The University of Turku is a world-class multidisciplinary research university, hosting a vibrant community of 25,000 students and employees from over 100 different countries. As one of the leading universities in Finland, University of Turku offers study and research opportunities in eight faculties. At the Faculty of Technology, The Mechanical Engineering programme brings together experts in design, manufacturing and smart systems in a drive towards innovative breakthroughs for future technologies and key societal challenges.

The Department of mechanical and materials engineering at University of Turku, Finland, is looking for 1 Project Researcher for a fixed-term position. The Project Researcher will work on the University of Turku project related to the EDUCase Platform (educase.aalto.fi). The initiative “Finland-Asia Network for Sustainable Experience Design Education (SEDE-FAN)” is led by Prof. Yong Se Kim. The task of the Project Researcher is fixed-term and lasts one (1) year. The starting time for this position would be 22.08.2022, or upon mutual agreement.

The goal of SEDE-FAN is to build the network of higher education institutes in Finland and in various countries in Asia so that successful efforts in Sustainable Experience Design education in Finland and in various countries in Asia can be shared. The knowledge and principles underpinning such educational methods and expertise can be collected, stored, exchanged, retrieved, reused and enhanced through SEDE-FAN. The SEDE-FAN project involves problem-based learning, innovation and co-creation approaches.

The SEDE-FAN project will provide a platform where various characteristics of actors and diverse contexts of respective regions are systematically represented and specific design methods can be analyzed and classified in a structured manner. This schema for context-based modeling will also provide practical tools for representing design activities utilized in respective design education approaches.

The Project Research will collaborate with other researchers and educators in developing such a platform based on prior research results of the project team so that experience design educators for sustainability in Finland and in Asia can utilize the tool. The Project Researcher will also be involved in empathy workshops with consumers, citizens and students.

The applicant is expected to have a Master’s degree from a relevant field such as service and experience design, design thinking or engineering design. In addition, the applicant is expected to have fluent English proficiency. The work requires expertise in human-centered approach in design, including the interest in design education, as well as ability to cooperate with international collaborators in Asia. Any previous experience in working with design for sustainability, design for behavior change and/or digital design is an advantage. Individual responsibilities can be tailored according to the strengths and interests of the chosen applicant.

The qualification requirements of the position are stated in the University of Turku Rules of Procedure: https://www.utu.fi/en/university/organisation. The higher university degree must be completed by the end of the application period.

The salaries are determined in accordance with the university salary system for teaching and research personnel. For a project researcher, the salary is at levels 2-4 on the job demands chart. The salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience based on the University salary system and will at the beginning of the employment be approximately 2200-2300 €/month.

A six (6) month trial period applies to the position.

Applications must be submitted at the latest on 22.8.2022 (23:59) using the electronic application form of the University of Turku at the following address: https://www.utu.fi/en/university/come-work-with-us/open-vacancies The link to the application system is at the beginning of this announcement (“Apply for the job”).Please include with your English application:

1) CV with contact information for two referees,

2) a list of publications,

3) degree certificates with translation in English or Finnish (if applicable),

4) study transcript,

5) a motivation letter, and any other documents that may influence the filling of the position.

For further information, please contact Prof. Yong Se Kim, yongse.kim@utu.fi