The Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Helsinki invites applications for the position of
DOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT STUDIES
for a fixed term of at least three years starting on 1 March 2027 (or as agreed). Successful candidates are expected to work full-time.
The position is part of the project, Forests At Tipping points in the Era of Post-truth and Polycrisis: Insights from Brazil and Finland (FATE) (funded by Research Council of Finland 2024-2030). The FATE project examines deforestation and clearcutting in Brazil and Finland as key contributors to approaching climatic ecological tipping points. Through interviews, participant observation, qualitative documentary analysis and analysis of discourses in official documents and the media, the project creates understanding of the links between post-truth politics and approaching tipping point events, creating a better understanding of the societal effects of tipping points, while aiming to identify ways to mitigate their worst effects. The project is led by Markus Kröger.
About the position
The appointee will be responsible for the production of research material in Brazil (in-situ fieldwork, media and online ethnography, conducting interviews and observation). The successful candidate will thus be required to spend periods of time in Brazil over the course of their employment.
Working closely with the Principal Investigator, the appointee will play a key role in WP which focuses on the role of global climatic ecological tipping points in the political economy and policy-making processes of forests. The appointee will be expected to publish articles, independently and jointly, based on the empirical material produced, as well as participating in project communications, organizing project events and other tasks relating to the project. Duties will also include teaching (up to 5% of annual working time).
Qualifications and selection criteria
Applicants must hold a master’s degree and thesis with excellent grades in global development studies, social sciences, human geography, or another field relevant to the research topic. They must have proven ability and motivation to pursue postgraduate studies and a doctoral degree according to the study plan and research proposal, evidenced by previous degree studies or other activities. The other key requirements are:
- Prior expertise in conducting research, working or other major exposure in the context of the Brazilian Amazon forest communities and politics.
- Fluency or excellent skills in Portuguese and English language
The appointee will need to have secured the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki by the start of the appointment, or must apply for the right and obtain it within the six-month probationary period. See: www.helsinki.fi/en/research/doctoral-education/the-application-process-in-a-nutshell.
Applicants’ skills and motivation to conduct research on this project will be evaluated on the basis of their application documents and an interview. The successful candidate will have excellent analytic and writing skills and will be able to conduct independent work. While we expect the research plan to align with the key themes of the research project, applicants are encouraged to implement approaches to the topic relevant to their own expertise and scholarly interest.
Experience of working or researching in topics related to the topics of the FATE project is welcome, as is prior experience of conducting qualitative and especially ethnographic research. Experience working in the Brazilian Amazon and with communities in rural, forest areas is considered an advantage. The appointee needs to conduct fieldwork in Brazil, thus, speaking Portuguese is a requirement of the position. English is our working language and the appointed person is expected to have advanced skills in spoken and written English.
The appointee will be expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki. They will also be expected to conduct extensive field research in Brazil.
What we offer
We offer an attractive workplace with a variety of opportunities to shape your research trajectory, including support for publishing, networking and interdisciplinary collaboration. The position is located at the Faculty of Social Sciences in the discipline of Global Development Studies.
The University of Helsinki is an equal opportunities employer and offers an attractive and diverse workplace in an inspiring environment with a range of benefits. The annual gross salary will range from approximately €32,000 to €42,000 for the doctoral researcher depending on qualifications and experience. Standard Finnish pension benefits and occupational health care are provided for university employees. Further information can be obtained online. The employment contract will include a probationary period of six months.
Finland is a member of the European Union, has high quality free schooling (also in English) and generous family benefits and healthcare. Finland was recently ranked as the best country in the world for expat families, and Helsinki in the world’s top ten most livable cities. Finland and the Helsinki region feature leading research and innovation facilities, clean environment, affordable accommodation, and excellent international, national, and local transport connections. For more information about working at the University of Helsinki and living in Finland, please see the website.
How to apply
Please submit your application, together with the required attachments, through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the “Apply now” button below. Use your current email address to register with the Recruitment System. Internal applicants (i.e. current employees of the University of Helsinki) may submit applications using the “Employee Login” button. The closing date for applications is 12 November 2026.
Please include the following documents as PDF files:
- A letter of motivation describing your interest in and suitability for the project (max. 1 page).
- A research plan (1500-2000 words)
- A curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages)
- A list of publications
- Recommendations from up to two referees and their contact details.
- Relevant supporting documents to verify qualifications, such as degree and language certificates (English and Portuguese)
Instructions for preparing your CV and list of publications are available online.
Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed during November 2026.
Further information
For technical support with the recruitment system, contact recruitment@helsinki.fi