Postdoctoral Researcher

Taideyliopisto; Helsinki; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Uniarts Helsinki Open Campus seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher for a full-time fixed-term position within the Crea+Tech Growth Lab, starting 5 October 2026 and ending 31 August 2028, in Helsinki. You will develop research plans, analyze R&D ecosystems at the intersection of the creative and technology sectors, and help translate findings into ongoing innovation environments.

The role requires a doctoral degree, strong qualitative-methods expertise, and fluency in Finnish and English, with salary

Qualifications

• A suitable doctoral degree.
• Research expertise related to the creative economy and/or technology companies.
• Demonstrated research track record (publications, research groups).
• Experience of working in innovation ecosystems.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration with higher education, companies and public organisations.
• Ability to combine academic research with practical pilots and development activities.
• Strong expertise in qualitative research methods.
• Independent working style, accuracy and networking skills.
• Understanding of societal and regional impact of research.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Finnish and English.

Responsibilities

• Preparing the research plan and conducting, documenting and analysing research activities.
• Developing an analytical framework for examining the R&D ecosystem at the intersection of creative and technology sectors.
• Utilising the data and insights generated through the project beyond its duration to support future innovation environments.

Skills

Qualitative research

Independent working

Collaboration

Communication skills

Networking

Education

Doctoral degree

Job description

The Open Campus at the University of the Arts Helsinki (Uniarts Helsinki) is recruiting a Postdoctoral Researcher for a full-time fixed-term position for the Crea+Tech Growth Lab project. The position will commence on 5 October 2026, or as agreed, and end on 31 August 2028.

Working environment and information about the project

As a Postdoctoral Researcher, you will work within the Crea+Tech Growth Lab, a collaborative project between Uniarts Helsinki, the City of Helsinki and Metropolia University of Applied Sciences. The project aims to develop a new interdisciplinary research and development model that serves the innovation ecosystem of the Helsinki metropolitan area and is built on collaboration between businesses, higher education institutions and public-sector organisations.

The City of Helsinki brings extensive connections to regional businesses and development stakeholders, while also enabling project activities to become integrated into the wider business collaboration networks of the metropolitan area. Metropolia University of Applied Sciences and Uniarts Helsinki contribute research and process expertise from technological, creative and artistic perspectives. Together, the consortium is able to engage a broad range of companies and partner organisations across the region.

Within the project, Uniarts Helsinki's particular strengths lie in artistic research, interdisciplinary collaboration, creative methodologies, and the advancement of the arts and cultural sectors. The research evidence and analysis generated through the project will support the evaluation, further development and wider application of the operating models created within the project, particularly in the fields of innovation and business development.

Your responsibilities

• Preparing the research plan and conducting, documenting and analysing research activities associated with the project pilots.
• Developing an analytical framework for examining the research and development (R&D) ecosystem at the intersection of the creative and technology sectors.
• Utilising the data and insights generated through the project beyond its duration to support the development of similar innovation environments.

Selection criteria and requirements

• A suitable doctoral degree
• Research expertise related to the creative economy and/or technology companies
• Demonstrated research track record in the field (publications, membership of research groups, research funding applications)
• Experience of working in innovation ecosystems
• Experience of interdisciplinary collaboration with higher education institutions, companies and public organisations
• Ability to combine academic research with practical pilots and development activities
• Strong expertise in qualitative research methods
• Independent working style, accuracy, attention to detail and networking skills
• Understanding of the societal and regional impact of research
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills
• Proficiency in Finnish and English

Advantages (optional)

• Knowledge of artistic research, service design or user-centred methods
• Experience in facilitating workshops, co-development or co-creation processes

Working hours and salary

Working hours are determined in accordance with the Collective Agreement for Universities and amount to 1,612 hours per academic year. Salary is based on the salary system for teaching and research staff under the Collective Agreement for Universities. The job requirement level is 5-6. In addition to the position-specific salary component, a personal performance-based salary component is awarded. The gross monthly salary for the position is approximately EUR 3,800-4,500.

Further information

For further information, please contact Kirsti Rasehorn, Director of Open Campus, tel. [phone]. Call times: Mon 31 Aug, 13:00-14:00 Tue 1 Sep, 14:00-16:00 Mon 7 Sep, 14:00-16:00. Email enquiries: [e-mail]

Job details

Type of employment: Temporary position (shorter than 10 days). Contract type: Full time. Number of positions: 1. Full-time equivalent: 100%. City: Helsinki. Country: Finland. Reference number: 2026/60. Published: 20.Aug.2026. Last application date: 09.Sep.2026.