Opportunity for PhD Candidates: Join the Department of Geographical and Historical Studies at The University of Eastern Finland (UEF)

The University of Eastern Finland (UEF) is the most multidisciplinary university in Finland. The university employs approximately 3,200 employees, and the community includes approximately 16,000 degree students and 16,000 adult education students. The campuses are located in Joensuu and Kuopio. They represent the world’s cutting edge of research in many fields and produce research-based knowledge, which is made openly available to benefit everyone. Learn more about the university at www.uef.fi/en. Read also about UEF as a working community and employer and the career stories of our employees.

The Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies is inviting applications for two Doctoral Researcher (PhD student) positions at the Department of Geographical and Historical Studies on the Joensuu Campus. These positions are set to begin on January 1, 2025, or as agreed. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by November 10, 2024.

Research Focus

1. Health and Well-being Geographies: We seek candidates interested in exploring broadly defined areas of health and well-being geographies. Creative, mixed-method studies, large qualitative research, and digital methods are encouraged, alongside established research modes. Innovative topics and methodologies in human geography are also welcomed.
2. Arctic Vegetation Dynamics: Candidates with a strong interest in Arctic vegetation dynamics and Earth observation methods are invited to apply. This research will investigate vegetation browning and greening patterns through UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) and satellite imagery. Applicants should have a solid background in spatial data science, remote sensing, machine learning, and plant ecology. Proactive and self-motivated candidates eager to contribute to cutting-edge research are particularly encouraged.

Position Details

• Location: Joensuu Campus, Department of Geographical and Historical Studies
• Employment Type: Full-time, fixed-term for three years
• Salary: Based on the Finnish university salary system, the job-related salary element ranges from EUR 2,225.83 to 2,775.28, complemented by a personal salary element of 6–50% based on performance.

Requirements

Candidates must be eligible for doctoral education, holding a relevant higher university degree or an equivalent qualification. Excellent English language skills are mandatory. The positions can be filled by those planning to pursue or currently pursuing their first doctoral degree. Selected candidates must separately apply for the right to pursue postgraduate studies in the Past, Space, and Environment in Society Doctoral Programme at the University of Eastern Finland.

Selection Criteria

When evaluating applications, consideration will be given to:

• Research ideas
• Academic performance
• International orientation
• Research achievements

Benefits

• An engaging and international university community
• Flexible multi-location work opportunities
• International collaboration within a research team
• Comprehensive staff benefits, including occupational health care, staff training opportunities, affordable campus dining, and sports services.

Life in Finland

Enjoy life in Finland, a country known for its cleanliness, modern technology, and exceptional education system. For more information on living in Finland, visit the Life in Finland section.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your application via our electronic application form by November 10, 2024, at 24:00 (midnight) Finnish time (UTC+2). The faculty aims to finalize selections by November 30, 2024.

Required Application Documents:

• CV (using the TENK template)
• List of publications (following the Research Council of Finland guidelines)
• Motivation letter (1-2 pages) detailing research ideas related to one of the two positions
• A copy of your diploma and transcript confirming eligibility for postgraduate studies, in Finnish or English
• Language proficiency certificates, if not included in academic documentation

Contact Information

For questions about the position, please reach out to:

• Pieter Dhondt, Head of the Department: pieter.dhondt@uef.fi

For inquiries about the application process, contact:

• Airi Leppänen, Human Resources Coordinator: airi.leppanen@uef.fi

Join us in advancing research at the University of Eastern Finland!