Postdoctoral position at the Institute for Urban Research

Malmö University is an innovative, urban and international institute of higher education, located in the centre of Malmö. We have around 1,800 employees and 24,000 students. Our research and education are characterised by the role we believe a university should play in an open society — to contribute to sustainability and equality in a scientifically grounded way with external partners and stakeholders. Identifying and addressing the challenges of the future are of highest priority. Our researchers and students work collaboratively to create, share and spread knowledge in order to understand, explain and develop society — both locally and globally.

Department of Urban Studies
The department of Urban Studies is characterised by three core features: dynamic interdisciplinary research; a professional organisation; and a highly qualified faculty. The department comprises around 95 researchers and teachers, as well as 2000 students. We have a strong emphasis on theory-driven empirical research and teaching informed by the social and behavioral sciences.Furthermore, we collaborate with our well-established networks within the public sector, the corporate sector and civil society. Read more here.

About the Institute for Urban Research
The Institute for Urban Research is a university-wide research centre that brings together all urban research at Malmö University. The IUR is the first institute for urban research in the Oresound region – the region with one of the highest urban growth rates in Europe. It seeks to consolidate urban research at Malmö University and make Malmö University grow into one of the most prominent places for urban research in Sweden, Scandinavia and Europe. The IUR is open to all urban research but has a specific focus on urban renewal and housing, urban economics, mobilities, urban ecology, urban economics, migration and social sustainability. You can find our website here: https://www.iuresearch.se/

Content and work responsibilities
The successful candidate will work in the project ‘Smart cities for city officials’ and will execute the following tasks:

Main tasks:


• Familiarise him/herself with the project and the research work carried out so far
• Write a literature review of smart city research in Northern Europe
• Interview city officials to assess their needs regarding smart cities
• Participate in writing publications
• Presenting work in public seminars and lectures

Additional tasks


• Make an inventory of existing smart city courses in a European context
• Assist in preparing and organising a smart city course for city officials

Abstract of the project:

The purpose of the project is to fill an important knowledge gap in smart cities research: while our technological knowledge regarding smart cities is substantial, little is known about the role of city authorities in the implementation of smart city planning. The project seeks to critically examine the risks and the benefits of smart city services and products offered by international corporations from the viewpoint of city authorities. Through a detailed analysis of the social, environmental and political aspects of smart urbanization, it seeks to empower city authorities to make informed decisions about what smart city planning can offer them. The project is firmly anchored in cooperation between researchers, city authorities and selected providers of smart city services and products. Besides scientific output, the project will result in workshops and on-line courses at Malmö University that will train city officials in dealing effectively and professionally with smart city planning.

Qualifications
Candidates should have obtained a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of urban studies or any related field (for example geography, planning, political science, sociology, economics, architecture, history, design and other related disciplines). The employment is primarily relevant to people who have completed their doctoral degree no less than three years before the application period for the position of postdoc has expired. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree may have been completed at an earlier date. Special circumstances constitute time off because of illness, parental leave, clinical practice, union duties or other similar circumstances.

Specific requirements for this position:


• Fluency in English

The following would be of benefit for the position:


• Proven ability to co-operate with colleagues in other disciplines

Further information
In our recruitment work, Malmö University has taken a stand regarding recruitment channels and marketing. We therefore decline all offers of advertising and recruitment assistance in connection with this advertisement.

Application
As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that your application is completed in accordance with the advertisement, and that it is provided to the University no later than August 17th 2020.

The application consists of the following elements:


• Personal letter with motivation
• CV including contact information for two reference persons
• List of publications relevant for the employment
• Copies of grades and certificates, in Swedish or English
• Main publications (max five including the PhD thesis)

Additional information
The position is a full-time, fixed-term employment for 1 year starting Autumn 2020.
Malmö University is a workplace and higher education institution that is characterised by an open and inclusive approach, where gender equality and equal terms add value to our activities.
Malmö University applies individual salary setting.

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