Postdoctoral researcher in sustainability of cooperatives
Ruralia Institute at the University of Helsinki invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher position for a contract starting at the earliest October 2026 and ending in December 2029. The appointed person will be joining the Sustainability and Community Enterprises group led by Academy Research Fellow Taneli Vaskelainen.
The successful candidate will work in the SUSTRACOOP project (Understanding the role of cooperatives in sustainability transitions), funded by the Research Council of Finland. Cooperatives are a key part of global economy employing some 10% of the world´s working population and they have been identified as focal vehicles of sustainability transitions by researchers and societal stakeholders alike. However, we have limited understanding of cooperative sustainability impact because transition studies have focused on small organizations on emerging sectors and management studies have all but neglected the organizational form. SUSTRACOOP conceptualizes the role of cooperatives in promoting or inhibiting sustainability transitions. The project focuses on large co-operatives in food, forestry, and retail sectors.
Responsibilities and qualifications
We are looking for an engaged postdoctoral researcher, who is an expert in qualitative methods and that has an interest in cooperatives. The work will involve:
- Conducting qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) to examine factors leading to positive/negative cooperative sustainability impact
- Conducting historical analysis on the sustainability orientation of selected case cooperatives
- Co-conducting a literature review on cooperative sustainability
- Co-editing a journal special issue on the sustainability of cooperatives
- Co-constructing and promoting a list of lighthouse cooperatives, which are particularly exemplary with regards to sustainability.
- Communicating the results in scientific publications and conference presentations
- Co-supervising PhD and MSc students working on the project
- Contributing to new research ideas and (co)-applying for grants
- Depending on interests and expertise, some teaching on cooperative studies is possible.
The candidate we seek
- Has a relevant PhD degree (e.g., business administration, management, sociology, or innovation studies). This requirement must be met by beginning of the employment.
- Has demonstrated expertise in qualitative methods, preferably in qualitative comparative analysis
- Has a solid track record and demonstration of scientific drive
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a diverse team environment
- Has good communication skills and proficiency in verbal and written English
Also, Finnish, Dutch, and German language skills and previous experience with cooperatives and cooperation are considered as merits in the application.
We provide
- Opportunities for professional development in an enthusiastic and supportive team that has strong track record in the research of community enterprises such as cooperatives
- Possibility to also pursue own research interests, preferably concerning community enterprises because not all the financing comes from the project.
- Encouragement to develop own projects with support to transition to an independent career
- National and international networking as part of a high-profile research project
About us
The University of Helsinki ranks among the world’s top multidisciplinary research universities. The university has 11 faculties, as well as separate departments, some of which are shared with other universities. There are 35,000 students at the university.
The Ruralia Institute (www.helsinki.fi/ruralia) is an institute within the University of Helsinki’s Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry that provides high-quality research insights and innovation partnerships for rural development. At the heart of its multidisciplinary work are the development of local communities, a sustainable food chain, and a renewing bioeconomy. The institute engages in extensive international, national, and regional collaboration with a team of approximately 50 experts at its university centers in Mikkeli and Seinäjoki.
Terms of employment
The salary of the postdoctoral researcher is on level 5 of the requirement level chart for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities. In addition, the appointee will be paid a salary component based on personal performance. The starting salary of the postdoctoral researcher will be c. 3600-4200 €/month depending on experience.
A six-month trial period will be applied. The appointee is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki. The workplace is primarily at the Ruralia Institute´s office in Mikkeli or in the office located in the premises of Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry in Viikki in Helsinki. However, different kinds of hybrid and remote work arrangements (domestic, i.e., within Finland) are possible based on common agreement.
Finland is one of the most liveable countries, with a high quality of life, safety and excellent education system. Finland is a member of the EU, has high quality and inexpensive childcare, free schooling and tertiary training (also in English), generous family benefits and healthcare, and was recently ranked as the best country in the world for expat families. The successful candidate will receive the benefits provided by the University of Helsinki to university employees, including occupational health care services, and obtain access to high-quality public affordable childcare services and schools. Read more about the employee benefits at our university and why the University of Helsinki is an excellent career choice: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers.
How to apply
Applications should be submitted in English through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the "Apply now" button.
Internal applicants (i.e., current employees of the University of Helsinki) submit their applications by using the Employee Login button.
Please send your application and the following appendices as a single pdf file:
1. Motivation letter (max 1 page), summarizing your current research experience and achievements (half page) and research vision for postdoctoral period (half page). Also indicate in your letter when you could start working in the post-doc position.
2. A complete CV, including PhD thesis title, date of defense and link to the online version of the thesis (if exists), previous and current positions, experience in supervision and mentoring, contact information for two references
3. A complete list of publications
The closing date for applications is 18.8.2026 (at 23.59 EEST).
Further information
- The position: Academy Research Fellow Taneli Vaskelainen, taneli.vaskelainen@helsinki.fi
- University of Helsinki recruitment system: HR Specialist Mirkka Juntunen / Emmi Karlstedt, recruitment@helsinki.fi
- Ruralia Institute: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/ruralia-institute
- Viikki Campus: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/campuses/viikki-campus
- Support for international staff: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/welcome
- International House Helsinki: https://ihhelsinki.fi
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