Researcher - Helsingin kaupunki - Helsinki, Finland

Are you interested in participation, equality, gender equality, and safety issues in urban environments? Do you want to produce research data that supports Helsinki's development into a more equal and safer city? We are looking for a researcher for a fixed-term position during parental leave from September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2027. The researcher will be part of the City Council's Strategy Department, Urban Data Unit, which produces research and statistical data on Helsinki's development and supports city management and decision-making. The role involves planning and conducting research and surveys related to participation, equality, gender issues, and safety, analyzing and interpreting results, and collaborating closely with city actors and external stakeholders. Key tasks include monitoring thematic research, collaborating with city departments and authorities, researching topics like elections, participatory budgeting, and minority experiences, reporting on Helsinki's safety research, and communicating research data to various audiences through publications, online content, and expert cooperation. The role requires the ability to understand social phenomena, conduct independent research, and collaborate with multidisciplinary expert networks. The ideal candidate has an advanced university degree, experience in research and surveys, skills in analyzing statistical and qualitative data, interest in participation, equality, democracy, or safety themes, excellent written and oral communication skills, and good collaboration and initiative skills. Finnish language skills must be good, and Swedish skills at least satisfactory. Preferred experience includes social science research, equality and safety research, and research communication. We offer the opportunity to work on socially significant research questions at the core of Helsinki's strategic data production, in a knowledgeable and encouraging team, and in collaboration with a broad expert network. The base salary is €3826.51/month plus possible experience-based additional (3% or 8%), along with comprehensive employee benefits such as occupational health services, membership in the staff fund, sports and leisure benefits, city bike, and travel benefits. We also offer opportunities for professional development and career paths. Apply by June 23, 2026, at 16:00. Interviews will be held in July (weeks 29 and 30), with remote participation possible if needed.