Dear colleagues,
I am pleased to share an open call for one fully funded research position in a research project, carried out within the Multiobjective Optimization Group (https://optgroup.it.jyu.fi/) at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland. Depending on the candidate's qualifications and experience, the position will be offered either as a fully funded four-year PhD position or a fully funded postdoctoral position of up to 3.5 years. The expected start date is 1 September 2026, or as mutually agreed.
The project is funded by the KONE Foundation and brings together expertise in decision analytics, human-centered artificial intelligence, and environmental modeling, with a strong emphasis on societal relevance, openness, and real-world impact.
Project Title: MetsäGPT: AI-Powered Decision Support for Finnish Forests
Project Summary: MetsäGPT is an interdisciplinary research project that develops AI-powered decision support tools for participatory and sustainable forest management in Finland. The project combines large language models (LLMs) with interactive multiobjective optimization to enable inclusive decision making that reflects ecological, economic, social, and cultural perspectives.
The research aims to lower the barrier for non-expert stakeholders, including citizens, indigenous communities, forest owners, and policymakers, to engage meaningfully in complex forest management decisions. Natural language interaction is used to elicit objectives, decision options, and constraints, which are formalized into multiobjective optimization models. In addition, decision makers can express their preferences in natural language, which are converted into structured preference information guiding interactive multiobjective optimization and decision making.
More information about the project is available at: https://koneensaatio.fi/en/grants-and-residencies/metsagpt-ai-powered-decision-support-for-finnish-forests-2/. Click or tap if you trust this link." href="https://koneensaatio.fi/en/grants-and-residencies/metsagpt-ai-powered-decision-support-for-finnish-forests-2/" target="_blank" >https://koneensaatio.fi/en/grants-and-residencies/metsagpt-ai-powered-decision-support-for-finnish-forests-2/
Candidate profile for PhD applicants (if applying for the PhD position): We are seeking a motivated doctoral student with a background in quantitative or computational disciplines such as computer science, artificial intelligence, applied mathematics, data science, or environmental sciences. The candidate should have an interest in artificial intelligence, interactive multiobjective optimization, and data-driven decision support, with a particular interest in LLMs, AI agents, and human-centered AI. Experience with Python is expected. Prior experience with LLMs or interactive multiobjective optimization is an advantage.
Candidate profile for postdoctoral applicants (if applying for the postdoctoral position): We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher with experience in artificial intelligence, natural language processing, or decision support systems. Prior knowledge of (interactive) multiobjective optimization is required. The candidate will work on LLM-enhanced problem and preference agents and natural language interfaces for interactive multiobjective optimization. Strong Python skills are required. Experience with LLMs or human-centered AI is an advantage.
The application should include:
- A motivation letter (maximum two pages, including research interests and reasons for applying),
- A curriculum vitae (maximum three pages),
- Relevant certificates or diplomas, or expected date of completion of the MSc or PhD,
- A numbered list of publications, if any.
- A list of at least two academic or professional references, including contact details. References will be contacted only for shortlisted candidates.
Please attach all application documents as a single PDF file to your email.
Please name the file as: Firstname_Lastname_PhD.pdf or Firstname_Lastname_Postdoc.pdf.
Please use the subject line: “MetsäGPT PhD Application” or “MetsäGPT Postdoc Application”
Application deadline: 31 July 2026
Project start date: 1 September 2026 (or as mutually agreed)
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for interviews before the application deadline.
Funding and employment: The position will be offered either as a fully funded four year PhD position or a fully funded postdoctoral position of up to 3.5 years, depending on the candidate's qualifications and experience. The funding is provided through a research grant from the KONE Foundation and will be paid directly to the recruited researcher. Grant holders are responsible for arranging their own pension, insurance, and related social security matters in accordance with Finnish regulations.
I would be grateful if you could circulate this opportunity to suitable candidates or share it within relevant networks.
Best regards,
Bekir.
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Bekir Afsar, Ph.D.
Senior Lecturer
+358 40 4809214
bekir.b.afsar@jyu.fi
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Posted on 2026-07-07 by Sarah Fores