📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Postdoctoral Researcher in Sustainable AI and Cloud Computing
Company: Aalto University
Location: Otaniemi, Espoo, Finland
Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (3 office days per week)
Category: Research, AI, Cloud Computing, Sustainability
Date Posted: 2025-07-03
Experience Level: 0-2 years (Postdoctoral)
Remote Status: On-site with hybrid flexibility

🚀 Role Summary

Contribute to the DecAI project, aiming to decarbonize AI by developing a framework to estimate and optimize carbon emissions across AI's lifecycle.
Collaborate with diverse research groups and international partners to advance research in networked systems and sustainability.
Work closely with the Cloud and Network Computing group, led by Assistant Professor Gopika Premsankar, to enhance the environmental footprint, performance, and reliability of networked systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers an excellent opportunity to gain expertise in AI, cloud computing, networking technologies, and energy systems while working on a high-impact, interdisciplinary research project.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Carbon Metrics Identification & Evaluation: Identify and evaluate carbon metrics to reduce the environmental impact of AI and cloud computing.
Empirical Evaluation: Empirically evaluate different parts of the AI lifecycle, including development, operation, and use.
Long-Term Impact Assessment: Develop methodologies to estimate the long-term impact of AI on carbon emissions and other environmental indicators.
Software Framework Development: Build a software framework to quantify the long-term environmental impact of AI and cloud computing.
Collaboration & Mentorship: Collaborate with diverse research groups and provide guidance to doctoral researchers.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.

Experience: Excellent research track record in AI and sustainability or cloud computing. Merit: Experience in estimating, measuring, or optimizing energy and/or carbon emissions in networked systems. Merit: Understanding of the environmental impact of hardware used for AI and/or cloud computing.

Required Skills:

Strong background in AI and cloud computing.
Familiarity with energy systems, carbon metrics, and environmental indicators.
Excellent research and analytical skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team.

Preferred Skills:

Experience with optimization techniques, applied machine learning, and statistical analysis.
Knowledge of networking technologies and electricity markets.
Familiarity with the environmental impact of hardware used for AI and cloud computing.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly required, experience in energy systems, carbon metrics, and environmental indicators would be highly beneficial for this role.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

A CV highlighting your research experience, publications, and relevant skills.
A short letter of motivation (max. 1 page) detailing your interest and motivation for the role.
List of publications with two key publications highlighted and a brief paragraph describing their relevance to the project.
Sample code from a code repository, with a URL and a paragraph describing your role in developing the software.
Names and email addresses of two reference providers.

Technical Documentation:

Degree diploma.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this is a research position, the focus is more on your research track record, publications, and relevant skills rather than a traditional web portfolio. However, providing sample code and a research plan can help demonstrate your technical abilities and research direction.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Approximately 4100 EUR/month (gross salary).

Benefits:

Comprehensive occupational health benefits.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexible working hours and the option to work remotely for up to 2 days per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is approximate and based on the information given in the job listing. It is recommended to research local salary standards and cost of living in Finland for a more accurate estimate.

🎯 Team & Company Context

Company Culture:

Industry: Higher Education, Research.
Company Size: Large (14,000 students, 4,500 employees).
Founded: 1828 (as the Helsinki University of Technology, merged with the University of Art and Design Helsinki in 2010 to form Aalto University).
Team Structure: The Cloud and Network Computing group is headed by Assistant Professor Gopika Premsankar and consists of researchers, doctoral students, and other team members working on advancing research in networked systems and sustainability.
Development Methodology: The group uses optimization techniques, applied machine learning, and statistical analysis to achieve its research objectives. The DecAI project involves interdisciplinary collaboration and empirical evaluation of AI's environmental impact.

Company Website: https://www.aalto.fi/en

📝 Enhancement Note: Aalto University is a vibrant and collaborative environment with a strong focus on research and innovation. The Cloud and Network Computing group offers opportunities for research visits to strengthen collaboration with leading experts in the field.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Postdoctoral Researcher - This role offers an excellent opportunity to gain expertise in AI, cloud computing, networking technologies, and energy systems while working on a high-impact, interdisciplinary research project.

Reporting Structure: The Postdoctoral Researcher will report directly to Assistant Professor Gopika Premsankar and collaborate with other researchers and doctoral students in the Cloud and Network Computing group.

Technical Impact: The role involves developing a framework to estimate and optimize carbon emissions across AI's lifecycle, contributing to the sustainability of AI and cloud computing.

Growth Opportunities:

Research Expertise: Gain expertise in AI, cloud computing, networking technologies, and energy systems.
Collaboration & Mentorship: Provide guidance and mentorship to doctoral researchers and collaborate with diverse research groups.
International Collaboration: Work with international partners in the USA, Netherlands, and Germany, with opportunities for research visits to strengthen collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth opportunities in research expertise, collaboration, and international collaboration. The interdisciplinary nature of the project also provides opportunities to learn from and work with experts in various fields.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, collaborative campus with a mix of open and closed workspaces, designed to facilitate interaction and collaboration.

Office Location(s): Otaniemi, Espoo, Finland.

Workspace Context:

The Otaniemi campus is a thriving and connected community of 100 nationalities, 13,000 students, and 4,500 employees.
The campus offers a variety of cafes, restaurants, services, and good transport connections.
The work environment is hybrid, with 3 office days per week and the option to work remotely for up to 2 days per week.

Work Schedule: Flexible working hours with a 40-hour workweek.

