Postdoctoral Researcher in Geography of the Anthropocene, Faculty of Science

We are now looking for a

Postdoctoral Researcher

to join us in the Geography Research Unit at the Faculty of Science at the University of Oulu.

The Geography Research Unit is a highly acknowledged academic community that consists of high international profile researchers and professors, research groups and vivid teaching programs.

Research themes cover topics in regional geography, regional development and policy, physical geography, tourism geography, geoinformatics and political geography.

About the job

The postdoctoral researcher position is part of the Biodiverse Anthropocenes research programme at the University of Oulu supported by the Research Council of Finland (PROFI6 2021–2026). This innovative and transdisciplinary research initiative brings together scholars from across the social and natural sciences to collaboratively investigate the biodiversity loss currently threatening multi-species well-being and planetary sustainability and to generate future-oriented solutions both in the Arctic and around the planet.

The Postdoctoral Researcher position is opened to strengthen the Tourism Geographies cluster in one or more of the following areas:

• arctic tourism;
• biodiversity loss and restoration;
• climate crisis;
• regenerative tourism;
• tourism mobilities in the Anthropocene.

Job description and requirements

We are looking for talented and highly motivated research-oriented individuals interested in researching travel and tourism and their connections with the climate crisis, ecology, and socio-ecological resilience. The prospective candidate is expected to develop and advance the field of adaptation and mitigation to climate change in the Anthropocene. We particularly welcome applicants researching tourism and the climate crisis in increasingly vulnerable contexts (e.g., Arctic regions) and the implications in terms of global tourism mobilities and activities. A proven research background in mixed-methods research design and geographies of tourism is an advantage.

The profile of the successful candidate should complement the focus of the Tourism Geographies Research Group at the Unit and the Biodiverse Anthropocene program areas. Research in the Tourism Geographies group encompasses the following areas:

• adaptation and resilience in tourism;
• arctic tourism;
• community-based tourism;
• nature-based tourism;
• politics and political ecologies of tourism;
• regenerative tourism;
• sustainable development and tourism;
• tourism and climate change;
• tourism and political consumerism;
• tourism and rewilding.

The postdoctoral researcher will conduct research work within a research team and disseminate research results in esteemed peer-reviewed international journals from the field as well as at international conferences during the period. Other duties include taking part in research projects, teaching undergraduate courses, and supervising theses. In addition, she or he may be required to participate in administrative tasks of the university and/or the Unit.

To succeed and enjoy the position, we expect from you:

• Doctoral degree in Geography (or a related discipline). The degree must be obtained no more than 10 years ago;
• Ability to conduct independent scientific work;
• Very good fluency in both written and spoken English;
• Good communication and teamwork skills.

We particularly appreciate:

• A demonstrated knowledge and experience in one or more of the following research areas: arctic tourism; last-chance tourism; socio-ecological vulnerability and resilience in tourism; regenerative tourism; tourism and climate crisis; tourism and the Anthropocene;
• A strong record of scientific publishing in relevant geography and tourism studies journals.

Salary

The duration of the position is 21 months, with a start date no later than April 1st, 2025. A six-month trial period will be applied to the position.

The salary is by the university salary system (for teaching and research personnel) at level 5 of the demand level chart (postdoctoral researcher). In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (a maximum of 50% of the job-specific component). The typical salary for a starting postdoctoral researcher is 3300e per month, but it may be higher for exceptional candidates depending on experience and qualifications.

What we offer?

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team of people 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.
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• We have an HR Excellence in Research -quality label which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers.
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, an excellent education system, and a competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by January 6^th 2025 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

The application should be written in English and include the following:

1. Motivation statement (max 3 pages) summarizing the applicant’s professional experience and expertise and describing why the applicant is interested in this position. The statement should also include ideas relevant to the key research areas of the position. Information on career plans can also be included in the statement.
2. Curriculum Vitae, (max 4 pages) by the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
3. List of publications, following the guidelines of the Research Council of Finland
4. Certificates/Diplomas
5. Contact information of 2 persons available for recommendation

The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, such as people of different ages, different genders, and members of different languages, cultural or minority groups.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact

Assistant Professor Alberto Amore, Geography Research Unit, University of Oulu

• Tel. +358 (0)50 5777 657
• e-mail. alberto.amore@oulu.fi

Professor Jarkko Saarinen, Geography Research Unit, University of Oulu

• Tel. +358 (0)40 4840 777
• e-mail. jarkko.saarinen@oulu.fi