Tenure Track position in Regional Studies

Vaasan yliopisto; Vaasa; On-site; EUR 52 000 - 90 000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in Finland seeks a Professor for regional studies. The role involves conducting research, teaching, and supervising students in administrative sciences and public policy. Applicants should hold a relevant doctoral degree with a strong academic record. The position offers a flexible working environment, competitive salary, and opportunities for career development.

Benefits

Occupational health care services

Flexible working hours

Training and competence development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in societal interaction in research and teaching.
• Evidence of external funding acquisition.
• Teaching experience in related fields.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in regional studies and related fields.
• Teach and supervise Bachelor's and Master's programs.
• Apply for external funding for research projects.

Skills

Societal interaction in research

Diverse methodological expertise

Excellent academic credentials

Education

Relevant doctoral degree

Job description

Job description and requirements

The field of activity is regional studies. The research profile is closely linked to the University of Vaasa\'s regional studies subject area, which focuses on place-based regional development and regional innovation policy research. Regional development issues are examined in a multi-faceted manner in relation to a multi-level (international, national, regional, and local), multi-actor, and systemic operational environment.

Areas of specialization and interest may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• place-based regional development and policy
• sustainable urban development
• change agency and management of urban and regional development
• regional resilience and/or preparedness
• regional innovation policy and its transformation
• place-based management of complex transitions
• digitalization and new technologies in urban and regional development
• cross-border cooperation and/or other cooperation models in regional development

The ideal research profile strengthens and complements the focus areas of the Public Policy and Governance research group, particularly in the field of regional studies. The research related to the position is also linked to the University of Vaasa\'s strategic focus areas of business renewal, energy transition and societal transformation. Applicants must describe in their research plan how their plan relates to the research group and the strategy of the University of Vaasa.

We value experience in societal interaction in research and teaching, evidence of external funding acquisition (considering career stage), and diverse methodological expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methods. Teaching experience in the above-mentioned themes is considered an advantage.

Applicants are required to have a relevant doctoral degree (regional studies, geography, or other related field) as well as excellent academic credentials, evidence of potential to produce outstanding research, and evidence of high-quality teaching or potential to do so. The tenure track position is research-oriented, but also includes teaching, thesis supervision, applying external funding for research projects, and university administrative duties. The teaching and supervision duties are focused on the bachelor\'s and master\'s programs in administrative sciences, particularly in the field of public policy and management, where teaching and supervision are mainly provided in Finnish. However, some courses are also taught in English. In addition, the applicant will participate in supervision and teaching under the university\'s doctoral program.

In the position of Professor, practical non-academic experience in the field is not required but can be considered beneficial.

The annual working time is 1612 hours based on the general collective agreement for Finnish universities and tasks are agreed in more detail in the Annual Work Plan.

For further detailed information about the requirements, criteria and our Tenure track procedure, please see:

Starting date: August 2026 or as agreed.

Salary and benefits

We are a truly international community of 5500 students and 650 staff members. We work in a unique environment at our maritime campus, with state of the art research laboratories and teaching facilities, located only a short walk away from the Vaasa city centre.

We invest in our employees\' well-being and offer extensive occupational health care services, fitness and culture benefits, and a multitude of other activities to support well-being at work. Our flexible working hours and work options such as blended home/campus working contribute to a great work-life balance. Our commitment to support the career development of our personnel is visible in the broad offering of training and competence development opportunities.

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 annual starting salary (incl. holiday contributions) is approximately

• Assistant Professor: €52,800 - €57,100
• Associate Professor: €60,800 - €65,800
• Professor: €73,600 - €89,700

Each University of Vaasa employee automatically belongs to a pension scheme and the majority part of the pension contributions is paid by the employer. We also have a versatile reward system in use. If you are moving to Finland from abroad, relocation services are available.

Applications

Applications are submitted using the University of Vaasa\'s electronic recruitment system. In order for applications to be processed, the application form must be filled out and the enclosures listed below must be attached to it. The application period is open until midnight (Finnish time, EEST) October 19, 2025.

1. Attachments in English:

• Curriculum vitae
• List of publications
• Research plan (max 5 pages): the research plan should detail the ways in which the candidate would direct their research from the perspective of their own discipline towards the focus of the position described in this call for applications and the strategic focus of the University of Vaasa\'s research. The plan must include a description of the phenomena concerned, the perspective on the applicant\'s own subject and the added-value to be realized from analyzing the phenomena as well as possible partners. It is beneficial if the plan also includes potential sources of external financing (programs or similar) and a publication plan.
• Teaching portfolio (complementary to the teaching merits listed in the CV)

2. In addition, numbered according to the publication categories in the list of publications:

• Copies of no more than 10 publications that the applicant wishes to be taken into account when evaluating their competence and qualifications. The publications can, if needed, be merged into a maximum of 7 pdf-files.

Further information

• The position is located in Vaasa, Finland.
• Starting date: August 2026 or as agreed.
• The appointment is subject to the satisfactory completion of a trial period of 6 months.
• More information about the position: Dean Adam Smale, School of Management, tel. [phone]
• Email: firstname.surname (a) uwasa.fi
• Enquiries about the online application system: careers (a) uwasa.fi

The position is located in the School of Management at the University of Vaasa. Read more about us: School of Management

The University of Vaasa is located on the West coast of Finland at the heart of one of the most thriving regions in Finland and the Nordic countries\' largest energy technology hub. The University of Vaasa is a valued partner in the hub, and well positioned to interact actively with the surrounding society - internationally and nationally. More information about working with us:

• https://www.uwasa.fi/en/open-positions
• University of Vaasa\'s international rankings and accreditations
• For new international employees at the University of Vaasa
• living in Vaasa: Vaasan kaupunki | Vasa stad | City of Vaasa
• living in Finland: thisisFINLAND