Postdoctoral Researcher – University of Oulu

About the Position

The University of Oulu, Finland, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Languages and Conversation Analysis within the Faculty of Humanities. The position is part of the AIDA Project (Action and Intersubjectivity in the Digital Age), funded by the Research Council of Finland and led by Professor Pentti Haddington. This 20-month, full-time position focuses on analysing real-time multimodal interactions in digital and virtual environments such as Zoom, Teams, and VR systems. The role combines conversation analysis, language sciences, and digital interaction studies, offering a chance to explore how humans and AI co-create meaning in digital communication. The post provides an exceptional opportunity to join an innovative, international research community in one of the most liveable countries in the world.

Position/Job Details

Position: Postdoctoral Researcher
Institution: University of Oulu
Department: Faculty of Humanities – Research Unit for Languages and Literature (English Unit)
Research Field: Language Sciences, Conversation Analysis, Digital Interaction
Location: Oulu, Finland
Number of Posts: 1
Job Type: Full-time, Fixed-term (20 months)
Start Date (Anticipated): January 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter
Working Hours: 35 hours per week
Salary Range: €3,700–€4,300 per month (before taxes)
Required Degree/Diploma: Doctorate

Research Area

Conversation Analysis and Pragmatics
Multimodal and Digital Interaction Studies
Artificial Intelligence Communication Interfaces
Virtual Reality and Videoconferencing Environments
Intersubjectivity and Social Action Theory

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

Doctoral degree in linguistics, language sciences, or a related discipline (awarded within the past 10 years)
Proven expertise in conversation analysis and video-based research methods
Excellent command of spoken and written English
Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and collaborate effectively

Preferred Qualifications:

Access to relevant video or VR-based datasets
Publication record in international peer-reviewed journals
Experience with human-AI interaction analysis
Strong international research network

Key Responsibilities

Conduct independent and collaborative research in the AIDA Project
Analyse digital interactions using conversation analysis and video data
Publish results in high-impact international journals
Participate in project meetings, conferences, and workshops
Contribute to mentoring or supervision of students (up to 5% of work time)

Application Process

How to Apply:

Applicants must apply online through the University of Oulu recruitment portal by 17 November 2025 (23:59 Finnish local time). Applications must be submitted in English.

Required Documents:

Curriculum Vitae (as per Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity guidelines)
Cover Letter (max. 1 page)
List of Publications
Copies of Academic Certificates/Degrees
Contact details of two referees
Research statement (max. 800 words) outlining relevance to the AIDA project