Vacancy: Assistant/Associate Professor in Computer Science (Data Science)

This position has now closed!

The Center for Ubiquitous Computing at the University of Oulu, Finland, is hiring an Assistant/Associate Professor in Computer Science (Data Science).

The position is available at the Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, and the successful candidate will work within the Center for Ubiquitous Computing (https://ubicomp.oulu.fi). Our Center is located at the University of Oulu’s main campus, and housed in a modern purpose-built facility. With an annual budget of €2.6 million and state-of-the-art infrastructure, the Center’s mission is to conduct research on the next generation of interactive technologies. The scope of the research cuts across Ubiquitous Computing and Human-Computer Interaction, with a distinct focus on application-driven research.

Job Description

The successful candidate will advance our Center’s multi-disciplinary research on Big Data and Analytics, and is expected to also contribute to teaching (undergraduate & postgraduate) and administration. Our Center’s research on Data Science has a number of application domains: urban transport & mobility, social media analysis, networking, deep learning, and behavioral modelling. Practical experience in one or more of these areas will be an advantage, but is not necessary.

The successful candidate will be encouraged to build a strong collaboration network within our Faculty, University, and internationally. In addition, they will be expected to develop into an internationally recognized researcher, lead their own research team, compete for international funding, and contribute to the education of our community. Our Center will provide structured support to achieve these targets.

Requirements

We are looking for researchers with an innovative mentality who are capable of engaging in the scientific challenges of this growing field, and who can work in close contact with both industrial and academic partners. A strong track record of publishing in high-quality venues is required, and evidence of the ability to attract funding will be highly beneficial. Through their research and teaching, candidates should be able to inspire colleagues and students, and play a prominent role in the education provided by our Center.

Startup package

The successful candidate will be provided with a generous startup package, including funds for travel & equipment, laboratory space, and fixed-rate coverage of relocation costs. In addition, there will be an opportunity to immediately supervise both PhD and MSc candidates, as well as develop new taught courses that are closely aligned with your active research interests. For exceptional candidates it may be possible to offer a relocation package for spouses in coordination with the city of Oulu.

Additional benefits

Finland is one of the most livable countries, with a high quality of life, safety, excellent education system, and competitive economy. The successful candidate will receive full benefits provided by the University of Oulu to university employees, including free time corresponding to holidays and free occupational health care services. The successful candidate will receive also benefits provided by the Finnish government to residents, for example possibility to obtain access to the national healthcare system, tax benefits for employees with children and high-quality affordable childcare services. There are also affordable access to excellent sports facilities within our city. Finally, Santa Claus is 2.5 hours away by car.

Practical details about the post

  • Start date: February 1st 2016 (negotiable).
  • Duration: 3 years fixed term.
  • Location of work: Oulu, Finland.
  • Eligibility: Must hold a Doctoral degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field.
  • Salary: 47000-63000 euros per annum (before tax), depending on qualifications and in accordance to the university salary system for teaching and research personnel.
  • The administrative title of the post is “Senior Research Fellow”, which is identical to a fixed-term Assistant/Associate Professor in Finland.
  • Details about the practical aspects of living in Oulu can be found here.

For further information, please contact Prof. Vassilis Kostakos, e-mail vassilis (at) ee.oulu.fi.

Application process

Applications are only accepted via our online system.  Please complete your application, adding your CV, contact details for 2 referees, and list of publications by January 4th, 2016 by 3pm local time at the following URL: http://www.saimanet.com/certiahome/aew.html?did=5600&lang=en&job_id=1704&jc=1

About us

The Center for Ubiquitous Computing at the University of Oulu is the largest cluster of Ubiquitous Computing and Human-Computer Interaction researchers in Finland, and one of the largest in Europe. We regularly publish in the best ACM and IEEE venues, including top conferences and journals. Our research is primarily funded through external competitive grants and industry. Members of the Center have received prestigious individual awards, including a fellowship of the Academy of Finland Distinguished Professor programme, a Marie Curie Career Integration grant, multiple Academy of Finland postdoctoral grants, and best-paper awards. In late 2015 our Center was Awarded one of the few prestigious long-term grants by Finland’s Strategic Research Council, aimed to finding solutions to the major challenges facing society.

The Center is one of the 11 units housed within the Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, which is one of the top ICT faculties in Finland. The faculty has a strong track record in research and currently hosts fellows of the ERC, IEEE, Academy of Finland, and Marie Curie. The faculty spans all aspects of Sensing and Ubiquitous Wireless Systems, ranging from basic research on sensor technology to applied research on understanding the use of technology.

The University of Oulu is an international research and innovation university engaged in multidisciplinary basic research and academic education. The University of Oulu is one of the largest universities in Finland with 16000 students and 3000 staff. The University encompasses eight fields of study: Humanities, Education, Economics and Business, Science, Medicine, Dentistry, Health Sciences, and Technology. The fields of information technology, biotechnology, northern and environmental issues have been defined as special research focus areas. Collaboration across scientific fields is strongly encouraged ad supported within the University.