Research Assistant

Aalto University; Espoo; On-site; EUR 27,000 - 28,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working hours

On-site workplace Otaniemi

Job summary

Aalto University School of Business is seeking a part-time Research Assistant to help build a unique dataset by collecting custody decision information from Finnish district courts and coordinating data access. The role requires enrollment in a bachelor’s or master’s programme, fluent Finnish and English, strong organizational skills and attention to confidentiality, with the project spanning 3–6 months.

The on-site position on Otaniemi campus offers flexible hours (20-40%) and aligns with a

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s degree programme.
• Excellent Finnish and English language skills, both written and spoken.
• Interest in empirical research in economics or related social sciences.

Responsibilities

• Help build a dataset by collecting information on custody decisions from Finnish district courts.
• Coordinate access and data collection arrangements with courts.
• Systematically extract and record information from court documents.
• Show proactive, independent communication and strong organizational skills while handling confidential information.

Skills

Finnish language

English language

data processing

empirical research

Education

Student (Bachelor/Master)

Job description

About Aalto University

Aalto University is where science and art meet technology and business. We shape a sustainable future by making research breakthroughs in and across our disciplines, sparking the game changers of tomorrow and creating novel solutions to major global challenges. Our community is made up of 16 000 students and 5 200 employees, including 446 professors. Our campus is in Espoo, Greater Helsinki, Finland. Diversity is part of who we are, and we actively work to ensure our community’s diversity and inclusiveness. This is why we warmly encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join our community.

The Role

We are now looking for a Research Assistant at Aalto University School of Business for a project examining how joint versus sole custody affects children’s and parents’ long‑term outcomes, including education, health and employment. The applicant must be enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s degree programme. We hope the selected candidate can start as soon as possible, or by 11.1.2027 the latest.

Your role

The main role is to help build a unique research dataset by collecting information on custody decisions from Finnish district courts. This will involve, for example: contacting courts coordinating access and data collection arrangements systematically extracting and recording information from court documents.

To succeed in this role, you will need A proactive, independent approach, with the confidence to take ownership of communication with courts and follow requests through to completion. Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and sound judgment when handling confidential information. An interest in empirical research in economics or a related social science. Strong capability and positive attitude toward data processing and analysis. Excellent Finnish and English language skills, both written and spoken, is required. Bachelor’s or Master’s level studies in a relevant field.

What we offer

Opportunity to participate in research as part of a vibrant international community: You will work within a community of students, researchers, and other professionals advancing societally significant goals in science and education. Support, coaching and sparring when you feel you need it. Great possibilities for competence development and learning. This is an excellent opportunity for a student considering a PhD to gain hands‑on experience in an ambitious research project and work closely with the research team. Depending on your interests and the project’s progress, the work could also provide a foundation for a master’s thesis or your own future research. Meaningful and inspiring environment. We are proud of our purpose to shape a sustainable future. We renew society with research‑based knowledge, creativity and an entrepreneurial mindset. A culture where everyone is valued. Our work is guided by the values of Aalto University: responsibility, courage, and collaboration. We want to be an open community where equality and inclusion enable curiosity, innovation, collaboration and wellbeing. We aim to combine the best of remote and on‑site work and offer flexible working hours.

Your on‑site workplace is located on the Otaniemi campus, with diverse services and excellent transport connections. The position is part‑time with 20-40 % working time percentage and fixed term for approximately 3-6 months. The salary is determined according to the university salary system used at Aalto University. The salary level is approximately 2 377,68 €/month - 2 488,27 €/month (100 % working time, the salary is determined by the part‑time percentage).

Contact

For more information about the role, please contact Kristiina Huttunen (kristiina.huttunen(at)aalto.fi). For questions related to the application process, please contact HR Advisor Saskia Raatikainen, hr-biz(at)aalto.fi.