Applicable Master's degrees: mechanical engineering, mechatronics, automation or other relevant field.
Do you want to help shape the future of intelligent work machines?
This position is part of the Intelligent Work Machines (IWM) doctoral education pilot, funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture, which commenced on 1 August 2024. The IWM programme includes 31 doctoral researcher positions at five Finnish universities: Aalto University, Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology, Tampere University, University of Oulu, and University of Turku. More information about the IWM programme at www.iwmdoctoralprogram.fi.
The IWM programme aims to provide doctoral training and applied research on intelligent work machines. The research seeks to develop and apply state-of-the-art methods, typically simulation or data-based, in robotics, mechatronics, machine design, machine dynamics, control theory, software technologies, real-time computing, human-machine interaction, communication, vehicle engineering, machine learning, robotic learning, and business models related to intelligent machines to improve the safety, economic viability, and environmental sustainability of work machines.
Job description
We are now looking for a doctoral researcher for a 19-month fixed-term contract, funded by the national IWM doctoral education pilot
The potential doctoral supervisor is Professor Wallace Moreira Bessa, Head of the Smart Systems research group. You can learn more about Smart Systems at https://utu.fi/smartsystems/.
The current vacancy will focus on the following research themes related to IWM's objectives:
- Intelligent control schemes for dynamically changing environments
- Sensor data fusion for multimodal robotic learning
The doctoral researcher's tasks include conducting their own doctoral research and completing doctoral courses. In addition, the position will involve other tasks related to the IWM programme.
The target time for completing a doctoral degree is three years.
The position starts earliest on 1.6.2026, or by mutual agreement. The funding is for 19 months (however, ending no later than 31 December 2027). The goal of the doctoral education pilot is for doctoral researchers to submit their doctoral dissertation for preliminary examination by the end of 2027.
Who we are looking for
A Master's degree in a field relevant to the research topics (mechanical engineering, mechatronics, automation or other relevant field) is required.
Applicants must have completed a higher education degree or otherwise demonstrated the ability to pursue postgraduate studies and complete a doctoral degree according to the research plan.
Experience in research and development of control schemes and/or sensor data fusion algorithms within the scope of mechanical/mechatronic systems is considered an advantage.
Doctoral researcher for this position must be studying for a doctoral degree in the Faculty of Technology (DPT). If the applicant does not have the right to study for a doctoral degree at the University of Turku, they must apply for the right to study for a doctoral degree from Doctoral Programme in Technology, University of Turku at the latest during the 25 August – 8 September 2026 application period. Employment can start earliest when the selected applicant has fulfilled the eligibility requirements and received and accepted the right to study a doctoral degree in DPT doctoral programme. Prerequisites for admission and Proof of language skills see How to Apply for Doctoral Training.
The position cannot be filled by an individual who has already completed a doctoral degree or has been granted the right to study for a doctoral degree before November 1, 2023.
Preference will be given to applicants who, in their motivation letter, have outlined a realistic plan to complete their dissertation and submit it for pre-examination by the end of 2027.
The doctoral researcher position requires residence in Finland.
Our workplace values equality and diversity, and therefore, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for our open positions.
Benefits
We offer you responsible and interesting tasks and the opportunity to develop your skills in a dynamic and international environment. You will be supported by a professional and inspiring team and a group of experienced supervisors. In your work, you will become part of a wide network of doctoral researchers, researchers, and supervisors within the IWM programme. We care about your well-being and the functionality of your everyday life through flexible working hours and our well-being services.
Please read more about University of Turku as an employee 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 logo. The logo 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:
Salary and trial period
The salaries are determined in accordance with the University salary system for teaching and research personnel. It consists of a task-specific salary component and a personal performance salary component. The task-specific salary component of a doctoral researcher is at level 2–4, depending the progress of the doctoral project. The personal performance component, added on top of the task-specific base salary is also paid. For a doctoral researcher, the salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and will be approximately 2500–3300 €/month, depending on the progress of the doctoral project. The position has a probationary period of six months.
How to apply
Please submit your application through our electronic recruitment system by May 7, 2026, at 4 p.m. (EET). The application link can be found on the University's website at the beginning of the advertisement ("Apply for this job").
Applicants must include in their application:
- Curriculum vitae and list of publications
- Motivation letter including the research themes you plan to address in your doctoral research, a brief description of the research question that interests you and preliminary dissertation research plan, including a timeline (in English)
- Degree certificates
- Any other documents relevant to fulfilling the requirements of the position
Please remember to include all the above-mentioned annexes with your application, as they are important for the evaluation of your application.
Further information
For further information about the IWM doctoral researcher position, please contact Professor Wallace Moreira Bessa (wallace.moreirabessa@utu.fi).
For questions related to the application process, contact HR Specialist Sarian Kotka (sarian.kotka@utu.fi)
For questions related to the doctoral training, contact Doctoral Programme Coordinator, Sari Järvi (sari.jarvi@utu.fi).
