Research Manager position in the strategic research area of Sustainable Resource Society: Circular Economy, Energy and Raw Materials (RESOURCE)

We are inviting applications for a part-time (30–50%) Research Manager position for 2026 in the strategic research area of Sustainable Resource Society: Circular Economy, Energy and Raw Materials (RESOURCE), Department of Geographical and Historical Studies, Joensuu Campus. The Position will start on 1 January 2026 or as agreed.  Read more below and apply no later than 7 December 2025.

The Research Manager position will be hosted by the Department of Geographical and Historical Studies at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies, more specifically by the strategic research area of Sustainable Resource Society: Circular Economy, Energy and Raw Materials (RESOURCE).

RESOURCE is a research community (RC) at the University of Eastern Finland, which focuses on sustainability transition in the fields of energy, minerals, and circular economy. RCs have a strategic role in the development of thematic research areas at UEF. Through its research and education, RESOURCE accelerates societal innovations for just sustainability transitions especially in the nexus of energy, critical raw materials, and the circular economy. Our scientific focus is on the societal challenges of sustainability transition – including business, law, politics, geography and history of green transition, environmental justice and social resilience, local and global conflicts, and collaborative governance. Our research is powered by three collaborative thematic research centers: The Research Center for Sustainable Circular Economy (CECE), the Research Center for Mining, Minerals and Society (CEMMS) and the Center for Climate Change, Energy and Environmental Law (CCEEL). The platforms for interdisciplinary collaboration include joint research projects, co-authored publications, and regular meetings and events. The activities of RESOURCE highlight societal impact, which refers not only to solid science communication, but also to concrete collaboration and interaction with various stakeholders on the national, EU and global levels.

The role of the Research Manager is to strengthen RESOURCE by coordinating the RC’s strategic development, by establishing the multidisciplinary research community’s practical and operational activities, and by leading and facilitating networking on national and international levels.

Key tasks include:

• Coordinating RESOURCE’s development and strategy work with the steering committee and research centres
• Organising work, including, e.g., webinars, events and conferences
• Contacts and administrative tasks with the university administration at different levels
• Managing web pages, e-mail lists, social media
• Arrangements for Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) meetings
• Collaborating with relevant stakeholders and other research communities within UEF.

The position will be filled for a fixed term of one year starting on 1 January 2026 (30–50%). If needed, the starting date can be a little later. The final job description will be formulated to correspond to the applicant’s possible other role at the University. The criteria, objectives and results to be achieved during the term will be agreed upon in detail with the appointee when signing the contract of employment. The position is filled for a fixed one-year term due to the nature of the employment relationship. A trial period will be applied to new members of the university staff.

The salary of the position is determined in accordance with the salary system for the teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. The salary consists of a job-related salary element and a personal salary element. In this position, the job-related salary element is based on levels 5–6 of the job requirement level chart (EUR 3,293.89–3,841.13 /month), and the personal salary element is 6–50 % of the job-related salary element. Depending on the salary elements, the salary will be approximately 3,600- 4,800 EUR /month at the beginning of employment.

Our requirements:

• A relevant doctoral degree; 
• Good command of the English language and the ability to communicate and handle administrative tasks in Finnish; and
• Organisational and collaboration skills, as well as initiative in a multidisciplinary work environment.

The following will be considered an advantage:

• A broad understanding of environmental social science;
• Experience in similar coordination roles; and
• Good proficiency with IT applications.

We offer you:

An exciting position as part of an international, creative, participatory, and inclusive university community; The opportunity for flexible, multi-location work; and The University of Eastern Finland’s staff benefits, which include comprehensive occupational healthcare, extensive staff training, affordable lunch in our campus restaurants and Sykettä sports services.

Please read more in the Work at UEF section on our website.

Enjoy your life in Finland! Known for its cleanliness, welfare know-how, modern technology and superb education system, Finland is an exotic and safe country to work in. Please visit the Life in Finland section on our website to learn more.

How to apply   

The application needs to be submitted no later than 7 December 2025 (by 24:00 hours Finnish time, UTC+2) by using the electronic application form.

The electronic application should contain the following appendices: 

• A résumé or CV (Template for CV, TENK)
• A list of publications (Instructions, Research Council of Finland website)
• A motivational letter (no more than 1 page) Copies of certificates/diplomas
• Copies of certificates/diplomas relating to the applicant’s language proficiency, if not indicated in the academic degree certificates/diplomas
• Any other documents with which you wish to demonstrate your qualifications for the position.

If your certificate/diploma is not in English, Finnish or Swedish, an official English translation must be provided. All translations must be issued either by the awarding educational institution or an authorised translator. Each page of the official translation must bear the translator’s stamp and/or signature. Official translations must be accurate translations of the original documents. Translations made by the applicants themselves are not accepted. 

For further information on the position, please contact: Professor and Director of RESOURCE rc Rauno Sairinen (tel. +358 29 445 5266, rauno.sairinen@uef.fi)

Queries related to the application procedure should be addressed to HR Specialist Airi Leppänen (tel. +358 29 445 5171, airi.leppanenen@uef.fi).