Lecturer in Geoinformatics and Spatial Analysis

Geoinformatics and spatial analysis have become increasingly important in geography in the information era, when big data of various kinds are increasingly available and the societal and environmental challenges are increasingly complex. Skills to mine, process, and efficiently analyze big (and small) data sources using modern approaches are crucial for a wide variety of geographical applications, from human geography and urban planning to environmental analyses. For geography students, skills in geoinformatics are a major asset in the job market and often decisive for their first employment.

Faculty of Science  invites applications for a permanent position as a UNIVERSITY LECTURER IN GEOINFORMATICS & SPATIAL ANALYSIS starting from 1 March, 2023, or as agreed.

Position description

The university lecturer will serve primarily as a teacher in the MSc and BSc Programmes of Geography. The teaching responsibility comprises courses in geoinformatics, including, for example, the flagship Geo-Python and Automating GIS Processes courses (see https://autogis-site.readthedocs.io/en/latest/index.html ). The lecturer is expected to participate in the activities of the Geography degree programmes together with the other lecturers and to supervise theses and seminar works. Depending on their area of expertise, they may also participate in teaching in the Urban Studies and Planning MSc programme.

The university lecturer will have a central role in developing geoinformatics teaching in the curricula of the degree programmes of Geography, together with the professors and staff. As the field is developing rapidly, the university lecturer is expected to actively follow and link their teaching to advancements in the field in the scientific and professional spheres, and to participate in national and international working groups.

The university lecturer position is teaching-oriented, but the lecturer is encouraged to pursue their own research interests, in collaboration with researchers within and outside of the department.

Requirements and eligibility criteria

The appointee to a university lectureship must hold an applicable doctoral degree, be able to provide high-quality research-based teaching, and supervise theses.

Preference will be given to applicants with:

• Experience in developing methods for spatial analysis, including spatial statistics, especially in relation to the use of big spatial data sources, in the context of human, urban or environmental geography and digital geography.
• Capability to teach courses using the Python programming language and motivation to develop and deepen their knowledge over time.
• Experience in handling large spatial datasets and databases, and a pedagogical understanding and vision on how to pass this knowledge to students.
• Experience in spatial modelling and prediction, and/or online visualization.

When assessing the qualifications of the applicants, attention will be paid to the relevant skills of the candidate, teaching experience and pedagogical training, the ability to produce learning materials including online learning materials, other teaching merits, and a teaching demonstration. As teaching in the study programmes is strongly connected to research, scientific publications and other results of scientific value will also be considered in the evaluation. Proof of practices related to open science, and national and international networks in the field, are considered as a merit.

The appointee must have fluent English skills and proficiency in Finnish. If the appointee is not proficient in Finnish, they are expected to acquire advanced level skills (CEFR level B2; https://www.eur.nl/en/education/language-training-centre/cefr-levels ) within five years after the appointment. The university will support the appointee in acquiring the necessary Finnish language skills.

Salary and benefits

The starting salary of the University lecturer will be ca. 4000 - 4500 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, which includes the following documents in English:

The University of Helsinki welcomes applicants of all genders, 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 8 January 2023.

Further information can be obtained:

About the position

About the recruitment system