Aalto University is where science and art meet technology and business. We shape a sustainable future by making research breakthroughs in and across our disciplines, sparking the game changers of tomorrow and creating novel solutions to major global challenges. Our community is made up of 120 nationalities, 14 000 students, 400 professors and close to 5000 other faculty and staff working on our dynamic campus in Espoo, Greater Helsinki, Finland. Diversity is part of who we are, and we actively work to ensure our community’s diversity and inclusiveness. This is why we warmly encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join our community.
The Department of Energy and Mechanical Engineering, together and with passion, we research, teach, develop and create solutions targeting social need and shaping a safe and efficient future generation of materials, manufacturing, structures, machines, ships, energy flows and systems
We are now looking for a
Research assistant – M.Sc. Thesis vacancy “A risk governance analysis of the Finnish maritime transport system”
Background: The Finnish maritime safety system originates from times when there was jurisdiction to international shipping from the international, IMO level and a wide national competence on domestic shipping. The national regulation became more comprehensive on domestic issues as accidents occurred and demanded reactions from the regulator and the IMO regulation got more comprehensive along with developing technology, increasing ship sizes, less tolerance to accidents, and new demands for regulation such as safety and security assurance and environmental protection. With the EU’s increasing role, the supra-national regulation became stronger, and harmonized regulation for the member states was given even on issues that were not internationally regulated. The composition of the national system has inherent characteristics of any complex socio-technical system that requires new means for representation and further development towards the new targets of the whole maritime cluster.
We are now looking for a research assistant/ master’s thesis worker to carry out to determine a detailed analysis of the current transition of the Finnish maritime cluster to determine a risk governance structure that can adopt the current challenges of the industry and that serves as a platform to allow discussions and support the development of an updated risk governance strategy. The thesis focuses on the development of a model that supports the understanding of the critical elements/components/parties of risk governance and safety assurance of the Finnish maritime cluster. The thesis focuses the elaboration of a system description and definition of the Finnish maritime transport system. The thesis is done in collaboration with critical stakeholders for risk governance and safety assurance in Finland, and it’s aligned with EU initiatives developed in our research group.
Your role and goals
The research assistant and the thesis to be completed will focus on the study of safety science particularly risk governance and safety management with a focus on the analysis of the Finnish maritime cluster. And its connection to EU maritime developments and plans for the upcoming 15 years.
Your network and team
The thesis is developed withing the Research Group on Safe and Efficient Marine and Ship Systems (SEMSS) at Aalto Marine and Arctic Technology (Department of Energy and Mechanical Engineering). The thesis is aligned to collaboration with Finnish Maritime Authorities and Maritime Safety Responsibles.
Your experience and ambitions
The work is situated within the general topics of risk governance, safety management, system modeling, and systems engineering. Students with a background in maritime safety, marine technology, and safety engineering with an interest in the topic are encourage to apply. The management of the Finnish language at a proficient level is considered a significant plus for the candidate.
What we offer
A work contract for 6 months full-time, according to the salary scales of Aalto University. The workplace is in Otakaari 4/ Tietotie 1C, Espoo (Otaniemi), Finland. By working at our SEMSS research group we offer:
- Meaningful and inspiring environment. We are proud of our purpose to shape a sustainable future. We spark the game changers of tomorrow, and renew society with research-based knowledge, creativity and an entrepreneurial mindset.
- Culture that inspires and includes everyone. All our work is guided by the values of the university: responsibility, courage, and collaboration. It’s the people that create Aalto, now and in the future. We want to be an open community where equality and inclusion enable curiosity, innovation, collaboration and wellbeing.
- Support, coaching and sparring when you feel you need it.
- Great possibilities for competence development and learning. We constantly keep learning to find the most impactful ways to empower – and invest in – our people.
Our vast array of professional development opportunities means you will grow and learn, having the chance to participate actively in staff trainings and development projects based on your interests and needs. The salary for this position is 2500€/month. We value work-life balance and well-being in all aspects of life. Life on the revitalized campus is vibrant, featuring stunning architecture, tranquil nature, and a variety of cafes, restaurants, and services, all complemented by excellent public transportation connections.
Join us!
To apply, please share your CV and motivation letter with us through our recruitment site (“Apply now!”) latest on 30th April 2025.
Please note: Aalto University’s employees should apply for the position via our internal HR system Workday (Internal Jobs) by using their existing Workday user account (not via the external webpage for open positions).
For more information about the role, please contact Assistant Professor. Osiris A. Valdez Banda: osiris.valdez.banda@aalto.fi In questions related to the recruitment system, please contact hr-eng@aalto.fi .
We will go through applications, and we may invite suitable candidates to interview already during the application period. We aim to have a transparent and equal recruitment process, so feel free to ask us for feedback.
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and Shaping a Sustainable Future.
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About Finland
Finland is a great place for living with or without family – it is a safe, politically stable and well-organized Nordic society. Finland is consistently ranked high in quality of life and was listed again as the happiest country in the world: World Happiness Report 2024
For more information about living in Finland: Aalto Careers for International Staff .
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