"Research Assistant"

We are recruiting a Research Assistant for the Research Council of Finland research project Emotion and Confession in sixteenth-century Germany. The project is funded by the Research Council of Finland and is carried out at the Department for Church History. Drawing from research currents such as lived religion, history of experience and history of emotions, the project studies the role of emotions in shaping religious practices, identities and groups in Reformation Germany. The analysis is based on a broad variety of historical sources (archival, printed and edited) by Protestant rulers, theologians and laypeople, written mostly in German.

We invite applications for a Research Assistant for a fixed-term contract during 1.9.–31.12.2025 (or starting as agreed). Please note the selected candidate must be an enrolled student (bachelor or master level) at University of Helsinki.

The tasks include assisting the PI in project data management, e.g.:

• Migrating the project's existing research database from a FileMaker-based database to OneNote or similar (primary task)
• Assisting in other project IT and data management related tasks
• Other separately assigned tasks in the project

Working hours are flexible and paid by hour. The work is full-time, 36.5 hours/week, but if it isn’t possible to work full time, please mention this in your application and inform the hours per week you would be able to work. Flexible arrangements are possible with the work hours depending on the situation of the selected candidate.

The salary for the position is EUR 15.31-15.58/h, depending on previous work experience.

Requirements for the position

The task requires:

• Accuracy and punctuality
• Excellent IT skills, especially in various reference programs (FileMaker, OneNote, Mendeley)
• Excellent command of Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel)
• Ability to work independently

The following are considered an advantage:

• Other IT skills
• English and/or German language skills
• Studies in history or church history or an interest in historical research

Knowledge of Finnish is desirable, but not mandatory, provided that the applicant has excellent knowledge of English or German.

The work requires practical arrangements at the university, so it cannot be done remotely. The project will provide the research assistant with a shared office on centre campus.

How to apply

Applications should consist of the following English-language documents in PDF format:

• CV
• Transcript of records
• Motivation letter of why you are suitable for this position (1-2 pages in English)

Other attachments, including letters of recommendation or certificates, are not required at this point. The application deadline is 21.8.2025.

Applications must be submitted through the University of Helsinki electronic recruitment system. Further information about the position can be obtained from PI Päivi Räisänen-Schröder (paivi.raisanen-schroder@helsinki.fi). Further information about the recruitment process can be obtained from HR Specialist Reeta Korhonen (hr-teoltdk@helsinki.fi).