Director of Helsinki Institute for Information Technology HIIT

Aalto University and the University of Helsinki are looking for a proven leader to be the next Director of Helsinki Institute for Information Technology HIIT.

The institute conducts world-level basic and applied research for information and communication technology. Its research ranges from fundamental methods and technologies to novel applications and their impact on people and society.

HIIT is a joint research institute of Aalto University and the University of Helsinki. HIIT has a multinational and multidisciplinary staff of approximately 300 researchers and administrative personnel, and an annual budget of around EUR 10 million. HIIT has established partnerships with several leading international and Finnish companies as well as with universities and research institutes in Europe, North America and Asia. http://www.hiit.fi

Why Helsinki? The collaborating Aalto University and University of Helsinki form a leading hub of computer science and modelling. Helsinki region is a safe, pleasant and attractive place to live in, with well-functioning services such as public transport etc. Finland has a comprehensive social security and health care system, including exceptionally good parental leaves, children's day care services, and an internationally highly acclaimed school system.

HIIT Director Qualifications

• A world-recognized leader and researcher in the field of computer science who has demonstrated a deep and broad understanding of computer science and information technology, of their applications and of their impact on users and society
• A visionary and strategist, highly technical, articulate and sophisticated communicator
• Proven ability to
  • Lead and manage a team of highly skilled research professionals
  • Create and articulate management processes and show leadership
  • Attract, lead and inspire a diverse group of talented researchers in a multicultural environment, both on-site and from afar
  • Influence stakeholders, including leaders and technologists in industry as well as in academic or university settings
  • Promote co-operation with companies, research institutes and universities at international level
• Doctoral degree

HIIT Director Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the HIIT director include the following:

• Developing and delivering the institute strategy
• Taking responsibility for HIIT’s budget and finances as well as preparing and proposing issues for the HIIT Board
• Heading the staff of HIIT and leading the recruitment of new staff
• Interacting with funding agencies, institutions and corporations
• Strengthening the institute’s relationships with partners and other stakeholders globally as well as in Finland
• Exploiting the research excellence of HIIT's parent universities, in co-operation with them
• Carrying out scientific research in a core area of HIIT and teach at the doctoral level

The director works in close co-operation with HIIT’s Board of Directors, the strategic decision-making body of the institute.

Duration
Both Aalto University and the University of Helsinki shall employ the director for a period of up to 5 years at a time beginning August 1, 2015. The appointment is renewable.

Applications
Applications (one pdf-file including a CV, a list of publications, a future vision for research in information technology and HIIT in general, and salary expectation) should be addressed to the HIIT Board. The deadline for the submission of applications is November 20, 2014

Applications through electronic recruitment system at:

https://www.saimanet.com/aaltohome/aew.html?did=5900&lang=fi&job_id=275&jc=6

Should there be a lack of eligible outstanding applicants, the application period may be extended. While all applicants who have submitted an application by the deadline will be appropriately considered, Aalto University and the University of Helsinki reserve the right to consider also other candidates for the announced position.

Additional information is available from:

Professor Risto Nieminen, Dean of Aalto University School of Science, risto.nieminen@aalto.fi
Professor Jouko Väänänen, Dean of Faculty of Science at University of Helsinki, ml-dekaani@helsinki.fi
Professor Pekka Orponen, Head of the Department of Information and Computer Science at Aalto University, pekka.orponen@aalto.fi
Professor Jukka Paakki, Head of the Department of Computer Science at the University of Helsinki, jukka.paakki@helsinki.fi

Recruitment process: HR Specialist Helena Knuuttila, helena.knuuttila@aalto.fi

Espoo, October 6, 2014
Aalto University, Helsinki
University of Helsinki, Helsinki

About the Universities

The University of Helsinki, established in 1640, is the most versatile university in Finland. It has 36,500 students and 8 600 staff members working at four campuses. The university lays special emphasis on the quality of education and research, and it is a member of the League of the European Research Universities (LERU). http://www.helsinki.fi/university/

Aalto University is a new university with over a century of experience. Created from a high-profile merger of three leading universities in Finland – the Helsinki University of Technology, the Helsinki School of Economics, and the University of Art and Design Helsinki – Aalto University opens up new possibilities for strong multidisciplinary education and research. The University has 20 000 students and a staff of 5 000 including 350 professors. http://www.aalto.fi/en/.