The University of Helsinki is a multidisciplinary research university that ranks among the best in the world and the top ten among European universities. The university has some 36,000 degree students.

The Department of Geosciences and Geography (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-of-science/faculty/geosciences-and-ge...) at the Faculty of Science is the leading research and education unit in its field in Finland. In addition to research in geology, geophysics and geography, research into seismology and official duties in the field of seismology is carried out at the department. The staff at the department numbers some 100.

Faculty of Science invites applications for

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER

in human geography, urban studies, spatial planning or a related field starting from 1.4.2021 or as agreed for fixed-term employment contracts until 30.9.2023, with an possibility for three extra years until 30.9.2026, if the Strategic Research project is continued to a second stage. A six-month trial period will be applied.

The postdoctoral researcher will work on the project DECARBON-HOME (2020-2023) funded by the Academy of Finland. Via DECARBON-HOME we wish to extend the thinking on the housing system challenges from environmental and social science silos to form a comprehensive understanding and create novel, human-centered solutions to climate-wise housing in Finland and beyond. Project offers a multi-disciplinary basis to understand citizen preferences, social structures, policy-making, technological innovations and economic frameworks. At the heart of DECARBON-HOME are residents as citizens, who are considered as active political agents with their own conceptions, experiences and interpretations about climate-wise housing. The research consortium brings together 35 researchers from the University of Helsinki, Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE), Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), University of Vaasa and Tallin Technical University (Estonia), with complementary scientific expertise from over 10 disciplines. The research consortium is led by prof. Anne Toppinen / HELSUS https://www.helsinki.fi/en/helsinki-institute-of-sustainability-science

We are seeking for postdoctoral researcher to join the DECARBON-HOME project team in the Department of Geoscience and geography. The main task is to participate in research on socio-spatial inequalities in urban and rural peripheries, and the ways social and spatial segregation is connected to climate attitudes and climate-wise housing solutions. To be successful in these positions, applicants should have a PhD in human geography, urban studies, spatial planning or a related field, capability to handle large datasets (e.g surveys). Candidates close to finishing their PhD can also be considered for the position. The specific focus of the position will be agreed with the candidates depending on their scientific backgrounds and interest. The successful candidate is expected to have excellent scholarly communication and reporting skills in English, a proven publication record as well as the ability to conduct independent and creative research. Proficiency in Finnish is considered an advantage.

Finland is a member of EU, has high quality free schooling (also in English), generous family benefits and healthcare, and was recently ranked as the best country in the world for expat families and in the world’s top ten most livable cities. Finland and the Helsinki region possess top expertise in sciences in terms of a vibrant talent pool, leading research, strong support services and functioning collaboration networks. For more information about working at the University of Helsinki and living in Finland, please see https://www.helsinki.fi/en/university/working-at-the-university.

The starting salary of the postdoctoral researcher will be ca. 3300–3700 euros/month, depending on the appointees’ qualifications and experience. Furthermore, the University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development.

How to apply

Please submit your application consisting of

1. a cover letter (incl. research interest),
2. a curriculum vitae and a publications list in a single pdf file using the University of Helsinki Recruitment System by clicking the Apply for the position button below. Applicants who are employees of the University of Helsinki must submit their applications via the SAP HR portal. Deadline for applications is 15.3.

For further information, please contact Assistant professor Venla Bernelius venla.bernelius@helsinki.fi or Associate professor Pia Bäcklund pia.backlund@helsinki.fi.

Due date

15.03.2021 23:59 EET