Postdoctoral Researcher in Spatial Planning and Transport Policy

Aalto University School of Engineering, Department of Built Environment invites applications for a

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN SPATIAL PLANNING AND TRANSPORT POLICY (2 YEARS, FULL-TIME)

Project description

The Spatial Planning and Transport (SPT) research group has a vacancy for a highly talented and motivated candidate to carry out a postdoctoral research project on spatial planning and transport policy-making processes and practices which seek to promote more sustainable forms of urban development. The research project will focus on one or more of the following aspects of policy-making: (i) policy instrument choice and policy packaging; (ii) policy paradigms and policy evolution; (iii) ‘policy pioneers’ (or ‘skilled practitioners’ or ‘exemplary practitioners’); (iv) processes of policy import and/or export; and (v) policy visualisation as a tool for increasing the acceptance of policy proposals. The research project will primarily focus on policy-making processes in Finland but may also draw on empirical evidence from other similar countries.

Requirements

The candidate must have high motivation and aptitude for research and must enjoy working in an international and cross-disciplinary group. Applicants should have a doctoral degree (PhD) in urban or regional planning, human geography, environmental policy, public administration, policy science, transport studies or a related subject. Fluent written and verbal communication skills in English are essential. Also essential is the ability to work productively and independently. Previous knowledge and experience in the field of spatial planning and/or transport policy is an advantage. Knowledge of Finnish is preferable but not essential.

Research environment

The successful applicant will join a team of international world-class international researchers at Aalto University, receive extensive postdoctoral training and support, and will be given wide opportunities to participate in scientific conferences and meetings. The postdoctoral researcher will work under the supervision of Professor Dominic Stead in the SPT research group: https://www.aalto.fi/en/department-of-built-environment/spatial-planning-and-transportation-engineering .

Aalto University is a public research university which was established in 2010 after a merger of three major Finnish universities. It is consistently highly ranked in the areas of science, art, technology and business. The University’s main campus is located in Espoo, approximately 15 minutes by metro from the centre of Helsinki. Helsinki is a safe, clean, green capital city with a very high quality of life. Most Finns speak English fluently. More information about living and working in Finland can be found at https://www.aalto.fi/aalto-university/international-staff-information-package .

Salary, terms and conditions

Postdoctoral research funding is available for an initial period of two years with possibilities for extension depending on progress. The preferred start date is January 2022. The postdoctoral candidate will be expected to present at high-level scientific conferences, publish in leading academic journals, actively participate in the SPT research group, assist in the preparation of new research proposals, and help to advise PhD candidates, master’s students during the preparation of their final project.

The salary range, terms and conditions are based on a collective bargaining agreement among Finnish universities. The starting salary for postdoctoral researchers at Aalto University is currently around 3,600€ per month (gross) which may be gradually increased over time according to performance.

How to apply

All applications must include the following materials:

• Motivation letter with the applicant’s contact information and an indication of the preferred starting date (max 1 page)
• Outline of the applicant’s proposed postdoctoral research project, including an overview of related research in the field, important academic theories/debates, research hypotheses/questions, research methods, data sources, and analytical approaches (max 5 pages)
• CV including details of all academic outputs and contact information for 2 persons who may be contacted to provide a character reference (max 3 pages)
• Summary of the applicant’s doctoral thesis (max 1 page)
• Copy of the applicant’s doctoral degree certificate

All materials should be submitted in English in a single pdf-file (compiled in the order specified above). The application should be submitted through online Recruitment system (‘Apply’) before 30 September2021. Applications submitted by email will not be accepted. Aalto University reserves the right to leave the position open, extend the application period and consider candidates who have not applied during the application period.

Further information

Further information about working at Aalto University can be found at https://www.aalto.fi/aalto-university/international-staff-information-package . Content-related questions about the vacancy may be directed via email to Dominic Stead (Professor) while recruitment-related questions may be directed to Kirsi Kärkkäinen (HR Coordinator) using the email format <[email protected] >.

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