Studies with a focus in urban migration and housing. The goal of the Institute is to enhance the understanding of the global urban challenge facing the Nordic Welfare States. The postdoctoral researcher will benefit from a novel research environment that emphasises scientific rigor, collaboration with cities and the pursuit of excellence in science and teaching. The close co-operation between the University of Helsinki, Aalto University and the cities of Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa will provide a unique working environment in the heart of a changing and developing capital region. The cities of the Helsinki Capital Region are funding the research position, and the appointee will be working in close interaction with the cities.

Faculty of Science invites applications for a

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN URBAN STUDIES
starting from 1 December 2022 or as agreed for a three year fixed-term employment contract.

Position description

The postdoctoral researcher is expected to focus on patterns of migration in the Helsinki metropolitan area and changes observed in the process. Questions on possible increase or decline of spatial mobility, selective migration, migration patterns of the families with children and on spatial clustering or integration of immigrants can be examined. Housing choices beyond the patterns of immigration will also be of interest. Migration and housing are key component beyond the observed patterns of segregation, and thus among the key strategies in cities.

The postdoctoral researcher to be appointed will have proven expertise in urban migration and housing. The main duties will include research in the respective field. The post will require scholarly publishing, teaching in the Master’s Programme in Urban Studies & Planning (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/programmes/master/urban-studies-planning) and interaction with the funding city organisations. The appointee is also expected to take a role in planning for new research projects to be conducted at the University of Helsinki.

Requirements and eligibility criteria

An appointee to the position of postdoctoral researcher must hold a doctoral degree in a relevant field, have the ability to conduct independent scientific research and possess the teaching skills required for the position. The candidate should have the proven capability to publish in scientific journals and have excellent analytical and methodological skills. In addition, the candidate is expected to have good communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary working community and in close collaboration with the cities.

The postdoctoral researcher will play a key role in developing the educational offerings of the Urban Studies & Planning programme. Furthermore, he/she will

• Contribute to programme delivery and continuous course and programme improvement
• Develop or identify urban studies-related content and materials for courses
• Develop, implement, and support extracurricular activities, including symposia and seminars.

The candidates’ doctoral degree must have been granted by the awarding institution prior to the date for the job interviews. Furthermore, the doctoral degree is expected to have been granted no more than five years prior to application (2017 or later). The five-year limit may be exceeded only for particularly compelling reasons (for instance parental leave or military service).

Salary and benefits

The starting salary of the postdoctoral researcher will be ca. 3600-3800 euros/month, depending on the appointees’ qualifications and experience. Furthermore, the University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development.

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 happiest country in the world. 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. Please notice more information about working at the University of Helsinki and living in Finland.

How to apply

Please submit your application as a single pdf file, which includes the following documents in English:

• Curriculum vitae, including teaching merits (max. 3 pages)
• List of publications (max. 2 pages)
• Research Plan or Letter of Research Interests (max. 3 pages), in which the applicant outlines how his/her expertise would contribute to the research area
• Summary (max. 2 pages) of the applicant’s scholarly activities, including original research at an international level, international academic networks, local cooperation, success in obtaining research funding
• Names and contact details of one or two referees

The University of Helsinki welcomes applicants from a variety of gender identities, and linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

External applicants, please submit your application to the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the Apply Now button.

Applicants who have a helsinki.fi username and a valid employment contract, a grant researcher's contract or a visiting researcher's contract at the University of Helsinki are requested to submit their application via the Employee login button.

The deadline for applications is October 9, 2022.

Further information on the position, please contact Professor Mari Vaattovaara, Director Institute of Urban and Regional Studies, University of Helsinki (mari.vaattovaara@helsinki.fi, +358-504154861)