MSCA Doctoral Researcher (predictive models for contact-rich construction tasks) / Väitöskirjatutk

Tampereen yliopisto; Pirkanmaa; On-site; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Finnish university seeks a Doctoral Researcher for a project focused on hydraulic machines. The candidate will work on developing innovative machine learning models and control algorithms. An MSc in a relevant field is mandatory, and proficiency in English is required. The position is full-time for three years with a gross salary around 3800 EUR/month. Applications close on November 16, 2025.

Qualifications

• Must be eligible for enrollment in Doctoral Program at Tampere University.
• No prior doctoral degree should be awarded.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Develop data-efficient force and energy loss models for hydraulic machines.
• Create advanced control algorithms to prevent overloads in hydraulic systems.
• Engage in social media and project dissemination activities.

Skills

Machine learning

Deep learning

Reinforcement learning

Simulation environments

Optimal control

Education

Master of Science (MSc) in relevant engineering disciplines or applied mathematics

Job description

Tampere University and Tampere University of Applied Sciences create a unique environment for multidisciplinary, inspirational and high-impact research and education. Our universities community has its competitive edges in technology, health and society.

Mobile working machines (MWM) are critical to industries like construction, mining, and agriculture and key to Europe’s sustainability and productivity goals. To meet rising demands for green, autonomous, and digital solutions, the ENGAGE network brings together top machine manufacturers (Volvo CE, Liebherr, Ponsse, AGCO), tech leaders (Bosch, Bosch Rexroth, Novatron, GIM Robotics), and six leading academic groups across Europe.

ENGAGE will train a new generation of engineers through Industrial Doctorates, equipping them with cutting-edge expertise in AI, robotics, and mechanical engineering. Together, we’re building the future of smart, sustainable mobile machinery.

We are now looking for a Doctoral Researcher to the project of force and loss prediction in contact rich tasks for control of hydraulic machines.

Job Description

Project tasks and objectives:

Industry objectives:

1. Development of data-efficient force and energy loss models for hydraulic machines operating with heterogeneous materials such as earth with different sizes of rocks.
2. Development of advanced control algorithms integrated with force and loss models to prevent overloads and hazardous situations, ensuring operational efficiency and the safety of operators and equipment.

Science objectives:

1. Development of innovative machine learning models that require minimal data by leveraging simulations and domain knowledge, and accurately predict forces and energy losses during contact-rich interactions in hydraulic machines.
2. Development of advanced predictive control strategies that utilize force and loss predictions to manage complex machine behaviours in real-time and improve the resilience of the system against uncertainties and disturbances by incorporating predictive insights. Training will include: broadening knowledge of the state of the art in related fields, such as simulation, reinforcement learning, imitation learning, model predictive control.

The doctoral candidate will also be involved in dissemination through social media promotion of the network, such as project website, LinkedIn groups, YouTube video channels, and blogging.

Requirements

We are looking for a talented, creative and highly motivated researcher. Recruited researcher can be of any nationality. Doctoral Candidate must be eligible to be enrolled into Doctoral Program at Tampere University and have not been awarded a doctoral degree. The candidate must also comply with the respective employers’ requirements in Finland.

MSCA Mobility Rule: at the time of recruitment by the host organization the researcher must not have resided or carried out his/her main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of his/her employer (in this case: Tampere University, Finland) for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to his/her recruitment. Compulsory national service and/or short stays such as holidays and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not considered.

At the start of the employment the applicant must be in possession of Master of Science (MSc) diploma in relevant engineering disciplines or applied mathematics. Experience with machine learning, deep learning, reinforcement learning, simulation environments and optimal control are appreciated.

English language requirements: Proficiency in written/spoken English is mandatory. In certain cases, we may ask for a language certificate.

We offer

The position is full-time, and duration is three years. The expected starting date is January 1st, 2026 or as mutually agreed upon by both parties. A trial period of six months applies to all new employees. The place of employment will be at Tampere University for a period of 12 months, and the period of 24 months in Novatron. Target degree is a doctoral degree from Tampere University.

Supervisory team: Gokhan Alcan (TAU), Reza Ghabcheloo (TAU), Antti Kolu (Novatron)

Approximate gross salary: In Finland about 3800 EUR/month plus family allowance if applicable. The salary will be defined in accordance with MSCA funding rules.

Please note that we will begin conducting interviews during the application period, so early applications are encouraged. This allows us to get to know candidates as soon as possible and keep the process moving efficiently. Please apply at your earliest convenience!

For more information, please contact:

• Assistant Professor, Supervisor, Gökhan Alcan, [e-mail]
• Professor, Supervisor, Reza Ghabcheloo, [e-mail]
• Specialist, Research and innovation services, Salla Kotakorva, [e-mail]

How to apply

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is November 16, 2025 at 23:59 (Finnish time / UTC +2).

The applicant must submit the following documents:

• Certified copies of the bachelor’s and master’s degree certificates with the Diploma Supplement (DS) as approved by the EU Commission for degrees completed in European universities (when applicable) Official translations into English (if the original documents are in a language other than English).
• Curriculum Vitae/CV (preferably in Europass format), including list of publications, and contact details of 2 or more referees
• One to two pages where you introduce yourself, present your merits, both those relevant to the position and those not directly. Include also your future goals.
• Proof of residence is an own statement and certificates demonstrating your residence(s) in the last 3-4 years