PhD position on Accelerators of digital transformation? The impact of institutionalized knowledge exchange platforms on the Helsinki metropolitan area

11 Mar 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

University of Helsinki

Research Field

Geography

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Finland

Application Deadline

15 Apr 2024 - 23:59 (Europe/Brussels)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

HE / MSCA

Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number

101119845

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

The doctoral project will investigate how investments in various forms of collaboration between cities and universities, as well as cross-faculty initiatives within universities, contribute to sustainable urban development.

The research aims are fourfold:

to compile and analyze the impact of structured partnerships between cities and higher education institutions, including cross-faculty strategies and collaborations such as the Urban Academy, HELSUS, Urbaria, Living Plus, and the USP master’s program;

to assess the influence of these collaborations on sustainable urban development at the neighborhood scale;

to explore improved forms of public investment and novel methods for mobilizing expertise and civic engagement in public-private partnerships or citizen science collaborations focused on sustainable urban development;

 to conduct action research and evaluate its effectiveness in the context of European Union missions.

A successful outcome of this project will involve mapping various types of urban collaborations and cross-faculty investments within universities that promote sustainable urban development. Finland, with Helsinki in particular, has consistently ranked highly in various indices of competitiveness, characterized by low hierarchical structures and a strong culture of trust and consensus. The “Europe in the Creative Age” report by Richard Florida and Irene Tinagli identifies Finland as a top performer in Europe, doing “exceptionally well” according to their indicators of competitiveness. Thus, Helsinki provides a fascinating case study to identify the successes, challenges and barriers related to institutional needs and practices against or for desired outcomes. Additionally, the project will enhance the understanding of sustainability within neighborhoods, and across different patterns of land use.

Planned secondments:

• City of Helsinki, (Winter 2025/2026)
• University of Stavanger (Autumn 2026)

The selected candidate will be part of the SUNSET Doctoral Network  built around a community of leading scholars and 10 doctoral candidates (DCs) delivering insights into how universities and their host cities can collaborate and interact to achieve the digitalization and sustainability goals set out by current European and global policy agendas. The network is purposefully international, intersectoral, and interdisciplinary. It consists of 6 academic and 16 non-academic partners in 5 European countries (Belgium – The Netherlands – Finland – Norway – Estonia). SUNSET emphasizes cooperative research and includes international mobility and intersectoral secondments to maximize the career potential of all DCs. 

Requirements

Research Field

Geography

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

• A master’s degree in geography, social sciences, geoinformatics, urban planning, or in a related area.
• Fluent written and verbal communication skills in English are required; knowledge of Finnish is an advantage.
• The ability to work independently as part of a group in an international environment is essential.
• Appreciated skills include deep knowledge in research methods, the knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and statistical analysis skills.
• To reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki.
• Mobility rule: researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (e.g., work, studies) in the country of the recruiting beneficiary (i.e. Finland) for more than 12 months in the 36 months (48 months) immediately before their recruitment date.

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Excellent

Additional Information
Eligibility criteria

You did not reside or carry out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Finland for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status are not taken into account. 

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

University of Helsinki

Country

Finland

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

http://www.sunsetproject.eu

Contact

City

Helsinki

Website

https://www.helsinki.fi/en

STATUS: EXPIRED