📝 Enhancement Note: Aalto University provides a vibrant and collaborative environment, with a strong focus on research and innovation. The hybrid work arrangement offers flexibility and a good work-life balance.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Preliminary Interview: A preliminary interview to assess your research background, motivation, and fit for the role.
Research Plan Submission: If successful, you may be asked to submit a 2-page research plan detailing the specific research questions you aim to address.
Final Evaluation: A final evaluation based on your research plan, interview performance, and references.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Tailor your CV, letter of motivation, and list of publications to highlight your research experience, skills, and fit for the role.
Provide a clear and concise research plan that demonstrates your understanding of the project and your ability to contribute to its success.
Include sample code that showcases your technical abilities and research direction.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Familiarize yourself with the DecAI project, AI's environmental impact, and relevant research methodologies.
Prepare for questions related to your research background, experience, and motivation for the role.
Practice communicating your research ideas, findings, and their implications clearly and concisely.

ATS Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Sustainability, Energy Systems, Networking Technologies, Optimization Techniques, Applied Machine Learning, Statistical Analysis, Research, Postdoctoral, Carbon Emissions, Environmental Impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this is a research position, the interview process focuses more on your research background, experience, and fit for the role. However, being prepared to discuss your technical abilities and research direction can help demonstrate your suitability for the position.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Research Technologies:

AI and machine learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch).
Cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud, Azure).
Networking technologies (e.g., TCP/IP, HTTP, REST, gRPC).
Energy systems and carbon metrics tools (e.g., Open Energy Information System, Carbon Footprint of IT Services).

Development & DevOps Tools:

Version control systems (e.g., Git, GitHub).
Collaborative development platforms (e.g., Jupyter Notebooks, Google Colab).
Containerization and orchestration tools (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
CI/CD pipelines and deployment automation tools (e.g., Jenkins, GitHub Actions).

📝 Enhancement Note: As this is a research position, the technology stack is more focused on AI, cloud computing, networking technologies, and energy systems. However, familiarity with development and DevOps tools can be beneficial for managing and deploying research projects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Research Values:

Excellence: Pursue high-quality, innovative, and impactful research.
Collaboration: Work closely with diverse research groups and international partners to advance research in networked systems and sustainability.
Innovation: Embrace new ideas, methods, and technologies to drive progress in AI, cloud computing, and energy systems.
Sustainability: Contribute to a sustainable future by addressing the environmental impact of AI and cloud computing.

Collaboration Style:

Interdisciplinary: Work with experts in various fields to address complex research challenges.
Empirical: Conduct empirical evaluations and experiments to validate and improve research findings.
Iterative: Continuously refine and improve research methods and approaches based on feedback and new insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Cloud and Network Computing group values excellence, collaboration, innovation, and sustainability. The interdisciplinary and empirical nature of the research encourages continuous learning, improvement, and collaboration with experts in various fields.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Carbon Metrics Identification: Identify and evaluate relevant carbon metrics to reduce the environmental impact of AI and cloud computing.
Long-Term Impact Assessment: Develop methodologies to estimate the long-term impact of AI on carbon emissions and other environmental indicators.
Software Framework Development: Build a user-friendly and efficient software framework to quantify the long-term environmental impact of AI and cloud computing.
International Collaboration: Work with international partners to advance research in networked systems and sustainability.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Research Expertise: Gain expertise in AI, cloud computing, networking technologies, and energy systems.
Collaboration & Mentorship: Provide guidance and mentorship to doctoral researchers and collaborate with diverse research groups.
International Collaboration: Work with international partners in the USA, Netherlands, and Germany, with opportunities for research visits to strengthen collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant technical challenges and growth opportunities in research expertise, collaboration, and international collaboration. The interdisciplinary nature of the project also provides opportunities to learn from and work with experts in various fields.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Research Background: Discuss your research experience, publications, and relevant skills for the role.
AI & Cloud Computing: Demonstrate your understanding of AI, cloud computing, networking technologies, and energy systems.
Research Methodologies: Explain your approach to empirical evaluation, optimization techniques, and statistical analysis.
Carbon Emissions & Environmental Impact: Showcase your understanding of carbon emissions, environmental indicators, and the environmental impact of AI and cloud computing.

Company & Culture Questions:

Research Focus: Explain your research interests and how they align with the DecAI project and the Cloud and Network Computing group's objectives.
Collaboration & Teamwork: Describe your experience working in interdisciplinary teams and collaborating with diverse research groups.
Innovation & Problem-Solving: Discuss your approach to addressing complex research challenges and driving progress in AI, cloud computing, and energy systems.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Research Portfolio: Highlight your research experience, publications, and relevant skills through your CV, letter of motivation, and list of publications.
Sample Code: Demonstrate your technical abilities and research direction through sample code from a code repository.
Research Plan: Present a clear and concise research plan that showcases your understanding of the project and your ability to contribute to its success.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this is a research position, the interview process focuses more on your research background, experience, and fit for the role. However, being prepared to discuss your technical abilities and research direction can help demonstrate your suitability for the position.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Postdoctoral Researcher in Sustainable AI and Cloud Computing position:

Prepare your application materials:
- CV
- Short letter of motivation (max. 1 page)
- List of publications with two key publications highlighted
- Sample code from a code repository
- Names and email addresses of two reference providers
- Degree diploma
Submit your application through the Aalto University recruitment site (https://aalto.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/aalto/job/Otaniemi-Espoo-Finland/Postdoctoral-Researcher-in-sustainable-AI-and-cloud-computing_R43698-2).
Prepare for the interview process, including:
- Researching the DecAI project, AI's environmental impact, and relevant research methodologies.
- Familiarizing yourself with the Cloud and Network Computing group's research objectives and team dynamics.
- Practicing your presentation and communication skills.
Follow up on your application and interview performance, and be prepared to provide additional information or clarify any doubts.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web technology industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Postdoctoral Researcher in sustainable AI and cloud computing