"Postdoctoral Researcher"

The Research Council of Finland funded project Figurations of the child and more than human politics of childhood for the post-Anthropocene: The fossil, the microbe, the weather (MoreChild) investigates the atmospheres of growing up in the time of environmental crises and develops figurations of the child and directions for non-anthropocentric politics of childhood. The project is led by Associate Professor Riikka Hohti and is situated at the intersections of multidisciplinary childhood studies and environmental ethics.

Based on the understanding of the environmental crisis as a crisis of ontology, ethics and emotions, MoreChild examines the changing nature relations in children's everyday lives while redefining long-held, divided ideas of human and nature. Furthermore, MoreChild aims to expand the existing figurations and politics of childhood through crossdisciplinary conceptual work drawing from contemporary theories and discussions within environmental humanities, multispecies studies, and feminist new materialisms. Through employing nontraditional representational modes and non-anthropocentric language, the research advances ecological sensitivity and multispecies justice in the times of pressing crises.

Towards these ends, we invite applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher for a fixed-term period of 1.3.2026-31.8.2027.

The postdoctoral position is located in the Faculty of Theology and involves close collaboration with the research group Children of the Anthropocene (UH). However, the postdoctoral researcher can come from a range of disciplinary backgrounds and fields, including practical theology, education, Indigenous studies, environmental philosophy, social studies, artistic / arts-based research, and more. The project aims can be addressed in the postdoctoral work relatively creatively, and diverse approaches and angles to the core themes are welcomed.

The work includes:

• Research aligning with the above described aims: contribution to the MoreChild project conceptually, methodologically and empirically.
• Management and analysis of existing research data, optionally producing own empirical data, writing publications for scientific journals.
• Co-editing a book / special issue on the project themes.
• Co-coordinating academic networks and events.
• Public dissemination of research results (e.g. via social media).
• Small-scale teaching tasks (10-20%)

A more detailed research / work plan will be crafted based on mutual interests.

Requirements for the position and assessment of qualifications

According to the Regulations of the University of Helsinki, an appointee to the position of postdoctoral researcher shall hold a doctoral degree and have the ability to conduct independent scholarly work as well as the teaching skills necessary for the position.

When assessing applicants’ qualifications, attention will be paid to previous academic activities, including publications and collaborations. Attention will also be paid to the level of ambition, expertise and creativity in the applicant’s future research plans.

The position is filled with a six-month trial period.

What we offer

We offer an interesting multidisciplinary working environment including support from research group and networks of internationally leading scholars.

The salary for the position will be based on level 5 of the job requirement scheme for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities. In addition, the appointee will be paid a salary component based on personal performance. The annual gross salary is €42,000 - €49,000.

In Finnish universities, the teaching and research staff (app. 65% of total staff) have a special system regarding the free time equivalent to holiday. They belong to the 1,612 annual working hour system, in which the annual amount of paid holiday is app. 5-6 weeks on average per year.

The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development.

The University provides support for internationally recruited employees with their transition to work and life in Finland. More information here.

How to apply

The application must be submitted by 22 January. A round of interviews will take place with selected applicants between 26.1. – 30.1.2026.

The applications should be accompanied by the following documents in PDF format:

• A curriculum vitae
• A list of publications
• A free form report (max. 3 pages) describing the applicant’s research activities, such as previous research and activities in the scholarly community. The report should also outline the applicant’s future research, including a concrete description of how the applicant’s research would contribute to the aims and collaborations of the MoreChild research project as described in this call.
• Names and contact information of two referees.

Further information about academic portfolios is available on our website.

Other attachments, including letters of recommendation or certificates, are not required at this point. We expect that you will send us a self-written application that reflects your own voice and thoughts. Applications generated by artificial intelligence do not meet our expectations.

Applications must be submitted through the University of Helsinki electronic recruitment system by clicking on the link below. Current employees of the University of Helsinki must submit their applications through SAP Fiori’s Suffeli recruitment portal.

Further information about the position can be obtained from riikka.hohti@helsinki.fi. Further information about the recruitment process can be obtained from recruitment@helsinki.fi.