Project researcher in social sciences - LUT University - Lappeenranta, Finland

Are you interested in social science perspectives on data, energy systems, and artificial intelligence? LUT University is seeking a project researcher in social sciences to join an international research project on data quality for responsible AI in energy and transportation systems. The role is part of the NordForsk-funded project Data Quality for Responsible AI in Energy Systems (DARES), which investigates the relationship between energy systems, data, and artificial intelligence, focusing on data quality for responsible AI in energy systems under a green transition. The project is led by the University of Copenhagen (Denmark) in collaboration with KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden), the University of Bergen (Norway), the Transport and Telecommunication Institute (Latvia), and LUT University (Finland). At LUT, DARES combines expertise in social sciences and software engineering. You will be part of a growing research community at the Department of Social Sciences, which is a newly established teaching and research unit that covers a wide range of social science topics. The department provides a supportive and interdisciplinary environment for developing your research and academic skills. What your work will be like You will conduct research on how data are generated, managed, and used in energy and transportation systems. The work will involve qualitative field data collection in Lappeenranta and Lahti, Finland, as well as collaboration with international partners in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Latvia. You will write research reports, policy recommendations, guidelines, and academic articles and present your findings to both academic and broader audiences. You will work in close collaboration with researchers in social sciences and software engineering. What we are looking for We welcome applicants with an interdisciplinary background in fields such as science and technology studies, anthropology, sociology, consumer studies, urban or rural studies, human geography, environmental social science, innovation studies, or political science. We require a master’s degree and expect proficiency in qualitative research methods. We consider knowledge of approaches such as ethnography and interviewing an advantage. Strong writing skills are important for producing reports, policy recommendations, and academic articles in this role, and experience in presenting research findings to a variety of audiences is an asset. The position requires international travel, primarily within the Nordic and Baltic countries. Proficiency in English is essential. Candidates who speak only English are welcome to apply; however, a working knowledge of Finnish is a significant asset in the Finnish research environment. What we offer You will have the opportunity to develop your expertise in academic research within an interdisciplinary and internationally connected project. You will work alongside scholars from the Nordic and Baltic countries, contribute to meaningful research, and further develop your expertise in responsible AI in a research area with direct societal relevance for the green transition. This full-time position is based in Lappeenranta. LUT’s hybrid work model supports flexibility while maintaining regular on-site collaboration. The contract is fixed-term for 16 months. A six-month trial period applies. The work starts in October 2026, but the specific date is negotiable. The hours are flexible and support work-life balance. The position follows a system of 1,612 annual working hours in accordance with the collective agreement for Finnish universities. The salary is based on the Finnish university pay scales for teaching and research staff (requirement levels 1–4). The starting salary is approximately EUR 2,700–3,700 per month, depending on experience and qualifications. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to apply for doctoral studies at LUT University through the standard application process. The position offers a strong foundation for pursuing a doctoral degree.