Scholarships
Fully Funded Doctoral Researcher Position in Sustainable AI and Cloud Computing at Aalto University, Finland
Application Deadline: October 31, 2025
Location: Espoo, Greater Helsinki, Finland
Salary: ~€3000/month (with benefits)
Category: Doctoral Researcher (4 years)
Are you passionate about artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and sustainability? Aalto University, one of Europe’s leading research institutions, is offering a fully funded doctoral researcher position in the School of Electrical Engineering. This is a unique opportunity to advance your career while working on cutting-edge research that addresses one of today’s most pressing global challenges: reducing the carbon footprint of AI.
Why Join Aalto University?
Aalto University is a world-class hub where science, technology, business, and art intersect. With over 14,000 students, 400 professors, and 5,000 staff from 120 nationalities, Aalto fosters innovation, diversity, and collaboration. Located in Espoo, just outside Helsinki, the vibrant Otaniemi campus offers modern facilities, excellent transport links, and a thriving international research environment.
About the Research Project – DecAI
The DecAI project focuses on the decarbonization of artificial intelligence. With AI’s growing energy consumption in data centers, this research aims to:
- Develop frameworks to estimate carbon emissions across the AI lifecycle (training, inference, and use).
- Optimize AI operations to ensure carbon-efficient computing, storage, and networking.
- Provide software tools to help AI providers and data center operators reduce environmental impact.
- Explore long-term benefits for the electricity grid and sustainable energy systems.
This interdisciplinary project combines AI, networking, optimization, and energy systems research, with international collaboration partners in the USA, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Your Role as a Doctoral Researcher
As part of the Cloud and Network Computing group led by Assistant Professor Gopika Premsankar, you will:
- Identify and evaluate carbon metrics for AI and cloud computing.
- Conduct empirical studies on AI’s environmental impact.
- Develop methodologies to assess long-term carbon emissions.
- Build a software framework for sustainable AI and cloud solutions.
This role provides the opportunity to specialize in AI, cloud technologies, networking, and energy systems, making you a key contributor to the next generation of green computing solutions.
Candidate Requirements
To apply, you must have:
- A Master’s degree in Computer Science, Communications Engineering, or a related field (CGPA ≥ 3/5).
- Strong background in AI and machine learning, including DNN architectures and model training.
- Programming skills (sample code required during application).
- Motivation to advance sustainability in networked systems.
- Fluency in written and spoken English.
What Aalto Offers
- Competitive salary (~€3000/month) plus comprehensive health benefits.
- Membership in Finland’s social security system.
- Opportunities for international research visits.
- A dynamic, diverse, and supportive academic environment.
- Life in Finland, a safe, stable, and high-quality society ranked among the best places to live in the world.
Application Process
Submit the following documents in PDF format through Aalto University’s recruitment portal (“Apply Now”):
- CV
- Motivation Letter (max 1 page)
- Sample Code (with a short description of your contribution)
- Transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s)
- Two References (names and emails)
📌 Deadline: October 31, 2025 (applications reviewed on a rolling basis).
Shortlisted candidates may later be asked to provide a 1-page research plan.
Why Finland?
Finland consistently ranks as one of the happiest, safest, and most livable countries in the world. From world-class education and healthcare to a thriving tech ecosystem, Finland provides an ideal environment for doctoral researchers.
👉 Learn more about working and living in Finland:
Final Thoughts
This doctoral researcher position in sustainable AI and cloud computing at Aalto University is an exceptional opportunity for motivated graduates to contribute to the global challenge of decarbonizing technology. With excellent funding, international collaboration, and Finland’s supportive research ecosystem, this is your chance to build a meaningful academic and professional career.
