Institution: University of Helsinki
Faculty: Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry
Unit: Ruralia Institute
Employment Type: Fixed-term (earliest October 2026 – December 2029)
Application Deadline: 18 August 2026, 23:59 (Europe/Helsinki Time)
Position ID: 5082

Position Overview

Ruralia Institute at the University of Helsinki invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Sustainability of Cooperatives for a contract starting at the earliest October 2026 and ending in December 2029.

The appointed person will join the Sustainability and Community Enterprises research group led by Academy Research Fellow Taneli Vaskelainen.

The successful candidate will work in the SUSTRACOOP project (Understanding the Role of Cooperatives in Sustainability Transitions), funded by the Research Council of Finland.

Cooperatives are a key part of the global economy, employing approximately 10% of the world's working population, and have been identified as important vehicles of sustainability transitions by both researchers and societal stakeholders. However, understanding of their sustainability impact remains limited because transition studies have largely focused on small organizations in emerging sectors, while management studies have paid relatively little attention to the cooperative organizational form.

SUSTRACOOP conceptualizes the role of cooperatives in promoting or inhibiting sustainability transitions. The project focuses on large cooperatives in the food, forestry, and retail sectors.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Conduct Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) to examine factors leading to positive and negative cooperative sustainability impacts;
• Conduct historical analysis on the sustainability orientation of selected case cooperatives;
• Co-conduct a literature review on cooperative sustainability;
• Co-edit a journal special issue on the sustainability of cooperatives;
• Co-construct and promote a list of lighthouse cooperatives that are exemplary in terms of sustainability;
• Communicate research results through scientific publications and conference presentations;
• Co-supervise PhD and MSc students working on the project;
• Contribute to new research ideas and participate in grant applications;
• Depending on interests and expertise, contribute to teaching in cooperative studies.

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate should:

• Hold a relevant PhD degree (e.g., business administration, management, sociology, or innovation studies). The degree must be completed by the beginning of employment;
• Have demonstrated expertise in qualitative research methods, preferably Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA);
• Have a solid publication record and evidence of scientific motivation and productivity;
• Be able to work independently as well as collaboratively in a diverse research team;
• Have excellent written and spoken English communication skills.

The following are considered additional merits:

• Finnish, Dutch, and German language skills;
• Previous experience with cooperatives and cooperation.

What We Offer

The University of Helsinki offers:

• Professional development opportunities within an enthusiastic and supportive research team with a strong international reputation in community enterprise research;
• Opportunities to pursue your own research interests, preferably related to community enterprises, as part of the position is funded beyond the SUSTRACOOP project;
• Encouragement and support to develop independent research projects and grant applications;
• Extensive national and international networking opportunities through a high-profile research project.

About the University of Helsinki

The University of Helsinki ranks among the world's leading multidisciplinary research universities.

The university comprises:

• 11 faculties;
• Separate institutes and research units;
• Approximately 35,000 students.

About the Ruralia Institute

The Ruralia Institute is part of the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry at the University of Helsinki.

The institute provides high-quality research and innovation partnerships supporting rural development.

Its multidisciplinary research focuses on:

• Development of local communities;
• Sustainable food systems;
• A renewing bioeconomy.

The institute collaborates extensively with international, national, and regional partners and employs approximately 50 experts located at university centres in Mikkeli and Seinäjoki.

Terms of Employment

The salary is based on requirement level 5 of the Finnish university salary system for teaching and research personnel.

In addition to the salary level, a personal performance component will be paid.

Expected starting salary: approximately €3,600–€4,200 per month, depending on experience.

Additional employment conditions include:

• Six-month trial period;
• The successful candidate is expected to reside in Finland during employment;
• Primary workplace at either:Hybrid and remote work arrangements within Finland may be agreed upon.
  • Ruralia Institute, Mikkeli, or
  • Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Viikki Campus, Helsinki;

Living and Working in Finland

Finland is one of the world's most liveable countries, offering:

• High quality of life;
• Safe living environment;
• Excellent education system;
• EU membership;
• Affordable, high-quality childcare;
• Free schooling and higher education (including programmes taught in English);
• Generous family benefits;
• Comprehensive healthcare.

University employees receive additional benefits, including:

• Occupational healthcare services;
• Access to affordable public childcare and schools;
• Other employee benefits provided by the University of Helsinki.

Application Instructions

Applications must be submitted in English through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System using the "Apply Now" button.

Current University of Helsinki employees should apply using the Employee Login.

Please submit one PDF file containing:

1. Motivation Letter (maximum 1 page)

The letter should include:

• Half a page summarizing your research experience and achievements;
• Half a page outlining your research vision for the postdoctoral period;
• Your earliest possible starting date.

2. Curriculum Vitae

Include:

• PhD thesis title;
• Date of thesis defence;
• Link to the online thesis (if available);
• Previous and current positions;
• Supervision and mentoring experience;
• Contact details for two referees.

3. Complete List of Publications

Application Deadline

18 August 2026

23:59 (Europe/Helsinki Time)

Further Information

Position

Academy Research Fellow Taneli Vaskelainen

Email: taneli.vaskelainen@helsinki.fi

Recruitment System

HR Specialists

• Mirkka Juntunen
• Emmi Karlstedt

Email: recruitment@helsinki.fi

Additional information:

• Ruralia Institute
• Viikki Campus
• Support for International Staff
• International House Helsinki

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

A diverse and equitable study and work culture is important at the University of Helsinki. The University actively promotes an inclusive academic community and encourages all qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Applicants are encouraged to read more about accessibility and inclusivity at the University.

Position Information

• Position: Postdoctoral Researcher in Sustainability of Cooperatives
• Institution: University of Helsinki
• Faculty: Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry
• Unit: Ruralia Institute
• Project: SUSTRACOOP – Understanding the Role of Cooperatives in Sustainability Transitions
• Employment Period: Earliest October 2026 – December 2029
• Salary: Approximately €3,600–€4,200/month
• Application Deadline: 18 August 2026, 23:59 (Europe/Helsinki Time)
• Position ID: 5082