Postdoctoral Researcher - ERC GEOCLOUD Project

Start date: Autumn 2025

Duration: 3 years, with a 1-year extension negotiable

Location: Department of Computer Science, Aalto University, Helsinki, Finland

Apply: Applications reviewed on a rolling basis from 12 June 2025

The Digital Economic Security Lab invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to join GEOCLOUD: The Geopolitics of Cloud Computing, a European Research Council Advanced Grant project led by Professor Vili Lehdonvirta. The project investigates how states and firms shape the geography of cloud infrastructure in an era of geopolitical tension and digital interdependence.

GEOCLOUD investigates the interaction of business incentives and state security concerns in shaping computational infrastructure. Its geographic focus is on North/West Europe and East/Southeast Asia within the broader context of U.S.–China technological rivalry. The project contributes to international political economy, digital governance, and security studies.

The successful candidate will lead a work package focused on comparative cloud policy analysis. Key responsibilities include:

• Developing a dataset of policies influencing cloud infrastructure in selected jurisdictions.
• Conducting interviews with policymakers and industry professionals to assess how such policies affect cloud adoption, infrastructure investments, and data centre locations.
• Contributing to quantitative analysis using policy and infrastructure data to model how government policy shapes cloud geography.

The position can be tailored towards qualitative or quantitative work, depending on the researcher’s background. You will also contribute to academic publications, mentoring junior researchers, and shaping the project’s public outputs, including an open-access Cloud Observatory data portal.

You will be part of the Digital Economic Security Lab, a joint research group at Aalto University and the University of Oxford. The lab brings together social and computer scientists through cross-site seminars, workshops, and conferences. Travel and publication funding are included, and the role offers strong support for career development, including pathways to ERC Starting Grant applications.

Essential Selection Criteria

You must have:

• A PhD (or confirmed defence date) in Political Science, Law, Economics, or a related discipline
• Demonstrated academic writing skills and analytical ability
• Familiarity with digital policy areas (e.g. data governance, infrastructure regulation, trade)
• Interest in the geopolitics of cloud infrastructure or digital sovereignty
• Strong collaboration and communication skills
• Basic knowledge of quantitative methods (e.g. multiple regression)

Additional Selection Criteria

We also value:

• Experience with policy-relevant quantitative or mixed-methods research
• Expertise in qualitative interviews
• Knowledge of cloud infrastructure or Internet governance
• Country expertise (particularly in Europe and Asia)
• Relevant language skills

About Aalto University and Helsinki

Aalto University’s Department of Computer Science is one of Northern Europe’s top research hubs, located in a dynamic innovation ecosystem. Nearby institutions include the Finnish Institute of International Affairs and key players in cybersecurity and digital policy. Helsinki ranks consistently as one of the world’s most liveable cities and is a global leader in digital innovation. Finland also hosts major data infrastructure investments by Microsoft and Google.

Salary and Benefits

Monthly salary is approx. €4,000–€4,200 depending on experience. Benefits include occupational healthcare, generous leave, professional training, and relocation support.

How to Apply

Submit your application through Aalto’s online portal. Required documents:

• CV
• Cover letter with a point-by-point response to selection criteria (max. 1,500 words)
• One writing sample (preferably single-authored, ~8,000 words)

Informal inquiries: vili.lehdonvirta@aalto.fi and otto.kassi@aalto.fi (use subject line: GEOCLOUD)

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