Turku School of Economics at the University of Turku, Finland, invites applications for a fixed-term position of Project Researcher/Senior Researcher starting as soon as possible and lasting until 31 December 2028.
The position is divided equally between developing the research infrastructure shared by Turku School of Economics and working at the Centre for Collaborative Research CCR, where the Project Researcher/Senior Researcher will be part of the Immersive Experience Lab research group.
The position focuses on developing a research infrastructure based on humanoid robotics and embodied AI at Turku School of Economics, as well as conducting research using this infrastructure. The aim is to establish a long-lasting and evolving research environment for studying human–AI interaction, particularly in business research settings.
The research environment built around a humanoid robot will enable experimental research on human interaction with embodied AI and the exploration of new use cases in services, customer experiences, and business. The infrastructure will be developed in collaboration with the disciplines and students of Turku School of Economics, companies, technology providers, other research infrastructures at the University of Turku, and researchers from various fields.
Job description
The main responsibility of the Project Researcher/Senior Researcher is to develop the research infrastructure built around a humanoid robot and its use in research. The work involves continuously developing the technical and operational infrastructure, introducing new solutions and functionalities, and designing and conducting research studies and experiments in collaboration with researchers.
The Project Researcher/Senior Researcher will participate in research projects in which the humanoid and embodied AI infrastructure and its development play a central role. The position involves planning and conducting research, publishing scientific findings, and preparing new research projects and applications for external funding, with a specific focus on the humanoid robot and its associated research infrastructure. The work requires the ability to connect research questions with the opportunities and limitations of technology and to describe technical solutions in research plans and funding applications.
The duties also include the practical coordination and development of the research infrastructure: providing guidance and training to users, developing operating principles for the humanoid robot, carrying out tasks related to safe operation, communicating about the infrastructure, and resolving problems. The Project Researcher/Senior Researcher will serve as a contact person for technology providers and must be able to discuss solutions related to AI technology, robotics, and embodied interaction with both technical experts and technology researchers.
The work involves extensive collaboration with the different disciplines and students of Turku School of Economics, for example to enable the use of the infrastructure in research, theses, teaching, and projects. The position also includes collaboration with companies to develop new use cases, research services, and pilots, as well as collaboration with other research infrastructures at the University of Turku. All CCR employees also actively contribute to the development of the unit’s activities. The nature of the position requires on-site work at Turku School of Economics; the amount and arrangements of on-site work will be agreed flexibly with the selected candidate.
Who we are looking for
A project researcher is required to have a higher university degree suitable for the position. When assessing the merits of the applicants, special emphasis will place on competence and practical expertise in the field in question.
A senior researcher is required to have a doctoral degree suitable for the position and the ability to conduct independent scientific research. Evidence of academic research work is required.
The qualification requirements for the positions are defined in the University of Turku Rules of Procedure.
We expect you to have:
- Evidence of scientific research and publication experience
- Readiness to understand research infrastructure that uses AI technology, robotics, and other interactive technologies
- Ability to communicate with technology providers, technical experts, and technology researchers
- Ability to design and prepare research settings that make use of emerging technologies
- Good collaboration, communication, and organisational skills, as well as the ability to work independently and proactively
- Ability to collaborate with students, researchers, companies, and other stakeholders
- Excellent spoken and written English skills; proficiency in Finnish is considered an advantage
The following will be considered an advantage:
- Research or professional experience, or alternatively strong insight, in one or more of the following areas: humanoid robotics, embodied AI, human–robot interaction, human–computer interaction, human–AI interaction, generative AI, or interactive technologies
- Technical understanding of, for example, large language models (LLMs), sensors, robotics, software development, programming, system integrations, or research equipment
- Experience in developing research environments or infrastructures and building technology-based research settings
- Experience in interdisciplinary research projects, business research, preparing research funding applications, industry collaboration, or working with technology providers
- Experience in collaborating with students, teaching, supervising theses, or communicating research and development activities to different audiences
We welcome applicants who already have experience in the field, as well as those seeking to develop their careers in this area.
We value collegiality and promote equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We encourage all qualified applicants with different backgrounds to apply for our open positions.
What we offer
The position is based at Turku School of Economics, University of Turku, and in the Immersive Experience Lab research group at the Centre for Collaborative Research CCR. It offers a unique opportunity to build new research capabilities based on humanoid robotics and embodied AI technology and to combine technological development, scientific research, collaboration with students, and industry collaboration.
We offer you responsible and interesting tasks and the opportunity to develop your professional skills in a versatile operating environment. You get a professional and inspiring team to support your work. We take care of your well-being at work and the functionality of your everyday life, e.g. with the help of flexible working hours and our well-being services.
Please read more about University of Turku as an employer from our Come work with us! pages.
The European Commission has awarded the University of Turku the right to use the HR Excellence in Research quality label. The label is a token of the University's commitment to continuous development of the position and working conditions of researchers according to the guidelines set forth in the European Charter for Researchers.
The university offers good support and orientation for international hires. Please learn more about the Finnish culture and relocation to Finland:
The University of Turku is among the top of the world’s universities in most rankings and among the best universities in the world in certain fields. Our high-quality basic research, a multidisciplinary research profile and close cooperation in research infrastructures creates the basis for international top research. Read more about University of Turku in international university rankings.
Salary and trial period
The salary for the post is determined in accordance with the university salary system for teaching and research personnel. The salary for a Project Research (OV3-OV4) in the beginning of employment is approximately 2900-3400 EUR per month depending on previous experience and competence. The salary for a Senior Researcher (OV5-OV6) in the beginning of employment is approximately 3800 – 4600 EUR per month depending on previous experience and competence.
The position has a trial period of six months.
How to apply
Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is 11.11.2026 at 16.00 (Europe/Helsinki).
Applicants should enclose with their application:
- motivation letter
- CV according to the TENK model
- list of publications
- degree certificate(s)
- other documents that may influence the filling of the position
Further information
For further information about the position, please contact: Research Director Jukka Vahlo, tel. +358 50 911 9776 or jukka.vahlo(at)utu.fi or Director Antti Saurama, puh. 040 592 4921, antti.saurama(at)utu.fi.
With questions about the application process, please contact: HR Specialist Mira Liikkanen, tel. +358 50 400 2721 or mira.liikkanen(at)utu.fi.
