Doctoral Researcher or Postdoctoral Researcher, SUSCON Project

Overview

Organisation / Company : University of Helsinki

Field : Sociology | Ethics in social sciences

Position : Doctoral Researcher or Postdoctoral Researcher (fixed two- to three-year term)

Location : Finland (with required periods in Belgium for fieldwork related to the SUSCON project)

Application Deadline : 26 Oct 2025

Type of Contract : Other (full-time)

Funding : Not funded by a EU programme

Job Status : Full-time

Offer description

The Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Helsinki invites applications for the position of Doctoral Researcher or Postdoctoral Researcher for a fixed two- to three-year term starting on 1 January 2026 (or as agreed). Successful candidates are expected to work full-time.

The position is part of the SUSCON project (funded by the Research Council of Finland 2024–2029) mapping the understudied field of consultants who advise companies and other organizations on issues regarding sustainability. The project will investigate how sustainability consultants position themselves in relation to just and sustainable change in Finland, Sweden and Belgium. The field has been expanding due to the climate emergency and EU legislation. The project uses ethnographic methods including media ethnography, interviews with consultants and observation of their work, led by Inna Perheentupa.

Responsibilities

• Produce research material in Belgium (media and online ethnography, conducting interviews and observation).
• Spend periods of time in Belgium, especially during Fall 2026.
• Work closely with the Principal Investigator and play a key role in project implementation.
• Publish articles, independently and jointly, based on the empirical material produced.
• Participate in project communications, organize project events, and perform other project-related tasks.
• Teach up to 5% of annual working time.

Qualifications and selection criteria

Applicants’ skills and motivation will be evaluated on application documents and an interview. The successful candidate will have excellent analytical and writing skills and the ability to conduct independent work. While the research plan should align with the project’s themes, applicants are encouraged to implement approaches relevant to their own expertise. Applying aspects of EU-related decision making, regulation and politics is encouraged.

Experience in consultation, sustainability research, and ethnographic methods—particularly in Finland, Belgium, Sweden or another country—will be valued. Language skills (e.g., French, German, Dutch, Swedish) are appreciated. Finnish and English are working languages; mastery of Finnish is not compulsory.

The appointee is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki. Relocation assistance will be provided by the Faculty of Social Sciences.

What we offer

We offer an attractive workplace with opportunities to shape your research trajectory, including support for publishing, networking and interdisciplinary collaboration. The position is within the sociology discipline at the Faculty of Social Sciences. The appointee will receive support and regular feedback on their research from the SUSCON research team and the wider faculty research community. SUSCON operates as part of the Centre for Sociology of Democracy, and the appointee is encouraged to participate in the centre’s regular research seminars. We expect a collaborative, communicative working culture.

The University of Helsinki is an equal opportunities employer and offers a diverse workplace with a range of benefits. The gross salary ranges from approximately €31,500 to €41,000 for doctoral researchers and €45,000 to €51,000 for postdoctoral researchers, depending on qualifications and experience. The university provides comprehensive employee services including occupational healthcare and professional development opportunities. Further information is available online. The employment contract includes a six-month probationary period.

How to apply

Please submit your application and required attachments through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the “Apply now” button. Use your current email address to register. Internal applicants may use the “Employee Login” button. The closing date for applications is 26 October 2025.

Attach the following documents as PDFs :

Detailed information on the CV and list of publications is available online. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed during the first and second weeks of November. The university promotes an inclusive culture and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

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