Doctoral Candidate in Social Sciences (University of Helsinki Faculty of Social Sciences)

The Faculty of Social Sciences and research project Imagi(ni)ng Democracy: European youth becoming citizens by visual participation (ImagiDem), funded by the ERC, invite applications for the position of Doctoral Candidate in Social Sciences for a fixed term starting from 1.9.2020 onwards (or as agreed). The doctoral candidate will be employed for a defined term of two to four years, depending on the phase of the appointee’s thesis. Successful candidates are expected to work full time and to complete their doctorates in four years. The successful applicant will join a research team led by professor Eeva Luhtakallio, investigating visual participation of young Europeans with two distinct methods: AI assisted image mining and ethnography. At present, the team includes four sociologists and one computer scientist, working in four countries (Finland, France, Germany and Portugal). We are looking for a doctoral student to carry out their thesis in the field of computational image mining and analyses in the framework of a social scientific study. The successful applicant will have a working level understanding of linear algebra and mathematical optimization of multivariate functions. They should also have previous experience of computer programming and digital image processing, and a basic understanding of structured programming and digital filters. In addition, we value experience in using the Matlab-software and Python programming language and knowledge of Tensorflow and Keras libraries. Understanding the research context of digital social sciences and the motivation of mixing methods are important for the applicant to adapt well to the research group. The duties of a doctoral student are to work on his or her own doctoral thesis and to complete his or her postgraduate studies. The duties also include teaching and other tasks. Teaching tasks can account for up to 5 % of the annual working time. QUALIFICATIONS Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in a field that is relevant to the research topic and have a high quality research proposal. Relevant disciplines are computational sciences, data sciences, statistics and social sciences. Other requirements include proven ability and motivation, demonstrated through previous degree studies or otherwise, to pursue postgraduate studies and a doctoral degree according to the study plan and research proposal. Fluency in English language is required. The appointee is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki. The appointee should either already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki by the start of the appointment, or apply for the right and obtain it within the probationary period of four months of their appointment. If the candidate does not already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki, it must be applied for separately. (www.helsinki.fi/en/research/doctoral-education/the-application-process-i...). WHAT WE OFFER We are an equal opportunity employer and offer an attractive and diverse workplace in an inspiring environment with a variety of development opportunities and benefits. The annual gross salary range will be approx. 29,600 – 39,000 euros, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience. In addition, University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and opportunities for professional development. Further information at https://www.helsinki.fi/en/university/working-at-the-university. The employment contract will include a probationary period of six months. HOW TO APPLY Applicants are requested to enclose with their applications the following documents as a single pdf file: 1) A curriculum vitae (max 2 pages). 2) A list of publications. 3) A research plan not exceeding four (4) pages including a statement outlining how the proposed topic fits to the profile of the ImagiDem project 4) Contact information and recommendation from one referee. For instructions, please see https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-of-social-sciences/faculty/applying-f... Please submit your application through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the link Apply for job. Applicants who are employees of the University of Helsinki are requested to submit their application via the SAP HR portal. Further information about the position may be obtained from professor Eeva Luhtakallio (eeva.luhtakallio@helsinki.fi) The University of Helsinki is the oldest and largest institution of academic education in Finland, an international scientific community of 40,000 students and researchers. In international university rankings, the University of Helsinki typically ranks among the top 100. The University of Helsinki seeks solutions for global challenges and creates new ways of thinking for the best of humanity. Through the power of science, the University has contributed to society, education and welfare since 1640. The Faculty of Social Sciences is Finland’s leading research and education institution in the social sciences and also the most diverse in terms of its disciplines. In several research fields the Faculty belongs to the top 50 in the international rankings. The Faculty has a strong international profile both in research and teaching programmes. The number of academic staff stands at 450. Each year the faculty awards some 350 Bachelor’s degrees, 400 Master’s degrees, and more than 40 doctoral degrees. For more information on the Faculty of Social Sciences, please visit www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-of-social-sciences. Due date 05.04.2020 23:59 EEST If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Socioloxy

The Faculty of Social Sciences and research project Imagi(ni)ng Democracy: European youth becoming citizens by visual participation (ImagiDem), funded by the ERC, invite applications for the position of

Doctoral Candidate in Social Sciences

for a fixed term starting from 1.9.2020 onwards (or as agreed). The doctoral candidate will be employed for a defined term of two to four years, depending on the phase of the appointee’s thesis. Successful candidates are expected to work full time and to complete their doctorates in four years.

