"Professor of Practice in Data Economy"

Job Description

Aalto University is a community of bold thinkers where science and art meet technology and business. We are committed to identifying and solving grand societal challenges and building an innovative future. Aalto University has six schools with nearly 12 000 students and almost 400 professors. Our main campus is located in Espoo, Finland.

Aalto University Department of Industrial Engineering and Management (Espoo, Finland) invites applications for:

Professor of Practice in Data Economy

The Department of Industrial Engineering and Management conducts world-class research and provides impactful education on the creation and transformation of technology-based business. We create new scientific knowledge to establish new businesses and to drive technology-driven transformation across large and small firms and entire industries. Tying together theory-driven and problem-oriented research is the basis for our education of future leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, and researchers who can meet global challenges in technology-based business. Also, we provide management and entrepreneurship education for Aalto University students and management training for business practitioners in technology firms. For more information, see http://tuta.aalto.fi/en/

Aalto University invites applicants for a Professorship of Practice position in the field of Data Economy. The position is fixed term for a maximum of five years and full-time. The professorship will be established at the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, School of Science, in collaboration with the XAMK University of Applied Sciences. The professorship is based on generous donations from organizations operating in the Mikkeli region.

Data has become crucial in business and society as large-scale data collection, storage, and use have become technically and economically viable. Data is increasingly used to develop products and services in both the private and public sectors, as well as in industrial operations across various industries. Recent advances in artificial intelligence further highlight the role of data and the opportunities that arise from its effective usage by different types of organizations across the economy. The data economy is one avenue for companies to pursue growth and internationalization. Overall, the value of the data economy in the EU is estimated at up to 850 billion euros in 2025 (European Commission).

The professorship focuses on data in innovation and decision-making, as well as in the development of value-added activities in society. The professorship will help understand and utilize data archives and digital platforms in research and development activities. This aligns with global trends in data digitization and management, focusing on the collection, processing, and use of data to improve business operations and public services.

The goals of the professor of practice in data economy include:

• Development of research-based knowledge on ways in which organizations can utilize opportunities related to knowledge management, information governance, and digital platforms in the development and growth of their own business.
• Promoting research and development opportunities related to the development of services, products, and business.
• Developing teaching and continuous learning in the areas of data utilization.
• Promoting cooperation between companies, public actors, and Aalto University in the Mikkeli region, as well as connections to international research organizations with expertise in the data economy.
• Monitoring and influencing national and EU-level data-economy regulation, and helping organizations interpret and apply it.

We offer the candidate the opportunity to develop teaching and conduct research within a vibrant, active international research community. We offer a broad range of options for managing cross-disciplinary research in collaboration among Aalto University, XAMK, and their various stakeholders. This includes collaboration with Finnish technology industries and public sector organizations, particularly in the Mikkeli area.

Requirements

The applicants should hold a doctoral degree in a discipline relevant to this position. The selected person is expected to be willing to work part-time in the Mikkeli area. The applicants will be reviewed based on their research and teaching merits, professional experience, and activity in the Finnish innovation ecosystems. Communication skills in English are required, and Finnish language skills are an advantage, but not mandatory.

Salary and benefits

Salary is internationally competitive, and Aalto University provides health care and retirement benefits. Finland is a great and safe environment, offering many excellent state-subsidized services, including affordable day care and free schools, which are consistently ranked among the best in the world.

For more information

For additional information about the position and the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, please get in touch with Professor Risto Rajala or the Head of the Department, Jens Schmidt. On matters related to the application process, please contact HR Partner Hanna Koli (firstname.lastname@aalto.fi).

How to apply

The application material for the position includes:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• List of publications (with the most significant publications highlighted)
• Teaching statement (recommended length 2 pages)
• Research statement (recommended length 2-4 pages)
• Reference letters from at least two referees

Note that the file size can be max 5MB and you can submit 5 documents altogether, so please bundle some of the application material together. All application material should be submitted in English and addressed to the President of Aalto University. To apply, please share the required material with us through our recruitment site ("Apply now!") latest at 23.59pm (EET) 21st December 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). If you are a student or visitor at Aalto University, please apply with your personal email address (not aalto.fi) via Aalto University open positions

Aalto University reserves the right, for justified reasons, to leave the position open, extend the application period, and consider candidates who have not submitted applications during the application period. The recruitment decision is subject to the decision by the leadership of the Aalto University School of Science.

To find out more about the position and how to apply for it, please go to: https://www.aalto.fi/careers