Postdoctoral Researcher in Language Learning Computational Methods

The TurkuNLP research group and the Turku Research Institute for Learning Analytics (TRILA) at the University of Turku invite applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Researcher position in computational methods in language learning, at the interface of language learning and natural language processing. The position is funded by the Finnish Strategic Research Council as part of the DALAI-FIN project. The fixed-term employment starts in September 2026 at the earliest (or by mutual agreement), and ends 30.9.2028. Job description The DALAI-FIN research project focuses on developing learning technology for adult learners of Finnish. It is jointly hosted by TurkuNLP and TRILA. TurkuNLP is a research environment of nearly 40 researchers at all career stages, spanning a broad range of topics from methodological NLP to digital language studies and the humanities. It offers excellent opportunities for collaboration, as well as access to substantial compute resources on the national supercomputing infrastructure. TRILA is a research institution of 40 researchers dedicated to studying and developing digital teaching and learning analytics methods. Through its ViLLE learning platform, used in schools across Finland, TRILA provides unique access to both teachers and learners, including the ability to organize interventions and study cohorts. Together, these two well-established research centres, set within the broader context of the funding project, offer a rare chance to carry out exciting research with real participants at the meeting point of language technology and language learning. As a Postdoctoral Researcher you are expected to be keen to contribute to our ongoing work on controlled generation for language learning. We are especially interested in strengthening the connection between controlled language generation methodology on one side, and the actual learning environment and reality of language learning on the other. This means not only bringing language generation methods into the learning process, but also letting the needs of that process shape the generation technology itself. The precise research questions and methods will be shaped by the candidate's own expertise and interests. Possible directions include, but are not limited to: AI-driven generation of new kinds of personalized learning tasks, with a focus on the tasks themselves, their role in the learning process, and teachers' ability to control their pedagogical purpose; Generation of reading material tailored to individual learner needs, again with attention to the role of that material in the learning process; Methods aimed at producing materials that are both pedagogically effective and genuinely well received by learners; Controlled intervention studies applying the above methods with second language learners and/or students in upper secondary education. Who we are looking for Requirements We welcome candidates with background relevant to the research stated above, complementing our present technical research in controlled language generation. This may mean a background in language technology with interest towards language learning applications, but equally welcome are candidates with background in language learning and learning analytics who have the necessary technical skills in NLP applications to carry out the research. The successful candidate is expected to have: A doctoral degree in fields relevant to NLP and language learning / learning analytics (applicants with a nearly-completed doctoral degree can also be considered, see below) Sufficient technical skills with modern NLP methods to carry out independent research Good skills in English (written and spoken). The ability to work independently while also contributing to the activities of the broader research group The following will be considered an advantage: Knowledge of Finnish is a distinct advantage, given the target language of the learners. Lack of Finnish knowledge can be outweighed by excellence in the research domain Experience of developing digital language learning material Qualification requirements The eligibility criteria for prospective applicants are defined in the University of Turku's Rules of Procedure: [PDF] A person selected for the post of postdoctoral researcher is required to have a doctoral degree and the ability to conduct independent scientific work as well as having the necessary teaching skills. We primarily seek to recruit a Postdoctoral Researcher. However, in well justified cases, applicants who have completed almost all doctoral studies required for a PhD in a relevant field may also be considered. In such cases, the job title at the start of the employment will be Project Researcher and salary will be in the beginning on average 3100–3300 euros/month, depending on previous experience and skills. A person selected for the post of Project researcher is required to have a higher university degree (MSc or equivalent), a copy of which must be attached as an annex to the application. When assessing the merits of the applicants, special emphasis will be placed on competence and practical expertise in the field in question. We value collegiality and promote equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We encourage all qualified applicants with different backgrounds to apply for our open positions. Benefits We Offer: A two-year fully funded position (if able to start by October 2026) in an internationally recognized research environment. Opportunities to publish in top-tier journals and flagship conferences. Training courses for academic researchers, e.g., proposal writing, scientific writing, project development, teaching qualification. A vibrant, international, and supportive research community. We offer you responsible and interesting tasks and the opportunity to develop your professional skills in a versatile operating environment. You get a professional and inspiring team to support your work. We take care of your well-being at work and the functionality of your everyday life, e.g. with the help of flexible working hours and our well-being services. How to apply: Submit online by 24 August 2026 at 16:00 (Europe/Helsinki).