Postdoctoral Research Associate in Transdisciplinary Approaches to Ecosystem Restoration , Faculty of Humanities

We are now looking for a

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Transdisciplinary Approaches to Ecosystem Restoration

for a full-time fixed term 4-year position. This position unites research and project support (administrative) duties within the research capacity building programme “SAFIRE: Safeguarding Biodiversity through Interdisciplinary Research on Habitat Restoration” (research 60%, administration 40%).

SAFIRE is an umbrella program of research projects and public outreach activities delivered by a team of researchers at Oulu University. Through diverse projects of its members, SAFIRE will deliver research and impact activities in relation to ecosystem restoration, especially in the Arctic. SAFIRE aims to develop a transdisciplinary processes of engaging and co-producing knowledge and solutions with societal actors, both at the level of individual projects, and at an institutional level within Oulu University. We define transdisciplinarity as the inclusion of non-academic stakeholders in the process of knowledge production. SAFIRE’s approach to transdisciplinarity includes both the need to understand how to integrate social interests, values, and concerns in ecosystem restoration research, how to embed such an approach institutionally, and what the consequences of such a participatory approach to ecosystem restoration may be for researchers, research approaches, and research institutions. SAFIRE is part of a wider Profi8 program at the University of Oulu, funded by the Research Council Finland, and it is co-led by the Faculties of Science and Humanities at the University of Oulu.

In this position, you will work directly with Associate Professor Anna Krzywoszynska, the vice-lead of the SAFIRE program. The duties of this role will include:

1. designing and delivering a program of actions to establish meaningful collaboration between the SAFIRE team and ecosystem restoration actors in Finland and the wider Arctic, and
2. producing new scientific knowledge on theoretical/conceptual and methodological approaches to transdisciplinary research on ecosystem restoration, with the SAFIRE program as a case study.

In this role, you will lead SAFIRE’s effort of building transdisciplinary research collaboration with ecosystem restoration actors, and you will contribute to the scientific understanding of such transdisciplinary approaches.

About the job

Primary responsibilities will include:

• Conceptualising, planning and implementing SAFIRE’s transdisciplinary activities in close collaboration with the SAFIRE team, including but not limited to: stakeholder mapping; organizing meetings and workshops (with stakeholders and between disciplines within SAFIRE); stakeholder relationship management; stakeholder communication and liaison;
• Designing and delivering a research project on transdisciplinary approaches to ecosystem restoration using SAFIRE and potentially other projects as a case study/participatory action research partner;
• Producing academic and non-academic outputs (peer reviewed journal articles, reports, policy recommendations, public communications, and other) on transdisciplinarity in collaboration with Associate Professor Anna Krzywoszynska and other members of the SAFIRE team (expected output level is adjusted to the 60% research allocation);
• In cooperation with the SAFIRE coordinator, supporting the integration of SAFIRE’s approach within the strategy of the faculties and the University of Oulu.
• Organizing and participating in national and international meetings and science policy events related to transdisciplinary approaches to ecosystem restoration, and to the wider SAFIRE program.
• Other duties associated with supporting a transdisciplinary research initiative.

This is a full‐time position based in Oulu, Finland. This is not a remote work position.

What we offer

• We offer you a place in an excellent research programme, working to solve globally significant research problems. The University of Oulu has a strong transdisciplinary environmental research community; this position will place you at the forefront of this dynamically growing research area.
• The University offers a wide variety of support services, allowing you to focus on your work. In addition to modern facilities, we offer you personnel benefits such as free occupational healthcare, support for sport services and opportunities to develop your skills and competences.
• Regular salary is paid 12 months per year, including paid leave and an additional holiday bonus in the summer. The employed person will be insured by the university. The Finnish government provides benefits to residents and their families, for example possibility to the national healthcare system and high-quality affordable childcare and school services.
• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits here.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close-ones in settling into Oulu.
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, excellent education system, and competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Who are you?

We expect you to have:

• A doctoral degree from a social sciences, geography, humanities, or interdisciplinary higher education program. The degree must be obtained no more than 10 years ago.
• Experience of administrative tasks.
• Excellent communication skills in English (evidenced by e.g. a track record of conference presentations).
• Good teamworking skills and strong organizational skills.

We also see as advantage:

• A background in science and technology studies, and/or experience with participatory action research, post-normal science, or transdisciplinary research.
• Experience of research related to environmental issues
• A track record of academic publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Experience of project management or project coordination
• Experience of working in multidisciplinary research communities
• Previous experience of projects in the field of environmental management and restoration
• Finnish language skills are considered an advantage.

Salary

The position is fixed-term for 4 years as of 1st of April 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. The salary will be based on the levels 5-6 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (a maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). The starting gross salary will be approx. 3600-4200 € per month (before taxes).  A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

How to apply

To apply, please submit your application attached with all related appendices online by 21st of February (23:59 Finnish local time).

Required application attachments include:

1. Curriculum vitae (max 4 pages, additional pages will not be considered)
2. A motivation letter (max 2-page; additional pages will not be considered), where you open your academic career and other work experience in relation to the position. In the letter, please make sure you describe your understanding of and/or experience of transdisciplinarity.
3. A short description (max 1-page, additional pages will not be considered) where you describe you approach to the job, and the research and administrative actions and tasks that you would initiate and promote within SAFIRE in the first year of your appointment.
4. A sample of academic writing – e.g. an academic paper, book chapter, chapter of PhD thesis.
5. The contact details of two references
6. Any other attachments you deem significant for the coordinator position

Information

For further information please contact SAFIRE vice-leader Anna Krzywoszynska anna.krzywoszynska@oulu.fi