approach is at the heart of everything we do – from teaching to research. Long-term research and strong partnerships with companies and societal actors ensure that our impact reaches far beyond the campus.
Our research focuses on four key areas: computational science, software engineering, information systems science, and educational technology and cognitive science. Our educational offering includes traditional programs in natural sciences and business, and in recent years, we’ve expanded with new, career-oriented programs in engineering.
We are located on the beautiful Mattilanniemi campus by Lake Jyväsjärvi – surrounded by nature, yet close to the vibrant city center. This is where future experts and world-changing solutions are born.
Learn more about us on our website – especially our research activities and curricula. Join us in building the digital tomorrow!
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