PhD in Human-AI Shared Regulation of Learning

Original title: Doctoral Researcher, Human-AI Shared Regulation of Learning

Faculty of Education and Psychology, Learning and Learning Processes (LLP)

The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary, international research university, with about 4000 employees who produce new knowledge based on high-standards research and provide research based education to build a more sustainable, smarter, and more humane world. The University of Oulu community has about 19,000 people in total. Our northern scientific community operates globally and creates conditions for the emergence of innovations. The University of Oulu is ranked in the top 3% of the world’s universities. All our research, education, and community activities are guided by our university’s values and ethical principles.

We are now looking for 1-2 candidates for the position of

Doctoral Researcher

to join us in the Learning and Educational Technology (LET) Lab, within the Learning and Learning Processes (LLP) Research Unit at the Faculty of Education and Psychology

The Learning and Educational Technology (LET) Lab, within the Learning and Learning Processes (LLP) Research Unit at the Faculty of Education and Psychology, conducts multidisciplinary research on learning, teaching, and technology-enhanced learning. Its work focuses on areas such as learning sciences, self- and socially shared regulation of learning, collaborative learning, emerging technologies, and data-driven approaches to understanding and supporting learning across educational contexts.

About the job

The positions are part of the Research Council of Finland funded project “Human-AI Shared Regulation of Learning: Preparing Higher Education Students to Learn and Work with AI (HAI-Learning)” (370619), led by Associate Professor Andy Nguyen.

• You will conduct doctoral research on human–AI shared regulation of learning, investigating how higher education students learn and work with AI.
• You will use advanced analytical methods, including multimodal and AI-driven learning analytics, to investigate human learning processes and contribute to the design and development of socio-technical systems for hybrid intelligence.
• You will work within a multidisciplinary team, contribute to project-related tasks, and publish and disseminate your findings in leading international scientific journals and conferences.

Who are you?

In order to succeed and enjoy the position, we require from you:

• You must have a Master's degree in learning sciences or computer science, or in a relevant field, that was awarded not more than five years ago
• A transdisciplinary research orientation with demonstrated research experience or interest.
• A team player spirit with solid research and development skills.
• We expect candidates to demonstrate a willingness to engage in the study of both human learning processes and the design and development of AI systems.
• Experience with educational technology and/or software design and development.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills in English.
• You must apply for the right to study for a doctoral degree at the beginning of your employment in accordance with the requirements of the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS).

• Finnish language skills
• Proficiency in Python and C#, with experience developing XR applications, particularly Mixed Reality (MR) applications using Unity.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 25.10.2026 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

The application should be written in English and include the following:

• Cover letter
• CV following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
• Publication List

The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. The shortlisted candidates will also be asked to submit their diplomas, and their references will be contacted. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including people of different ages, genders, languages, cultures, and minority communities.

What we offer

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team, with whom you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture, and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits.
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and your close ones in settling into Oulu.
• We have an HR Excellence in Research -quality label, which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers.
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, an excellent education system, and a competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Salary

We are recruiting 1–2 doctoral researchers for fixed-term appointments, starting on 1 January 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter, with the following contract periods:

• Position 1: until 31 August 2029.
• Position 2, if appointed: until 31 December 2028.

The salary will be based on the levels 2-4 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (a maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). The starting gross salary will be approx. 2600-3200 € per month (before taxes). A trial period of 6 months is applied to the position.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact Associate Professor Andy Nguyen, Faculty of Education and Psychology, LLP research Unit, andy.nguyen@oulu.fi