The University of Turku Department of Geography and Geology, Geography Section, invites applications for

Project researcher/postdoctoral researcher for the period 1.12.2022-31.8.2024. The start can also take place as agreed and the position can be filled in with a part-time workshare (50-100%). The fixed-term is due to achievement of the research goals.

Position

The person chosen will work in a research project funded by the Academy of Finland ‘Wellbeing benefits of urban green infrastructure mapped through participation and 3D virtual landscapes’ (GreenPlace, https://sites.utu.fi/greenplace/).

GreenPlace is a scientifically and methodologically groundbreaking interdisciplinary research project experimenting, developing, testing and applying the use of inclusive digital 3D technologies to design urban green spaces. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the project has also explored changes in outdoor recreation behavior and use of recreational spaces in cities.

Project researcher/postdoctoral researcher will conduct scientific research independently and together with the wider research group and be part of the multidisciplinary and inspiring team. The focus of scientific work is matched according to the strengths of the applicant and the objectives of the GreenPlace project. The project researcher is required to become a doctoral candidate in geography at the University of Turku from the beginning of August 2023 (the presentation of the research plan in May 2023).

University of Turku and Department of Geography

The University of Turku is a world-class multidisciplinary research university which offers interesting challenges and a unique vantage point to national and international research and education.

The position is placed at the Geography Division of the Department of Geography and Geology in the Faculty of Science. Geography Division has a dynamic research and teaching environment. It currently includes 8 professors and about 40 researchers or other staff members.

The main research areas at Geography are a) Innovation environments and urban geography b) Environmental dynamics and global change c) Geospatial data, technologies and applications, and d) Riverine environments and coastal areas. Geography is targeting challenges confronted at multiple scales from local to global and with focus on interactions between the natural environment, the human environment and society from geographical perspectives, applying quantitative, qualitative and geospatial methods. The research is of a high standard and the department has plenty of projects operated with competitive external funding.

A good applicant for this position

• A person selected for the position of project researcher must possess a higher university degree. A person selected for the position of postdoctoral researcher must possess a doctoral degree in geography or related discipline.
• The applicant should also be able to independently and as part of the research group conduct scientific research.
• Successful performance in the position requires written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Experience in participatory research methods, geospatial methods, land use planning processes, usability perspectives in relation to 3D visualizations, working in a multidisciplinary environment, experience in project work, and experience in scientific research activities are considered as benefits.

Salary and probation

The salary for the position is determined in accordance with the university salary system for research personnel. For the project researcher salary follows levels the 2-4 of the teaching and research staff (2108,40-2628,85 Euros/month). For the postdoctoral researcher salary follows the levels 5-6 of teaching and research staff (3044,00-3549,72 EUR/month). In addition, a personal work performance component will be paid. The personal work performance component is 6-50% of the task specific salary component. The position has three-month probation period.

Application

The application should be submitted no later than Monday 24.10.2022 (23:59) at the University's electronic recruitment system at https://www.utu.fi/en/university/come-work-with-us/open-vacancies.  A link to the application form can be found at the beginning of this notice (‘Apply for the job’).

The application should be accompanied by a CV, a list of publications, degree certificates, research plan (max 1 page), and a motivation letter with a brief description of the most essential skills in relation to the task to be applied and the level of applied position (project researcher/postdoctoral researcher). You can also describe in your application other aspects relevant to the task regarding your expertise and skills.

The University is committed to promoting non-discrimination, equality and diversity in our community. All interested applicants, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply.

For further information on the position, please contact Associate Professor Nora Fagerholm (nora.fagerholm@utu.fi).