MSCA Doctoral Researcher (sensor-based localization in forest ) / Väitöskirjatutkija (anturipohjai

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

Job summary

A leading educational institution is seeking a Doctoral Researcher for a three-year position focused on sensor-based positioning of mobile work machines in dynamic forest environments. Candidates must hold a Master's degree, demonstrate proficiency in English, and have relevant research experience. The gross salary is approximately 3800 EUR per month. Applications are due by November 16, 2025.

Qualifications

• Eligible for enrollment in the Doctoral Program at Tampere University.
• No prior residence in Finland for more than 12 months in the last 3 years.
• Experience in SLAM and sensor-based positioning is appreciated.

Responsibilities

• Develop methods and algorithms for digital maps in forest environments.
• Conduct research on localization and SLAM algorithms.
• Promote the project through social media.

Skills

Creative thinking

Problem-solving

Proficiency in English

Education

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

Tools

Computer vision

Deep learning models

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 sensor based positioning of mobile work machines in dynamic forest environment.

Job Description

Project tasks and objectives:

Industry objectives:

1. Development of methods and algorithms to create and update digital maps in forest environment;
2. Development of SLAM algorithm and map representation that facilitates the use of different sensors and sensor modalities;
3. Improvement of the above developed algorithms for low computational resources on the edge.

Science objectives:

1. Development of methods to automatically infer feature stability and reliability for trust-aware positioning in changing environments.
2. Development of sensor-agnostic localization and SLAM algorithms that perform robustly in changing environments.
3. Reliability-based rapid map update for handling rapid changes in the environment.
4. Introspective analysis of the mapping and localization process to identify errors and indications of localization and mapping risks.

Training will include: broadening knowledge about the state-of-the-art in sensor-based localization and SLAM. The focus is on a new generation of sensors, and computation efficiency.

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.

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.

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 computer vision, SLAM, map-based localization, sensor-based positioning, deep learning models are appreciated.

English language requirements: Proficiency in written/spoken English is mandatory.

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.

Target degree is a doctoral degree from Tampere University.

Supervisory team: Reza Ghabcheloo (TAU), Esa Rahtu (TAU), Kalle Einola (Ponsse)

Approximate gross salary: In Finland about 3800 EUR/month plus family allowance if applicable.

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:

• YourLastname_Diploma.pdf: 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).
• YourLastname_CV.pdf: Curriculum Vitae/CV (preferably in Europass format), including list of publications, and contact details of 2 or more referees
• YourLastname_Motivation.pdf: 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.
• YourLastname_Residence.pdf: Proof of residence is an own statement and certificates demonstrating your residence(s) in the last 3-4 years

Please note that we will begin conducting interviews during the application period, so early applications are encouraged.

Contact:

• Professor, Supervisor, Esa Rahtu, [e-mail]
• Professor, Supervisor, Reza Ghabcheloo, [e-mail]
• Specialist, Research and innovation services, Salla Kotakorva, [e-mail]