Senior Research Fellow in Ethics in Artificial Intelligence

University of Oulu; Oulu; On-site; EUR 49,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working hours

Excellent work-life balance

Occupational healthcare services

Summer holiday bonus

Job summary

The University of Oulu invites applications for a Senior Research Fellow in Ethics in Artificial Intelligence. This two-year fixed-term position contributes to the Hybrid Intelligence program and may be based in multiple faculties, including Education and Psychology, IT and Electrical Engineering, or Medicine.

The successful candidate will lead AI ethics research, head the Ethics Forum, and supervise postgraduate research while providing teaching.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in a relevant field with a strong research track record in AI ethics.
• Demonstrated research experience and teaching skills.
• Ability to lead research and secure external funding.
• Experience in international collaboration and cross-disciplinary work.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Ethics Forum and coordinate AI ethics discussions.
• Conduct advanced research in ethics focusing on AI.
• Provide research-led teaching and supervise postgraduate research.
• Collaborate with the HI research community across faculties.

Skills

AI ethics

Research leadership

Teaching skills

International collaboration

Scientific publishing

Education

Doctoral degree in AI ethics

Job description

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 a

Senior Research Fellow in Ethics in Artificial Intelligence

for a two-year fixed-term position to contribute to Hybrid Intelligence research program. The position will be based in one of the following faculties, or possibly jointly across several faculties depending on the expertise level: the Faculty of Education and Psychology, the Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, and/or the Faculty of Medicine.

About the job

The successful candidate will be expected to conduct advanced research in ethics, with a particular focus on AI ethics and to work collaboratively with researchers across disciplines within the Hybrid Intelligence (HI) research community. One of the key responsibilities is to lead the Ethics Forum. The Ethics Forum facilitates new research and discussion on the transdisciplinary ethical, value-related, and societal dimensions of Hybrid Intelligence. In addition, the successful candidate will be expected to provide research-led teaching and supervise postgraduate research.

What we offer

We offer you a supportive academic environment in a community of committed Hybrid Intelligence scholars and the possibility to use funding opportunities to generate new research ideas and build an innovative program that will attract international scholars. The University of Oulu offers flexible working hours, an excellent work-life balance, and a range of occupational healthcare services. Our competitive salaries include paid leave and an additional holiday bonus in the summer.

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. Oulu is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, vibrant cultural life, and friendly, easy-going atmosphere. Residents enjoy Finland’s high standard of living together with relatively affordable housing. Read more about living in Oulu.

We also offer

• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture, and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits here.
• OurBuddy Programme andSpouse Network support you and your close ones in settling into Oulu.
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• 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.
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.

Who are you?

When assessing the candidate’s merits for the position, attention will be paid to scientific excellence, such as research outputs, international scientific activities and collaboration, supervision of undergraduate students, pedagogical competence, societal relevance, impact and potential of scientific activities, and services for the academic community.

To succeed and enjoy the position, we expect you to have:

• A doctoral degree in a relevant field and a strong research track record in AI ethics
• Demonstrated scientific research experience and relevant teaching skills
• The ability to lead research and experience in acquiring external research funding
• Relevant experience in international scientific work and collaboration
• Experience in research that integrates perspectives and methods across disciplines.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills

The position is fixed-term for two year as of 16.11.2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The salary will be based on the levels 6-7 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. 4400-5500 € per month (before taxes).

A trial period of 6 months is applied to the position.

Application deadline: 11.10.2026 (23:59 Finnish local time).

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.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact the coordinator of Hybrid Intelligence research program Dr. Satu Kaleva; satu.kaleva(at)oulu.fi.