RDI-Specialist - Vantaa - Laurea University of Applied Sciences

Kuvaus

Make an Impact – Join Laurea as an RDI Specialist in Security & Climate Change

Are you passionate about building a safer and more resilient future in the face of climate change? Laurea University of Applied Sciences is looking for a Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Specialist or Senior Specialist to join our international team working on cutting-edge EU-funded projects in the field of security and climate change.

As highlighted in numerous reports, extreme weather events are becoming increasingly frequent and severe.

The direct and indirect impacts of climate change threaten all aspects of modern society, including human health, agriculture, infrastructure, the built environment, and energy systems.

Due to its wide-ranging effects, climate change is widely recognized as a threat multiplier that intensifies other security risks.

To address these challenges, we are looking for an RDI specialist in climate change-related risks who can identify and analyze the threats they pose to individuals, communities, and societies.

You may have an educational background in environmental sciences, geography, spatial planning, social sciences, or a related field. We highly value a demonstrated ability to secure competitive research funding, particularly through the Horizon Europe framework programme.

You should be familiar with current national and international research initiatives in the security field and well-versed in guidelines and regulations (e.g., EU directives) relevant to the domain.

A primary goal of your work will be to deepen the understanding of the various impacts of climate change on the security of individuals and societies, including cascading effects.

Your Role

As an RDI Specialist, you will:

Lead and contribute to international RDI projects, primarily funded by EU Horizon Europe.
Act as an expert or project manager, driving research and innovation in climate-related security risks.
Collaborate with European partners to develop solutions that enhance societal resilience, critical infrastructure protection, and security of supply.
Prepare and coordinate project proposals and funding applications.

What We're Looking For


We're seeking someone with:
A Master's degree in a relevant field (PhD is a plus)
Proven expertise in climate change and security
Previous work experience in international RDI projects, particularly EU-funded projects
Excellent written and good spoken English (Finnish is a bonus but not required)

We Value

Strong project management skills
Experience in writing successful funding applications
Experience in EU's RDI Framework Programmes (especially Horizon Europe)
Existing networks with pan-European actors in the field
Relevant academic publishing experience
Good collaboration skills
Capacity and commitment to meet deadlines, also under pressure
A proactive, innovative mindset and a desire to grow professionally

Why Join Us?

At Laurea, you'll be part of one of Finland's most respected universities of applied sciences, known for its excellence in safety and security research


We offer:
A flexible working culture with remote work options
A clear RDI career path with mentoring and support
Opportunities to develop your expertise and shape your role to match your goals
A collaborative international team, access to Finnish language courses and support in relocation if necessary
A chance to make a real societal impact through your work

You'll be part of an RDI team, supported by experienced colleagues from our RDI services and the Security and Risk Management teaching team.

Your work will contribute to Laurea's strategic Coherent Security Research Programme.

Salary And Benefits

Monthly salary:
Specialist €/month, Senior Specialist €/month.

Annual leave: 30 to 38 days of paid leave depending on the number of earned leave months and relevant work experience.

Free and comprehensive occupational health care.

Epassi benefit for personal well-being and recreation

Publication bonuses depending on publication classification.

Mobile phone benefit.

An inspiring team environment with engaging discussions — and plenty of laughter guaranteed

Employment terms follow the Collective Agreement for Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences, with a weekly working time of 36.25 hours.

This full-time and permanent position is in Laurea's Leppävaara or Tikkurila campus in the Helsinki metropolitan area.

About Laurea

Laurea University of Applied Sciences operates across six campuses in the Uusimaa region, Finland. Our community includes around 10,000 students, 680 staff members, and over 28,200 alumni. Laurea combines education with research and development to promote service innovation and entrepreneurship.

Applied research at Laurea is conducted within three programmes:

Sustainable and versatile social and health care
Service business and circular economy
Coherent security

Laurea currently holds the largest share of Horizon Europe funding among all Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences.

Laurea aims to be an equal and diverse work community, and we encourage individuals of different ages, genders, and those belonging to linguistic, cultural, or other minorities to apply for our open positions.

Through our recruitment efforts, we also strive to enhance our expertise in diversity and sustainable development. Laurea supports employees of different ages and at various career stages, considering their different life situations. We see the balance between work, leisure, and family life as a significant strength. The primary working languages at Laurea are Finnish and English. We are happy to support our staff in developing their language skills.

Let's Build the Future Together

We're excited to welcome a new colleague who shares our passion for innovation and impact. Apply now and become part of our success story

Please apply via our recruiting system by sending your cover letter and CV by the 19th of November 2025

More information

About the research area:
Research Programme Director Jarmo Seppälä st of October at 1-2 PM or 14th of November at 1-2 PM) or

About working at Laurea:
RDI Director Hanna Tuohimaa th of October at 3-4 PM or 18th of November at 3-4 PM) or
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