Aalto University is where science and art meet technology and business. We shape a sustainable future by making research breakthroughs in and across our disciplines, sparking the game changers of tomorrow and creating novel solutions to major global challenges. Our community is made up of 13000 students, 400 professors and close to 4500 other faculty and staff working on our dynamic campus in Espoo, Greater Helsinki, Finland. Diversity is part of who we are, and we actively work to ensure our community’s diversity and inclusiveness. This is why we warmly encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join our community.

The Department of Art and Media in the School of Arts, Design and Architecture (ARTS) at Aalto University is internationally recognized for providing higher education and conducting leading research in arts and media. Some of the current key areas of research in the department are visual design, visual culture, digital media, and arts education.

The Aalto Visual Communication Design (AVCD) research group in the Department of Art and Media is actively involved in researching the role of visual design, design thinking and creativity in a wide range of applied areas with societal impact. Key areas of research in AVCD include 1) visual design processes and methods, 2) theoretical and practical dimensions of visual thinking, 3) visualization and information design, and 4) theoretical and practical aspects of visual narratives in areas such as cultural heritage.

Job description
The Aalto Visual Communication Design research group is looking for candidates for a postdoctoral position in the area of creativity and well-being with particular focus on visual narratives. The selected postdoctoral researcher will work on investigating the role of creative visual storytelling activities on well-being.

The position will be filled as soon as possible for a full-time fixed 18-month term, to be concluded by the end of 2026. The salary will be determined based on experience and qualifications according to the salary system of Aalto University, starting from around 3960 Euros per month. In addition, the employment contract will include occupational health benefits.

Requirements
Qualified candidates for the postdoctoral position should hold a doctoral degree (already completed by the start date) and have sufficient research experience and interest in either visual narratives and well-being, or other fields relevant to the position (e.g., visual design, visual arts). Adequate skills in qualitative and/or artistic research methods are required, and ability for transdisciplinary research is considered to be highly advantageous. Applicants are expected to be at the early stages of their research careers and show potential for future development. Excellent English language skills is required.

The evaluation will be based on the assessment of the candidate’s relevant past research and creative/artistic background and achievements, as well as their potential for contributions to the proposed research. Short-listed candidates will be invited for an online interview.

How to apply
The applications for the postdoctoral researcher position are to be submitted by no later than 10 February 2025.

External applicants should apply using Aalto online application system (see the “Apply” link below). Existing Aalto employees and visitors should apply using their own internal Aalto user account (go to: Workday -> Career -> find jobs).

The application for the position should contain the following documents in pdf format:
1. Motivation letter (maximum 3 pages) providing a summary of each of the following: candidate’s relevant research and creative/artistic background and achievements, potential contributions to the proposed research, and past involvement in any societal projects.
2. Curriculum vitae.
3. List of all research publications and/or major creative/artistic projects.
4. Three most relevant publications and/or creative/artistic output (as attached files or links to online material).
5. Names and contact information of three referees (for future request for reference letters).

All material should be submitted in English.

More information
For additional information regarding this position, please contact the head of Aalto Visual Communication Design research group, Prof. Masood Masoodian (masood.masoodian@aalto.fi). Questions regarding the recruitment process however should be directed to HR Partner Katja Korpinurmi (katja.korpinurmi@aalto.fi).

Aalto University reserves the right for justified reasons to leave the position open and to extend the application period.

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