Project Researcher or Doctoral Researcher, Regional Studies (STRAIND project)

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. We are hiring a Project Researcher or a Doctoral Researcher to work on the STRAIND Project. The position is for a fixed term of 4 years with a start date at the beginning of October 2025 or as agreed (at the beginning of January 2026 at the latest). The position is located in the School of Management in the [Public Policy and Governance Research Group](https://www.uwasa.fi/en/research/groups/public-policy-and-governance), Regional Studies team. The position is located in Vaasa. The joint STRAIND project of the University of Vaasa and the University of Turku examines the return of regional industrial policy. The project develops new innovation and growth policy tools by combining research on innovation and industrial policy with research on strategic regional development policy. Strategic industrial renewal in the current volatile environment requires a comprehensive understanding of versatile place-based innovation potential and the spatiality of threats and opportunities. Funded by Business Finland, the project runs from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2027, and is carried out in broad collaboration with an international research network and Finnish stakeholders. After the project, the selected candidate will finalize the doctoral dissertation on the topic as a Doctoral Researcher at the University of Vaasas Doctoral Program. The STRAIND project offers an excellent opportunity for a Doctoral Researcher to complete their dissertation as part of an international research team. The supervisory team includes researchers from the Regional Studies team at the University of Vaasa and the Center for Innovation Research (CIRCLE) at Lund University. https://www.univaasa.fi/en/about/organisation/schools/technology-and-innovations/ Your role You work as part of a research team while simultaneously preparing your own doctoral dissertation, focusing particularly on Finnish and international examples of returning regional industrial policies. As a practical task, you will participate in the planning and implementation of the project's case studies, especially in terms of document analysis (including AI-assisted analysis) and research interviews. Additionally, you will familiarize yourself with recent research literature in the field by preparing a literature review on returning regional industrial policies. The position may also include other tasks to be agreed upon separately. All tasks are agreed in more detail in the Annual Work Plan. The annual working time is 1612 hours. Requirements A person who has completed a suitable higher university degree in regional studies or related fields and is a doctoral student at the University of Vaasa can be selected for the position of Doctoral Researcher. The position can also be filled under the title of Project Researcher for applicants who commit to applying for doctoral study rights at the University of Vaasa during spring 2026. The selected candidate may apply for doctoral studies through a separate application to the University of Vaasa's Graduate School | [Read more about doctoral education.](https://www.uwasa.fi/en/education/doctoral-education) We therefore expect the selected person to have the ability and motivation for doctoral studies and to complete a doctoral degree. Successful performance in the role requires fluency in English, and studies and experience related to the STRAIND projects topics are considered an advantage. Knowledge of Finnish is considered an advantage but is not mandatory. Read more about the selection process and language policies: Application processing and selection process | [University of Vaasa (uwasa.fi)](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 employees personal performance in accordance with the Finnish University Salary System (YPJ). The salary is based on demand level 2 (approximately 2418-2714 euros/month based on the experience and skills of the person selected for the position). The 5,000 students and 650 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 September 14, 2025 (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](https://www.uwasa.fi/en/open-positions/application-attachments) is required. - Motivation letter.https://www.uwasa.fi/en/open-positions/application-attachments Further information - Associate Professor Helka Kalliomäki - Tel. +358 29 449 8411 - Email. firstname.lastname(a)uwasa.fi Inquiries about the online application system: careers(a)uwasa.fi The employment is subject to a probationary period.