Tenure Track Assistant/Associate Professor of Urban Design and Planning (Yhdyskuntasuunnittelu) - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

We are now looking for

Assistant/Associate Professor of Urban Design and Planning 

to join us in Oulu School of Architecture at the Faculty of Technology.

The Oulu School of Architecture is a regionally, nationally and internationally networked unit, which educates architects and Doctors of Technology for demanding private and public positions as well as carries out creative research in co-operation with other disciplines and society in general. The Oulu School of Architecture is responsible for administering a 5-year architecture degree program, which consists of bachelor's and master's degrees. Furthermore, the School hosts a 2-year long international Architectural Design master's degree program and contributes to a joint 2-year long European master's degree program Redesigning the Post-Industrial City (RePIC). The unit is also responsible for the 4-year-long doctoral degree program in architecture.

The Oulu School of Architecture aims to promote innovation within sustainable urban development and architecture in general. Education and research focus specifically on the changing northern built environment. In urban design and planning research, land use planning is examined in a digitalizing operational context from the perspectives of climate change mitigation, innovation and inclusive growth strategies, health promotion and societal engagement.

About the job

• As an associate/assistant professor, you are expected to create an independent research agenda that bridges the gap between planning practice and theory.
• The research could focus on – but is not limited to - developing and exploring participatory planning practices, sustainable urban planning concepts or healthy urban planning.
• Your responsibilities include teaching urban design and planning at all degree levels (BSc, MSc, DSc). Thus, a good command of Finnish language is an advantage.
• You will become a successful agent in acquisition of external research funding and multidisciplinary collaboration as well as an active player in development within the Oulu School of Architecture.

We expect professors to be proactive members of the University of Oulu and the international academic community, to exhibit leadership and to contribute to society. Collaboration with national and international stakeholders will be important in this professorship.

What we offer?

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic community 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.
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• If you are moving from abroad, we offer comprehensive relocation packages to support your smooth relocation to 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?

The applicants will be reviewed based on the quality and potential of their research, relevant urban design and planning projects and/or relevant development projects, teaching merits, academic leadership skills and societal impact. A master’s degree in architecture and a doctoral degree relevant to the position is mandatory. A successful candidate is expected to have broad knowledge of urban and regional planning, and the related Nordic context.

Peer-reviewed publications, participation in research projects, and experience in planning practice or relevant development projects are considered as indications of the applicant’s suitability for the position.

In order to succeed and enjoy the position, we expect from you: 

You should have excellent potential for a successful scientific career. The top candidates undergo an evaluation by external experts and are required to reach top scores (5-6 on a scale from 1 to 6 for scientific activity and as the overall score), to be recruited. Find out more about our tenure track system, entry criteria, evaluation procedure and advancement on our careers website.

For Assistant professor:

• Doctoral degree in applicable research field is required
• You must demonstrate the ability to work independently and have proven teaching skills.
• In order to be eligible for a position as Assistant Professor, you must have received your doctoral degree not more than ten years ago.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge in Finnish is an advantage.

For Associate professor:

• Doctoral degree in applicable research field is required
• You must demonstrate evidence of scientific research work and good teaching skills.
• You must have the ability to lead research and experience of acquiring external research funding.
• We also expect you to have sufficient and relevant experience in international scientific work and evidence of international cooperation.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge in Finnish is an advantage.

We also appreciate:

• Experience in professional practice of innovative urban design and / or urban planning

Salary

The position is fixed term for 5 years as of 1.12.2023 or as soon as possible thereafter. A researcher appointed to a tenure track position has the opportunity to advance systematically through the tenure track career levels towards permanent professorship, provided that the performance criteria are met.

The salary will be based on the levels 5-6 (assistant) or 6-7 (associate) 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 (maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). Starting gross salary will be approx. 3500-4100 (assistant) or 4000-5000 € (associate) per month (before taxes). A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 29.5.2023 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

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

1. Cover letter, stating the career level on which you would like to be evaluated at.
2. CV following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
3. List of publications following the guidelines of the Academy of Finland (with the ten most important ones marked)
4. A project portfolio (with max. ten most important relevant urban design and planning projects and/or relevant development projects presented)
5. Brief account of research merits
6. Brief account of teaching merits or teaching portfolio
7. Details regarding acquisition of research funds
8. A brief research and action plan
9. Contact information of 2–4 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.

The selection process follows the University of Oulu tenure track guidelines. The process is carried out by a recruitment committee and the candidates are subjected to publication analyses based on their publication lists. The candidates that are considered most suitable by the recruitment committee will also undergo an expert evaluation.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact: professor, head of the school, Janne Pihlajaniemi, Oulu School of Architecture, janne.pihlajaniemi@oulu.fi, +358 40 572 0895