Research assistant position at the Institute for Urban Research

About Malmö University
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.

About the 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. Read more here.

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.
• Interview city officials to assess their needs regarding smart cities.
• Presenting work in public seminars
• 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 at least a Master degree or an international degree deemed equivalent to a Master degree, within the subject of urban studies, any related field (for example geography, planning, political science, sociology, economics, architecture, history, design and other related disciplines), or communication studies.

The candidate must be fluent in English and have basic technical skills to organise on-line courses.  

Selection criteria
These are the assessment criteria:


• Previous research activities within areas relevant for this position
• Proven ability to independently conduct good quality research
• Proven ability to communicate and collaborate with actors outside the university
• Experience of organising courses
• Proven ability to co-operate with colleagues in other disciplines

Further information
For Malmö University: Guy Baeten, Director of the Institute for Urban Research, guy.baeten@mau.se
And Kerstin Sandell, Head of the Department of Urban Studies, Kerstin.sandel@mau.se.
For general employment and procedural questions, contact Rebecca Nordh, Human Resources, Rebecca.nordh.@mau.se

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
You may apply for this position via Malmö University's recruitment system by clicking on the "Apply" button. 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
• Master thesis

If the application includes physical material, send three identical sets of the supplementary physical material by mail, marked with the right reference number REK 2020/147 to the HR-department, Malmö University, 205 06 Malmö. If the physical material weighs more than 2 kg use the following address: HR-department, Matrosgatan 1, 211 18 Malmö, marked with the right reference number.

Additional information
The position is a full-time, fixed-term employment for 9 months.

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.

Starting date
Autumn 2020

Union representatives
Saco-S, Rebecka Johansson, rebecka.johansson@mau.se   
OFR, Martin Reissner, martin.reissner@mau.se

To see the full ad, visit www.mau.se

We are looking forward to receive your application!