Doctoral Researcher in Dependable Automation - Tampereen yliopisto - Tampere, Finland

The Dependability and Automation Research in Cyber-Physical Systems (DARES) Group at the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences (ENS), Tampere University, invites applications for three Doctoral Researcher positions in dependable automation, trustworthy artificial intelligence, resilient control, and cybersecurity of cyber-physical systems. DARES conducts internationally recognized research on the dependability, resilience, safety and security of automation and cyber-physical systems. Our research integrates control engineering, trustworthy artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and optimization to develop next-generation methods for monitoring, decision-making, and resilient operation of safety-critical cyber-physical systems. We combine fundamental research with application-driven innovation through close collaboration with academic and industrial partners. The selected doctoral researchers will contribute to ongoing national and European research projects with applications in intelligent wind energy systems, energy-flexible process industries, smart microgrids and other safety-critical industrial cyber-physical systems. Job Description We are seeking three highly motivated Doctoral Researchers, each to be appointed to one of the following research areas. Applicants may indicate one or more preferred areas in their cover letter. Position 1 – Federated Learning and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence: Research on privacy-preserving collaborative machine learning, trustworthy and explainable AI, distributed intelligence, and condition monitoring for industrial and energy systems. Position 2 – Resilient Control and Optimization for Industrial Systems: Research on advanced control, optimization, and decision-making methods for adaptive and resilient operation of industrial processes, automation systems, and energy infrastructures. Position 3 – Cybersecurity and Resilience of Cyber-Physical Systems: Research on secure automation, cyberattack detection and mitigation, resilient system architectures, and dependable operation of safety-critical cyber-physical and industrial control systems. The exact direction of the research is determined by the needs and objectives of the DARES group's research projects while taking into account the selected candidate's expertise, experience, and research interests. The positions offer flexibility to tailor both the research focus and responsibilities to support the candidate's professional development and project objectives. The successful candidates will collaborate within a multidisciplinary research team to advance the state of the art in their respective fields. Responsibilities include conducting high-quality research, publishing results in leading international journals, presenting findings at international conferences, and contributing to collaborative research activities. Depending on the project, the position may also include short-term research visits to partner institutions to support international collaboration. Requirements Applicants are expected to meet the following criteria: Educational Qualification: Must hold a Master’s degree in systems and control, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field at the time of application. Academic Background: A solid background in one or more of the following areas: Control systems and automation, machine learning and AI, optimization, cyber-physical systems, cybersecurity, and energy systems. Technical Proficiency: Strong Programming skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB/Simulink, C/C++, or similar). Language Skills: Proficiency in both written and spoken English is required. Applicants should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Proficiency in Finnish is not required. Working Style: Ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Candidates should demonstrate a balance of autonomy and collaborative skills. Please note that before commencing the position, the selected candidate must apply for a study right within the doctoral program at Tampere University, unless they already have one. Tampere University is a unique, multidisciplinary, forward-thinking, and evolving community. Our values are openness, critical thinking, diversity, learner-centeredness, courage, erudition, and responsibility. We offer The positions are full-time and fully funded for three (3) years, starting preferably in Fall 2026 or as agreed. A trial period of six (6) months applies to all new employees. The salary will be based on both the job requirements and the employee's personal performance in accordance with the Finnish University Salary System. According to the criteria applied to teaching and research staff, the position of a doctoral researcher is placed on level 2-4 of the job requirements scale. A typical starting salary for a Doctoral Researcher is approximately €2,700–3,000 per month. The salary increases based on experience and the progress of doctoral studies. The DARES Group provides an internationally recognized and collaborative research environment with opportunities to participate in Academy of Finland and Horizon Europe research projects, collaborate with leading industrial and academic partners, undertake international research visits, and present research at major international conferences. Researchers have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and research infrastructure and benefit from multidisciplinary supervision, mentoring, comprehensive doctoral training, and an inclusive and supportive research culture. Tampere University is strongly committed to the highest level of scientific research and the provision of high-quality doctoral education. The unit and the faculty support doctoral students by offering training and peer support. The University offers a wide range of staff benefits, such as occupational health care, flexible working hours, excellent sports facilities on campus and several on-campus restaurants and cafés with staff discounts.