Innovation Postdoc – Artificial Intelligence
On-siteOtaniemi, Uusimaa, Finland
Job Summary
Conduct structured problem and market validation through customer discovery interviews and stakeholder engagement. Develop technology with a product mindset, testing and iterating solutions with real-world users and partners. Build a compelling business model and go-to-market strategy to prepare for external investment, spinout formation, or other commercialization pathways. Participate in program activities, coaching sessions, and peer community events to accelerate innovation readiness. This 12-month funded postdoctoral role supports researchers with concrete technologies to transition from lab to market, leveraging Aalto's innovation infrastructure and deep-tech network.
Required Qualifications
- Doctoral degree (PhD) completed or submitted the thesis, from Aalto University
- A doctoral degree in other universities, but working at Aalto University as a postdoctoral researcher
- A concrete research result, technology, or invention with a clear differentiation and commercial potential in the corresponding field
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and drive projects forward under uncertainty
- Obsession with a real-world problem, not just the technology – you are driven by the desire to solve something that matters
- Coachability and open-mindedness – you are ready to step outside the academic bubble, actively seek feedback from customers and mentors, and change course when the evidence demands it
- Adaptability and resilience – you understand that building a deep-tech spinout is a journey of uncertainty, and you treat setbacks as data, not failure
- Business curiosity – you do not need a degree, but you are genuinely interested in how value is created and captured. You think about markets, customers, and competition, not just technical performance
- Eagerness for impact – you have a technology with strong differentiation and are motivated to see it applied and scaled in the real world
- 'can-do' attitude – you are ready to figure out what you don't know, roll up your sleeves, and get things done even without a clear roadmap
Desired Qualifications
- No prior business experience is required
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