Doctoral Researcher, 5 positions, University of Vaasa

The University of Vaasa creates an inspiring environment for meaningful work as part of a thriving and diverse university community. Our open-minded, multidisciplinary research responds to the challenges of our time and creates a more responsible future. Our internationally respected education gives students the skills and attitude to change tomorrow. The core of our university is made up of high-level expertise in business sciences, technology, and administration and communication sciences. Science-specific research is complemented by our phenomenon-oriented research platforms.

The University of Vaasa participates in the doctoral education pilot funded by the Academy of Finland. The pilot aims to increase the mobility of doctoral graduates between universities, companies, research institutes and other organizations. The goal is also to develop supervision and promote the employment of doctors in various sectors of society. More information about the doctoral training pilot here.

We are now inviting applications for the position of Doctoral Researcher. The positions (5 in total) are for a fixed term of 4 years with a starting date in August 2024 as agreed. Those selected for the position must be eligible and apply to the University of Vaasa's doctoral program in autumn 2024 at the latest. Those applicants who started their doctoral studies on or after 1.11.2023 can also apply for the position.

Fields and themes

The positions are located in the four schools of the University of Vaasa: School of Accounting and Finance, School of Management, School of Marketing and Communication, School of Technology and Innovations.

The research related to the positions is focused on one of the following multidisciplinary research themes:

Transformation towards sustainable energy business:

• Transformation towards sustainable energy business and ecosystems
• Processual change towards sustainable energy

Energy business model innovation:

• Sustainable energy business model innovation
• Business model configurations in sustainable energy business

Product-service innovations in sustainable energy business:

• Product-Service Innovations in sustainable energy
• R&D and Innovation processes for in sustainable energy

Organization of Sustainable energy ecosystems:

• Organization of ecosystems in autonomous energy systems
• Firm boundaries in sustainable energy ecosystems

Technologies, control & management & protection solutions, collaborative operation and planning principles:

• Resiliency and stability supporting cyber secure control solutions for inverter-based power systems with different grid-forming, and -following methods
• Centralized/virtualized cyber secure local and wide-area protection schemes for inverter-based power systems / microgrids to ensure security of supply and resiliency
• Resilient active management of distribution networks (microgrids / energy communities) with edge-based solutions and inverter-based resources in order to maximize PV and EV hosting capacity
• Energy-efficient powertrain solutions

Market & business models and investment & pricing schemes:

• Market structures, stakeholders’ roles, and business models in resilient energy systems
• Services and business models for energy communities as enablers of reliable future energy systems
• Resiliency improving data-driven services and business models
• Uncertainties and green investments, green finance 
• Impact of sustainable goals and reporting on green investments in resilient energy

Regulation and policies:

• Energy efficiency legislation
• Policy instruments for resilient energy business

Your Role

Your tasks include research work related to the doctoral degree in your field and studies in the doctoral program of the University of Vaasa. Other tasks are arranged so that it is possible to complete the doctoral dissertation work within three years.

The annual working time of Doctoral Researcher is 1612 hours based on the general collective agreement for universities. More detailed task description is agreed in the Annual Work Plan.

Requirements

As a Doctoral Researcher, you have completed a higher university degree and are a doctoral student at the University of Vaasa when the work contract begins, or you are applying for doctoral study right during autumn 2024. The aim is to organize the doctoral research and guidance of the selected Doctoral Researchers in such a way that the doctoral thesis can be submitted for pre-examination within three years of starting the doctoral education.

Those selected for the position must be eligible to apply to the doctoral program of the University of Vaasa and receive the right to study in the doctoral program at the start of the employment relationship, but no later than during the fall of 2024. Those who started their doctoral studies on or after 1.11.2023 can also apply for the position. If you do not yet have a doctoral study right at the University of Vaasa, you can apply for a study right for the doctoral program at the University of Vaasa after discussing with your supervisor.

More information about applying for doctoral education: Admission to doctoral studies | University of Vaasa.

The main selection criteria are a high-quality research plan suitable for the applied theme, academic success, and previous evidence of research work (e.g. participation in projects or publications). In the evaluation of an applicant who is in the early stages of postgraduate studies, emphasis is placed on previous academic success and the quality of the research plan.

Personnel recruited to fill teaching and research positions are to be proficient in Finnish. However, the University may grant an exemption from the Finnish language proficiency requirement. Strong English language skills are a prerequisite to succeed in the position. More information about the application process and language requirements: https://www.uwasa.fi/en/open-positions/application-and-selection-process

We offer

We promote the overall well-being of our employees at work by, among other things, offering fitness and cultural benefits, extensive occupational health care services, and versatile opportunities for continuous learning. Flexible working time arrangements and the possibility of partial remote work also support the balance of work and free time.

The salary is based on both the job requirement and the employee’s personal performance in accordance with the Finnish University Salary System (YPJ). The salary for a Doctoral Researcher is based on demand levels 2-4 (approximately 2225-2775 euros/month). An additional personal salary component is paid based on the experience and skills of the person selected for the position.

The 5,000 students and 600 employees of the University of Vaasa thrive on the most beautiful campus in Finland, at the seaside. The campus has numerous meeting places and modern workspaces for both staff and students. Our university community is international: we come from over 80 countries. Read more about us: https://www.uwasa.fi/en/open-positions

Applications:

To apply for the position, please use our online application system (using the "Submit an application" button below). The application, including annexes, has to be in our online application database by midnight   May 5, 2024 (EEST). Please note! In order for us to process your application, please ensure that you fill in the fields below thoroughly and attach the following documents in English to the electronic application form:

• CV. Use of CV template is required.
• Preliminary research plan (see guidelines on the website)

Further information

• Business Studies: Professor Marko Kohtamäki, School of Management, firstname.lastname(a)uwasa.fi, tel. +358 29 449 8459
• Technology: Vice Rector Mika Grundström, firstname.lastname(a)uwasa.fi, tel. +358 29 449 8786
• Senior Specialist Niklas Lundström, Graduate School, firstname.lastname(a)uwasa.fi

Inquiries about the online application system: careers(a)uwasa.fi

The employment is subject to a probationary period.

The University of Vaasa is located on the West coast of Finland at the heart of Northern Europe’s largest energy and environment business cluster. The University of Vaasa is well positioned to interact actively with the surrounding society – internationally, nationally and regionally. Our community includes 5,000 students and 600 employees from 80 countries. As an employer, we focus on employee well-being at work by providing extensive occupational health care, flexible working time arrangements and opportunities for competence development. We have been awarded the HR Excellence in Research recognition. Read more about Working at the University | University of Vaasa (uwasa.fi) 

Also find out about the University of Vaasa's international rankings and accreditations, as well as research evaluation: https://www.uwasa.fi/en/university/rankings-accreditations-and-evaluations