The successful applicant will join a research team led by professor Eeva Luhtakallio, investigating visual participation of young Europeans with two distinct methods: AI assisted image mining and ethnography. At present, the team includes four sociologists and one computer scientist, working in four countries (Finland, France, Germany and Portugal).

We are looking for a doctoral student to carry out their thesis in the field of computational image mining and analyses in the framework of a social scientific study. The successful applicant will have a working level understanding of linear algebra and mathematical optimization of multivariate functions. They should also have previous experience of computer programming and digital image processing, and a basic understanding of structured programming and digital filters. In addition, we value experience in using the Matlab-software and Python programming language and knowledge of Tensorflow and Keras libraries. Understanding the research context of digital social sciences and the motivation of mixing methods are important for the applicant to adapt well to the research group.

The duties of a doctoral student are to work on his or her own doctoral thesis and to complete his or her postgraduate studies. The duties also include teaching and other tasks. Teaching tasks can account for up to 5 % of the annual working time.

QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in a field that is relevant to the research topic and have a high quality research proposal. Relevant disciplines are computational sciences, data sciences, statistics and social sciences. Other requirements include proven ability and motivation, demonstrated through previous degree studies or otherwise, to pursue postgraduate studies and a doctoral degree according to the study plan and research proposal. Fluency in English language is required. The appointee is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki.

The appointee should either already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki by the start of the appointment, or apply for the right and obtain it within the probationary period of four months of their appointment. If the candidate does not already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki, it must be applied for separately. (www.helsinki.fi/en/research/doctoral-education/the-application-process-i...).

WHAT WE OFFER

We are an equal opportunity employer and offer an attractive and diverse workplace in an inspiring environment with a variety of development opportunities and benefits. The annual gross salary range will be approx. 29,600 – 39,000 euros, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience. In addition, University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and opportunities for professional development. Further information at https://www.helsinki.fi/en/university/working-at-the-university. The employment contract will include a probationary period of six months.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants are requested to enclose with their applications the following documents as a single pdf file:

1) A curriculum vitae (max 2 pages).
2) A list of publications.
3) A research plan not exceeding four (4) pages including a statement outlining how the proposed topic fits to the profile of the ImagiDem project
4) Contact information and recommendation from one referee.

For instructions, please see https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-of-social-sciences/faculty/applying-f...

Please submit your application through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the link Apply for job. Applicants who are employees of the University of Helsinki are requested to submit their application via the SAP HR portal.

Further information about the position may be obtained from professor Eeva Luhtakallio (eeva.luhtakallio@helsinki.fi)

The University of Helsinki is the oldest and largest institution of academic education in Finland, an international scientific community of 40,000 students and researchers. In international university rankings, the University of Helsinki typically ranks among the top 100. The University of Helsinki seeks solutions for global challenges and creates new ways of thinking for the best of humanity. Through the power of science, the University has contributed to society, education and welfare since 1640.

The Faculty of Social Sciences is Finland’s leading research and education institution in the social sciences and also the most diverse in terms of its disciplines. In several research fields the Faculty belongs to the top 50 in the international rankings. The Faculty has a strong international profile both in research and teaching programmes. The number of academic staff stands at 450. Each year the faculty awards some 350 Bachelor’s degrees, 400 Master’s degrees, and more than 40 doctoral degrees. For more information on the Faculty of Social Sciences, please visit www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-of-social-sciences.