Postdoctoral researcher in sustainability of cooperatives

Overview

The University of Helsinki Ruralia Institute invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher (Oct 2026–Dec 2029) to work on the SUSTRACOOP project studying the sustainability role of large cooperatives in food, forestry, and retail. The successful candidate will join the Sustainability and Community Enterprises group led by Academy Research Fellow Taneli Vaskelainen.

Responsibilities

• Conduct qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) to examine factors leading to positive or negative cooperative sustainability impact.
• Conduct historical analysis of the sustainability orientation of selected case cooperatives.
• Co‑conduct a literature review on cooperative sustainability.
• Co‑edit a journal special issue on the sustainability of cooperatives.
• Co‑construct and promote a list of lighthouse cooperatives that are exemplary in sustainability.
• Communicate results through scientific publications and...