Postdoctoral Researcher

The Faculty of Educational Sciences invites applications for the position of Postdoctoral Researcher for a fixed-term appointment for 3 years, starting in September 2026 or as agreed.

The position is embedded in the AI-EMOTION project (Academic emotions in the AI learning era). AI-EMOTION is a European Research Council (ERC) funded project at the Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Helsinki, led by Principal Investigator Dr. Elina Ketonen. We investigate what happens emotionally when students use AI tools in learning: how affect influences engagement, motivation and interaction in AI-mediated learning situations. The project brings together expertise from learning sciences, computer science and psychophysiology. Our aim is to advance theory on affective processes in human-computer interaction and to develop novel multimodal methods to measure and model emotions in real-world learning environments.

Job description

The successful candidate will investigate academic emotions and emotional well-being in technology-mediated learning, with a focus on psychophysiological indicators of emotions in ecologically valid learning settings. The position contributes to the AI-EMOTION project by combining wearable sensor data (e.g., cardiac and electrodermal signals) with event-based self-reports (experience sampling). A central task is to drive methodological development by advancing and validating sensor data processing and feature extraction workflows, and by developing approaches to integrate these outputs with self-reports to model students’ emotions beyond laboratory settings. The work duties of the selected candidate include:

• Planning and implementing data collection in real-world learning contexts (including wearable-sensor measurements and experience sampling via smartphones)
• Processing and analyzing wearable-sensor data (e.g., preprocessing, artefact handling, feature extraction, synchronization/alignment with experience-sampling prompts)
• Statistical modelling and analyses of collected multimodal data (e.g., within-person dynamics, multilevel models, dynamic models/time-series approaches)
• Publishing results in high-quality international scientific journals and presenting findings at major conferences
• Supporting project coordination and administration as agreed (e.g., contributing to reporting, documentation, data management practices, project deliverables)
• Teamwork within the multidisciplinary research group (e.g., learning sciences, educational psychology, computer science)
• Small-scale supervision and/or teaching tasks as agreed (e.g., co-supervision of theses, supporting research training within the project).

Qualification requirements and selection criteria

We are looking for a creative and forward-thinking post doc who has (or is close to completing) a PhD in a relevant field (e.g., educational sciences, psychology, cognitive science, health sciences/biomedical engineering, data science) and demonstrate the ability to conduct independent, innovative and high-quality research. The successful candidate should have expertise in psychophysiological measurement and/or wearable-sensor data analysis, including signal processing and feature extraction, and a strong interest in studying emotions and well-being in technology-mediated learning, with a particular focus on AI.

Excellent written and spoken English, as well as strong communication and collaboration skills, are essential given the interdisciplinary nature of the project. Experience with multimodal data integration, research with relevance to the project area and demonstrated experience of methodological development are considered merits.

The position involves some fieldwork with study participants across the University of Helsinki’s campuses during the data collection, and regular on-site work at the University of Helsinki City Centre Campus. The appointee is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki. The Faculty of Educational Sciences provides assistance in relocation.

We offer

The position offers a unique opportunity to work as part of an eager and ambitious team and contribute to delivering breakthrough research within an ERC-funded project.

The Faculty of Educational Sciences is a dynamic, inspiring and international working and studying environment that has invested in state-of-the-art research and teaching infrastructure. We encourage our staff to make bold and creative decisions while exercising high standards of ethical conduct in research, teaching and community relations.

Salary is based on level 5 in the requirement scheme for teaching and research positions in the salary system of Finnish universities. In addition, the appointee is paid a salary component based on personal performance. The gross monthly salary will be approx. 3,570 € - 4,010 € depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience. A 6-month probation period is applied.

The University of Helsinki provides its staff with occupational health and fitness services, professional development opportunities, as well as a first-class research and teaching environment and the conditions necessary for international cooperation. Read more about work at our university.

For international applicants we offer relocation services and support in settling-in, training and other events especially designed for our international staff members, a special UniBuddy-program and specialized support for spouses (HEI LIFE Spouse Network). You can find more information here.

How to apply

The application, together with the required attachments, must be submitted through the University of Helsinki recruitment system by clicking on the link below. Internal applicants (i.e., current employees of the University of Helsinki) must submit their applications through the SAP Fiori portal.

Please note that all application documents must be submitted as a single PDF file either in Finnish or English, named as lastname_postdoc_AIemotion. Make sure to attach the PDF to the position you’re applying for in the recruitment system. Please include the following documents in your application:

• A statement of motivation and competence (max. 750 words): your motivation for applying for the position, expected contribution to the project and key skills relevant to the position (especially wearable sensor/signal analysis and multimodal methods)
• A CV (with contact information of two references)
• A list of publications with key publications relevant to the position highlighted
• A brief research/development plan (max. 500 words): how you would develop methods for joint analysis of sensor data and experience-sampling (ESM) self-reports to advance multimodal emotion modelling within the project?

Kindly see instructions for the attached documents.

Other attachments, including letters of recommendation or certificates, are not required at this point. We appreciate a self-written application that reflects your own voice and thoughts.

The closing date for applications is May 31, 2026. Top candidates will be invited to an interview, which will be held either on site or remote in June 2026.

A diverse and equitable study and work culture is important to us. That is why we do our best to promote an inclusive university community. We encourage all qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply for our positions.

Further information

Should you have any questions about the position, please contact Principal Investigator, Dr. Elina Ketonen (elina.e.ketonen@helsinki.fi)

In questions related to the recruitment process, kindly contact HR Specialist Hector Nystedt (hector.nystedt@helsinki.fi)

Click this link to read about accessibility and inclusivity at our University.

Why Finland

Finland is a member of the EU, has high quality and inexpensive childcare, free schooling and tertiary training (also in English), excellent family benefits and healthcare, and is ranked as one of the top countries in the world for expat families. Finland also repeatedly tops the World Happiness Report. Read more about why Finland is a great place to live and work.