Postdoctoral researcher related to limits of adaptation to climate change in cities

The Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences at the University of Helsinki is inviting applications for a

Postdoctoral Researcher position in Environmental Social Sciences in the Ecosystems and Environment Research Programme

The position is for a fixed term period for 2 years and available from September 2025 onwards (or as agreed).

The position is based in the Ecology and Environment Research Programme, which belongs to the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, and it is located in Viikki campus, ten kilometres from the Helsinki city centre. The appointee will work as a part of the Urban Environmental Policy Group, a multidisciplinary research environment with focus on urban sustainability. 

The position is part of the Research Council of Finland funded project titled Governing at the Limit: Managed retreat in climate change stressed cities (GOAL). The project focuses on limits of adaptation to climate change in cities. There is a gap regarding the role of governance in the emergence of these limits and the project will analyse managed retreat programs and political and legal tensions they entail. The project at the University of Helsinki is led by Professor Sirkku Juhola.

Expectations

The candidate is expected to work on identifying potential rules of behaviour for decision-making through AI-assisted systematic literature review of managed retreat. The position also involves agent-based modeling or another relevant computational approach for the simulation of managed retreat.

We look for a candidate in sustainability or environmental social sciences or a related field who:
• Has a doctoral degree - the degree requirement must be met by the beginning of the employment 
• Has a strong methodological background in agent-based modelling, systems dynamics, network analysis or similar approach
• Has a strong background in climate change adaptation research 
• Has high motivation for academic research
• Has the ability to conduct independent scholarly work and willingness for an extended research stay in the Netherlands

Research questions can be adjusted according to applicants’ interests and skills, while still serving the project aims.

What we offer

The salary of the postdoctoral researcher will be based on level 5 of the demands 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. A six-month trial period will be applied.

Finland is one of the most livable 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), excellent family benefits and healthcare, and is ranked as one of the top countries in the world for expat families. Finland also repeatedly tops the World Happiness Report.

The successful candidate will receive the benefits provided by the University of Helsinki to university employees, including occupational health care services. The University assists employees from abroad with their transition to work and life in Finland. 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. Please also see why Finland is a great place to live and work: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/why-university-helsinki/why-finland.

How to apply

Please submit your application and the required attachments in English as a single pdf file (in section CV) through the University of Helsinki recruitment portal (link Apply now or Employee login in the job announcement). Please include the following in your application:  

1. Motivational letter outlining why you are the right person for this task (max 1 page)
2. Two letters of reference required 
3. A CV that includes a list of publications  

The closing date for applications is 31st July 2025 (23:59 EEST). Interviews will be conducted remotely during August 2025.

The University of Helsinki welcomes applicants of any gender and age, linguistic or cultural background, or minority group.
 
Further information

• The position: Professor Sirkku Juhola, sirkku.juhola(at)helsinki.fi
• University of Helsinki recruitment portal: HR specialist Harri Hamara, harri.hamara(at)helsinki.fi or recruitment(at)helsinki.fi
• Helsinki Urban Environmental Policy Group UEP: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/urban-environmental-policy  
• Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-biological-and-environmental-sciences
• 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 and https://ihhelsinki.fi (International House Helsinki)