The Department of Computer Science at the University of Helsinki is seeking a post-doctoral researcher for the period 1.10.2024 - 31.12.2025, focusing on AI literacy in K-12 education. The starting date is negotiable within the constraints of fall 2024.

The postdoc will work in the interdisciplinary project AILIT, involving researchers in computer science, learning sciences and sociology at the University of Helsinki and Åbo Akademi University. We collaborate with several schools, who provide rich quantitative and qualitative data.

AILIT aims at co-designing and evaluating high-quality and research-informed educational strategies and curriculum resources for introducing and explaining AI concepts to K-12 students – starting from what AI is and how it works to considerations around ethics, privacy and safety.

The position offers opportunities to design, develop and evaluate resources and tools to support teaching and learning as well as study student and teacher perceptions of AI. The exact focus of the research is decided based on the selected applicant’s competence and interests.

The University of Helsinki values diversity and inclusivity and welcomes applications from individuals of all cultural, linguistic, and gender identities, and minority groups.

Requirements

The position is research-focused, and the ideal candidate has

• experience in conducting empirical and/or experimental research,
• background in qualitative and/or quantitative data analysis, and
• understanding of basic AI principles.

Understanding of the Finnish educational system and classroom practice, as well as ability to collaborate with educational stakeholders is considered a plus

.Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are needed. Skills in Swedish are considered a merit as the educational stakeholders are Swedish speaking. This is, however, not a requirement.

Applicants should have a PhD in computer science, learning sciences, or a related field that shows an interest in AI/computer science and education.
 
Salary and benefits

The position is full-time and funded initially until the end of 2025. For a post-doctoral researcher, the starting salary is 4000 euros/month, depending on previous qualifications and experience.

The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development. The University provides support for internationally recruited employees with their transition to work and life in Finland. For more on the University of Helsinki as an employer, please see https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers.

How to apply

Interested candidates should submit their application through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System.

The following should be attached to the application as a single PDF file (in English):

• Cover letter describing the candidate´s motivation and research interests and especially experience in AI and/or education
• Curriculum Vitae
• List of publications (and/or link to thesis)
• Contact details of potential referees who have agreed to provide letters of recommendation

The deadline for applications is September 20th, 2024 (at 23:59, UTC + 3). Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Additional information

For more information on the position, please contact Associate Professor Linda Mannila (linda.mannila@helsinki.fi).

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The University of Helsinki reserves the right for justified reasons to leave the position open, to extend the application period and to consider candidates who have not submitted applications during the application period.