Project Planner in Geoinformatics

The Digital Geography Lab at the University of Helsinki invites applications for a Project Planner in Geoinformatics, starting as soon as possible. This exciting and diverse position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of research, project coordination, and education in one of Finland’s leading research groups in spatial data science. The position is full-time and fixed-term for a duration of 3 years.

Your role

As Project Planner, you will play a central role in organizing and coordinating our activities in two key national geoinformatics networks. The Location Innovation Hub (LIH) is a national collaboration platform that accelerates the use of location data in research, the public sector, and business. The Geoportti Research Infrastructure (RI), in turn, serves as Finland’s primary platform for improving access to geospatial data, analytical tools, and training across academia and beyond.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Participating in the planning and development of teaching, including the design of online courses (MOOCs) in geoinformatics.
• Supporting research on geospatial questions.
• Organizing events, workshops, and outreach activities that promote geospatial thinking and innovation.
• Planning and coordinating activities within LIH and Geoportti.
• Managing and supporting ongoing projects and initiatives within the Digital Geography Lab.
   

What we expect

We are looking for a proactive and well-organized team member with strong geoinformatics skills and a collaborative mindset. The ideal candidate will have:

• A Master’s degree (or higher) in geography, geoinformatics, computer science or a closely related field.
• Can-do, can-learn attitude and ability to finish tasks without a delay.
• Solid understanding of spatial data, data management, and geospatial analysis.
• Experience with programming in Python and spatial data tools (e.g., QGIS). Skills in (spatial) statistics are considered an asset.
• Experience in Open Science practices, sharing code, data and other research outputs.
• Strong communication and organizational skills, including event planning and promotion.
• A keen interest—and ideally some familiarity—with artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications in geoinformatics (GeoAI).
• Familiarity with High performance computing (HPC), cloud computing, and CSC services.
• Excellent communication skills in both English and Finnish, as many of our activities involve collaboration with Finnish-speaking as well as international partners.
• A passion for research in geoinformatics and following the international research arena.
• Interest in teaching; experience in teaching geoinformatics and preparing teaching materials is considered an asset.
   

Why join us?

This is a unique opportunity to gain versatile experience in geoinformatics, combining research, data management, infrastructure development, teaching development, and strategic project work. You will work in a dynamic and multidisciplinary research environment, contributing to nationally significant infrastructure and innovations that shape the future of digital geography in Finland. There is a possibility to participate in research projects too.

Salary and Benefits

The starting salary for the position will range from approximately 3300-3500€/month depending on the appointees’ degree, qualifications and experience. On top of the salary, the University of Helsinki offers comprehensive benefits to its employees, including:

• Occupational health care
• Flexible working hours suiting various life situations
• Access to high quality sports facilities with discounted pricing
• Opportunities for professional development and networking.
   

Please find more information about the staff benefits and about working at the University of Helsinki and living in Finland.

Interested?

Please submit your application, which includes the following PDF-documents in English:

• A motivation letter describing your interest in and potential contribution to the position.
• A curriculum vitae (CV).
   

External applicants, please submit your application to the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the Apply Now button.

Applicants who have a helsinki.fi username and a valid employment/grant/visitor contract at the University of Helsinki are requested to submit their application via the Employee login button.

We will start processing the applications on 15 May 2025. The position will be filled once a suitable candidate is found. The final deadline for the applications is 31 May 2025.

The University of Helsinki welcomes applicants of all genders, linguistic and cultural backgrounds, and minority groups.

More information?
Further information about the position can be obtained from:

• University Lecturer Kamyar Hasanzadeh, email: kamyar.hasanzadeh(at)helsinki.fi
• Professor Tuuli Toivonen, email: tuuli.toivonen(at)helsinki.fi.
   

For support with the recruitment system, please contact:

• Email: hr-kumpula(at)helsinki.fi