Postdoctoral Researcher position in the Study of Religion

MePhiS engages in philosophical and interdisciplinary scholarship that places the concept of suffering at the centre of philosophical reflection and offers conceptual and argumentative tools for a deeper understanding of human engagement with affliction, starting from the meliorist (Lat. melior, better) idea that the world can and should be made better through active human efforts. According to meliorism, a positive outcome is neither guaranteed (optimism) nor impossible (pessimism).

The team Future, Futurelessness, and Vernacular Responses to Suffering (WP5) explores vernacular religious and non-religious encounters and responses—such as explanations, justifications, and imaginations—related to suffering. We are particularly interested in both empirical and theoretical approaches that address human and non-human death, climate change, and the loss of nature amidst an increasingly unpredictable future. Our aim is to understand how different groups engage with contemporary (poly)crises and whether these encounters reflect a melioristic stance toward suffering. We are especially searching for expertise that complements our present team's competences.

The Postdoctoral Researcher will be responsible for

• pursuing the research aims described above in the context of the Study of Religion;
• authoring scholarly publications independently and collaboratively on these topics;
• collaborating with other members of the MePhiS, including through joint publications and other research activities; and
• contributing to teaching and administrative duties, amounting to approximately 5-10 % of the working time.

Requirements for the position and assessment of qualifications

We are looking for a candidate with expertise in the empirical and theoretical Study of Religion in contemporary society, and interested in advancing the research aims described above. Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in a relevant field within the humanities or social sciences (e.g. Religious Studies, Anthropology or Sociology of Religion) and have the ability to conduct independent scholarly work as well as the teaching skills necessary for the position. Other academic activities of MePhiS are expected. A pre-existing interest in the general theme of the CoE is an advantage. The working language of MePhiS is English, and excellent written and oral communication skills in English are required.

When assessing applicants' qualifications, attention will be paid to international academic activities, including high-quality peer-reviewed publications. Applicants should be prepared to provide proof of their qualifications upon request. Please do not submit AI-generated proposals.

What we offer

The position is fix-term for three years starting in January 2027 or earlier/later as agreed. A six-month trial period applies to new employees at University of Helsinki.

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 €43,000 - €50,000.

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 appointee is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki. The university is an internationally renowned research university offering a wide range of staff benefits, including occupational health care and health insurance, flexible working hours, excellent campus 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.

The Faculty of Theology is well-known for its internationally acknowledged research in the fields represented by MePhiS, and there are close ties with the Faculty of Law, the Faculty of Humanities, the Faculty of Social Science, and the Faculty of Education, as well as other units on the City Centre Campus.

The Faculty of Theology and the University of Helsinki welcomes applicants from a variety of genders, linguistic and cultural backgrounds, and minorities. A diverse and equitable study and work culture is important to us. That is why we do our best to promote an inclusive university community. We encourage all qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply for our positions.

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How to apply

The application must be accompanied by the following documents in PDF format:

• CV (max. 3 pages, including contact details of two referees)
• A list of publications
• A letter of motivation (max. 1 page) outlining your motivation for applying, relevant expertise, and how you would contribute to the research aims and collaborative activities of the project.
• A research proposal (max. 3 pages) consisting of
  • a description of how your previous research experience and current work align with the overarching aims of the team of Future, Futurelessness and Vernacular Responses to Suffering;
  • a research idea outlining why the project's themes or approach interest you and how you position your own research within this context;
  • a preliminary publication plan.

Other attachments, including letters of recommendation or certificates, are not required at this point.

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.

The closing date for applications is 1st of November 2026 (at 23:56/UTC+3). The online interviews to shortlisted candidates will be announced later.

For further information about the position please contact the project PI, Professor Terhi Utriainen, terhi.utriainen@helsinki.fi.

For questions regarding the application process, please contact recruitment(at)helsinki.fi (please indicate in the heading which position you are inquiring about).

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