All Things Urban

The University of Helsinki is the oldest and largest institution of academic education in Finland, an international scientific community of 40,000 students and researchers. In international university rankings, the University of Helsinki typically ranks among the top 100. The University of Helsinki seeks solutions for global challenges and creates new ways of thinking for the best of humanity. Through the power of science, the University has contributed to society, education and welfare since 1640.

Helsinki Institute of Urban and Regional Studies is seeking a talented and highly motivated postdoctoral researcher in Urban Studies with a focus in Urban Population Dynamics. 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.

The postdoctoral researcher is expected to focus in his/her research on urban population dynamics and population phenomena with a special focus on the Helsinki Capital Region. Urban demography studies the interactions of people with urban physical and social geographical processes. The research can thus cover topics such as population structure and trends, health dynamics, migration, urban lifestyles, and the effects of the characteristics of urban areas and neighbourhoods on individuals.

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 postdoctoral researcher to be appointed will have proven expertise in urban population dynamics/urban studies. 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 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.

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 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 (2013 or later). The five-year limit may be exceeded only for particularly compelling reasons (for instance parental leave or military service).

The postdoctoral researcher will be offered a contract for a two to three year fixed-term period starting from the 1st of January 2019 onwards (or as agreed).

The salary will be based on the job requirement scheme for teaching and research staff in the salary system of Finnish universities.

We’re not fully sure whether this role is open to international candidates. If you would need visa sponsorship or work authorisation, we recommend checking directly with the employer before applying.