Application closes on
15.8.2022
Unit
School of Science
Job category
Other teaching and research personnel
Aalto University is where science and art meet technology and business. We shape a sustainable future by making research breakthroughs in and across our disciplines, sparking the game changers of tomorrow and creating novel solutions to major global challenges. Our community is made up of 12 000 students, 400 professors and close to 4 000 other faculty and staff working on our dynamic campus in Espoo, Greater Helsinki, Finland. Diversity is part of who we are, and we actively work to ensure our community’s diversity and inclusiveness. This is why we warmly encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join our community.
The Department of Computer Science is an internationally-oriented community and home to world-class research in modern computer science, combining research on foundations and innovative applications. With over 40 professors and more than 450 employees from 45 countries, it is the largest department at Aalto University and the largest computer science unit in Finland. Computer science research at Aalto University ranks high in several prominent surveys (47th worldwide and 9th in Europe in Shanghai subject ranking 2019; and 56th worldwide in Times Higher Education subject ranking 2020).
We are now looking for a
Postdoctoral Researcher to join Prof. Fabian Fagerholm’s research group.
Your role and goals
Your research will focus on exploring how the practice of continuous experimentation (CE) can be applied in a context with limited user data. The research approach includes empirical studies of industrial practice to explore the problem space, designing novel solutions, and empirically evaluating these in collaboration with industrial partners.
CE uses field experiments to steer software product development based on user feedback and commonly relies on large amounts of user data. This project focuses on how to benefit from CE with limited user data, specifically in early stages of software product development. The goals of the project include exploring novel solutions for this kind of environment. These can include alternative experimentation setups and statistical methods (e.g., Bayesian approaches), qualitative metrics (e.g., interview- and prototype-based data), ways of re-using existing user bases, and combinations of such approaches. For more information, see https://research.aalto.fi/en/projects/wasp-continuous-experimentation-with-limited-user-data
Your network and team
The position is with the research group of Assistant Professor Fabian Fagerholm (https://research.aalto.fi/en/persons/fabian-fagerholm), which is part of the Software and Service Engineering (SSE) research area (https://www.aalto.fi/en/department-of-computer-science/software-and-service-engineering) at the Department of Computer Science of Aalto University’s School of Science. Prof. Fagerholm’s group conducts empirical research on modern and human-centred software engineering in close collaboration with industry, and is well connected internationally with leading institutions in the field. More broadly, the SSE research area provides connections to researchers within and beyond Aalto University, encompassing topics in modern software engineering (e.g. continuous software engineering), user-centred design, human-centred software engineering, e-health, and digital ethics and sustainability.
Your experience and ambitions
You have the ability and willingness to drive high-quality research in the area of software engineering, with particular emphasis on key areas relevant to the project. You hold a PhD or equivalent degree in a subject relevant to the position. You can demonstrate research qualifications and potential for a future research career. Your research focus and present skills may range from qualitative approaches, with emphasis on understanding and improving software development through case studies and collaboration with industry stakeholders, to a quantitative approach, with emphasis on solving challenges related to software product development through the use of data; a unique combination of both is appreciated.
Your background, skills, and interests match the following:
- An understanding of continuous experimentation, including experimentation setups, statistical methods, and integration into software development pipelines.
- Alignment of your research interests, ideas, and skills with the project focus area.
- The ability to work independently and as part of a project team.
- Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
In addition, the following are appreciated:
- Experience of industrial software engineering practice, or research collaboration with practitioners.
- Interest in research on software product and service development, including product vision and business-level aspects.
- Experience of qualitative and/or quantitative research methods.
- Willingness to explore mixed-methods research.
- Openness for a human-centred focus on methods and tools for software engineering.
What we offer
You will join a research group that conducts cutting-edge research on continuous experimentation, creating opportunities for further development in your career. The purpose of the position is to help you to establish and grow your independence as a researcher. The project is conducted in cooperation with partners at Lund University, Sweden, opening opportunities to network with researchers and companies in Finland and Sweden as well as other countries. The position includes the possibility to travel, e.g., to conferences and project coordination meetings to present your ongoing work and establish contacts.
The starting salary for the position is 3 790 EUR per month. In addition to the salary, the contract includes occupational health benefits, and Finland has a comprehensive social security system. The annual total workload of research and teaching staff at Aalto University is 1 612 hours. The position is located at the Aalto University Otaniemi campus.
Ready to apply?
If you want to join our community, please submit your application through our recruitment system. The application deadline is 15 August, 2022.
If you wish to hear more about the position, you can reach out to Prof. Fabian Fagerholm fabian.fagerholm@aalto.fi, +358505170413 (Mondays – Fridays between 9-12 EEST/UTC+3).
If you are an Aalto employee, please apply via our internal Workday system (Career).
To apply, please share the following application materials in one pdf file with us through our recruitment system:
- A letter of motivation, justifying your reasons for applying to this position and highlighting the qualifications that support your application
- A complete curriculum vitae, describing your education and employment history
- A list of scientific publications, with a maximum of 5 most important publications clearly highlighted
- Supporting materials, such as reference letters or certificates confirming degrees, employment, etc.
Want to know more about us and your future colleagues? You can watch these videos: Aalto University – Towards a better world, Aalto People, and Shaping a Sustainable Future. And this webpage about Aalto and Finland: https://www.aalto.fi/en/services/welcome-to-aalto-university-and-finland-info-package
Check out also our new virtual campus experience: https://virtualtour.aalto.fi/
About Finland
Finland is a great place for living with or without family – it is a safe, politically stable and well-organized Nordic society. Finland is consistently ranked high in quality of life and was just listed again as the happiest country in the world: https://worldhappiness.report/news/its-a-three-peat-finland-keeps-top-spot-as-happiest-country-in-world/
For more information about living in Finland: https://www.aalto.fi/services/about-finland
For more information about moving to Finland: https://www.aalto.fi/en/services/incoming-international-staff
Interested?