Doctoral Researcher, Philosophy of science: AI in scientific problem solving

• Doctoral Researcher position (48 months, starting October 2026) at the University of Helsinki to research AI-augmented scientific problem solving within the ERC Consolidator SCI-AI project.
• The role involves conducting ethnographic fieldwork in AI labs, analyzing qualitative data, and completing a doctoral dissertation on how AI influences scientific problem solving and the scientific method.
• Applicants must hold a second-cycle degree or be eligible for doctoral studies at the University of Helsinki and demonstrate motivation and relevant background in philosophy of science, cognitive science, AI, or qualitative research methods.
• The position offers a full four-year salary with annual gross pay of €29,500–38,000, two supervisors, a six-month trial period, and benefits including occupational health, travel funds, and support for international staff.

We invite applications for a doctoral researcher position for a fixed term 48-month employment contract starting in October 2026. We are looking for a employee with a background in the philosophy of science, cognitive science, or science studies, preferably with some knowledge of biomedical sciences or natural sciences, to undertake a PhD exploring  the use of artificial intelligence in scientific problem solving. The position offers an opportunity for a candidate looking to develop a career in philosophy of science and/or cognitive science on the study of the role of artificial intelligence in science.

Doctoral research will be conducted as a member of the ERC Consolidator research project Scientist in the loop - Automation of scientific discovery (SCI-AI).

In SCI-AI, we address the following broad questions: Where do new scientific ideas come from? Can a computer make new scientific discoveries? How will AI change the scientific method?

Artificial intelligence systems have in the recent years led to significant breakthroughs in drug development, materials science and structural biology. This research project, situated at the intersection of philosophy of science and cognitive science, investigates the processes of AI-augmented scientific discovery. SCI-AI involves ethnographic fieldwork conducted in frontier AI labs, and cognitive modeling of problem-solving within AI-augmented research teams. What are the benefits and risks of AI-powered discovery? Do automated discoveries enhance scientific understanding? What does AI-augmented problem solving reveal about human creativity and intelligence?

The research is conducted at University of Helsinki, in Theoretical Philosophy, as part of the activities of the TINT research community (www.tint-helsinki.fi). The doctoral research will be jointly supervised by Samuli Reijula (Helsinki, PI) and Miles MacLeod (University of Twente).

More information about the project may be found at www.sci-ai.net

The doctoral researcher will be responsible for

1. Conducting ethnographic field work in collaborating AI labs. The purpose of cognitive ethnography is to study the AI-embedded problem-solving practices of the studied research group.
2. Analyzing data collected in ethnographic work
3. Finishing a doctoral dissertation on the topic of how the introduction of AI influences scientific problem solving, and ultimately, the scientific method  

The project will provide training in ethnographic methods before the fieldwork begins.

Requirements for the position and assessment of qualifications

According to the Regulations of the University of Helsinki, an appointee to the position of doctoral researcher shall hold a second-cycle degree and the right to complete a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki or shall be granted the right to complete a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki during the trial period at the beginning of the employment relationship.

Other requirements include the ability and motivation, as demonstrated in previous degree studies and otherwise, to pursue postgraduate studies and a doctoral degree according to the study plan and research proposal.

When assessing applicants’ qualifications, attention will be paid to the applicant’s previous studies and knowledge of philosophy of science, artificial intelligence, and/or use of qualitative research methods.  

What we offer

The selected candidate will receive full salary for 4 years and two doctoral supervisors. The salary for the position will be based on levels 2-4 of the job requirement scheme for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities. In addition, the appointee will be paid a salary component based on personal performance. The annual gross salary is €29,500 – 38,000. The position is filled with a six-month trial period.

In Finnish universities, the teaching and research staff have a special system regarding the free time equivalent to holiday. They belong to the 1,612 annual working hour system, in which the annual amount of paid holiday is app. 5-6 weeks on average per year.

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.

The selected candidate will also have access to travel money and limited funds for open access publishing.

The city of Helsinki is the capital city of Finland, with a population of ca. 1.3 million. It has been consistently ranked amongst the top cities in the world for quality of living. Founded in 1640, the University of Helsinki is an international academic community of 40,000 students and staff members. It operates on four campuses in Helsinki and at 15 other locations.

How to apply

The application must be accompanied by the following documents in PDF format:

• A curriculum vitae (including possible publications);
• Names of two people who can provide a reference;Motivation letter including an explanation of how the applicant’s background and training fit with the research tasks in the project;
• A writing sample in English or Finnish (e.g. a section from master’s thesis);

• Study transcript of the master’s degree;

Other attachments, including letters of recommendation or certificates, are not required at this point.

Applications must be submitted through the University of Helsinki electronic recruitment system by clicking on the link below. Current employees of the University of Helsinki must submit their applications through SAP Fiori’s Suffeli recruitment portal.

Further information about the position can be obtained from Samuli Reijula (samuli.reijula@helsinki.fi). Further information about the recruitment process can be obtained from recruitment(at)helsinki.fi.

A diverse and equitable study and work culture is important to us. That is why we do our best to promote an inclusive university community. We encourage all qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply for our positions.
Click this link to read about accessibility and inclusivity at our University.
 
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