Kaisa Väänänen

Tampere University invites applications for a Doctoral Researcher (PhD student) position in Human-Technology Interaction and Human-Centered AI, as part of the NordForsk-funded CAI-BLUE project. The research focuses on interaction design, prototyping, and user studies of collaborative AI agents in blue-collar workplaces, aiming to advance sustainable societies through innovative technology. The position is full-time and fixed-term until February 2029, located at the Hervanta Campus in Tampere, Finland. The CAI-BLUE project is led by Professor Kaisa Väänänen (Human-Centered Technology group) and Professor Thomas Olsson (Technology x Social Interaction group), both part of the Tauchi Research Centre within the Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences. The research groups specialize in design research for new technologies and digital applications, with a strong interdisciplinary and international focus. Collaboration extends to academic partners in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, as well as industrial companies. The successful candidate will conduct research on worker needs for AI agents in team collaboration contexts, including fieldwork to investigate attitudes and barriers to AI adoption. Responsibilities include iterative design, prototyping, and testing of AI agents in real industrial settings, as well as formulating design guidelines for inclusive and effective human–AI collaboration. The project offers flexibility to shape research directions based on the candidate’s interests and emphasizes high-level scientific publication. Additional duties may include teaching (5-10%) and small faculty tasks. Applicants must hold a completed master’s degree in human-computer interaction, human-centered AI, information technology, computer science, or a related field before starting. Required skills include systematic scientific research, critical thinking, problem solving, and experience with human-centered design methods such as interviewing, observation, field studies, participatory workshops, concept design, and UI prototyping. Excellent English communication skills and the ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary teams are essential. Candidates must be able to write research papers for peer-reviewed journals or conferences in HCI. If the previous degree is not from Finland, an official English language certificate is required for admission to the doctoral programme. The position offers a starting salary of approximately 2700 EUR/month, with increases based on experience and progress. The salary is determined by the Finnish University Salary System (level 2-4). Benefits include occupational health care, flexible work schedule, access to modern research infrastructure and teaching facilities, and a personal fund for sports and cultural activities. Tampere University provides a vibrant, international research community, and the Tauchi Research Centre is one of Europe’s largest HCI research hubs. Applications must be submitted via the Tampere University online recruitment system by January 26, 2026. Required documents include a CV (max 2 pages), application letter (max 2 pages), degree certificates and transcripts, and other supporting materials. All documents should be in English and attached in PDF format. For further information, contact Professor Kaisa Väänänen at [email protected]. Join Tampere University to contribute to cutting-edge research in human-centered interactive technologies and be part of a dynamic academic and cultural environment in Finland.

Tampere University invites applications for two Postdoctoral Research Fellow positions in the field of human-technology interaction and human-centered AI. These roles are part of the NordForsk-funded projects CAI-BLUE and RAID, focusing on collaborative AI agents in blue-collar workplaces and responsible use of AI in interaction design practice, respectively. The positions are based at the Hervanta Campus in Finland, within the Tauchi Research Centre, a leading European hub for HCI research. Position #1 (CAI-BLUE) centers on design research for AI agents supporting team collaboration in industrial contexts. Tasks include planning and conducting research on worker needs, defining frameworks for collaborative embodied AI agents, and studying organizational AI readiness. The role involves project management, communication, co-supervision of a PhD student, supervision of master’s students, and scientific publication. Collaboration with international partners and industry is integral, and the research direction can be shaped by the postdoctoral researcher’s interests. Position #2 (RAID) focuses on empirical research into the use of AI in interaction design practice, including defining requirements for AI tools, addressing challenges from new regulations (such as the EU AI Act), ethical issues, and educational implications. Duties include reporting, communication, supervision of master’s students, possible PhD co-supervision, and publication. Both positions include some teaching (5-10%) and other faculty tasks, to be agreed individually. Applicants must hold a completed doctoral degree in human-computer interaction, interaction design, human-centered AI, information technology, or a related field. Essential skills include systematic scientific research, critical thinking, problem solving, human-centered design and qualitative research methods, organizational skills, supervision experience, excellent English communication, multidisciplinary collaboration, and publication in peer-reviewed venues. Experience with industry collaboration (CAI-BLUE) or interaction design practice (RAID) is advantageous. The positions are full-time and fixed-term: 2.5 years for CAI-BLUE and 2 years 4 months for RAID, starting May 1st, 2026. The starting salary is 3900-4100 EUR/month, increasing with experience, and includes competitive benefits such as occupational health care, flexible schedules, research infrastructure, and a personal fund for sports and cultural activities. Tampere University offers a vibrant, international research community and a dynamic living environment in one of Finland’s fastest-growing urban areas. To apply, submit your application via the online recruitment system by March 2nd, 2026. Indicate which position you are applying for, and provide all documentation in English and PDF format. Required documents include CV (TENK template), application letter, publication list, degree certificates, referees, and up to two supporting documents. For further information, contact Professor Kaisa Väänänen at [email protected].