Core Fellowship 2026
The Helsinki Collegium for Advanced Studies (HCAS) is an independent institute of the University of Helsinki. In accordance with the concept of an institute of advanced study, HCAS provides an excellent international research environment for scholars in the humanities and social sciences. The purpose of HCAS is to facilitate curiosity-driven, original research and interdisciplinary interaction between different fields of research. The working language of HCAS is English.
The Helsinki Collegium for Advanced Studies invites applications for fixed-term appointments to begin in August-September 2026. We are looking for
10–15 FELLOWS
representing the career stages of early career (post-doctoral researchers), mid-career (university researchers) and full professors (Visiting Professor). Professorial fellows are appointed for a term of six to twelve months, university researchers for one to two years, and post-doctoral researchers for one to three years.
Who can apply
Successful candidates have the ability to produce high-quality research in the humanities or social sciences. We particularly encourage bold applications that rethink the theoretical foundations of a given research area or discipline or aim at integration of different theoretical approaches. In addition to detailing their academic merits and research project, applicants should, in the application, explain how they will contribute to the interdisciplinary research environment of the Collegium. Applicants should also indicate whether they have plans to collaborate with the researchers of the University of Helsinki and if so, how. Eligible candidates must have completed their doctoral degree before the application deadline.
Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate scholarly excellence relative to their career stage. The merits of post-doctoral researchers should indicate a promise of scholarly excellence. University researchers should have an internationally recognized research profile and the ability to contribute to the direction of their own field and to lead a research group. Visiting Professors should have the qualifications of a full professor with a distinguished track record in research, academic leadership, international collaboration, and success in attracting external research funding.
What we offer
HCAS provides a collegial and inspiring research community that allows fellows to pursue their personal research projects free from administrative duties. All core fellowships at the Helsinki Collegium are salaried positions. The salary level will be determined according to the salary system of Finnish universities. For fellows in the early career stage (post-doctoral researchers) the monthly gross-salary ranges between 3800€ and 4100€, for fellows in mid-career (university researchers) between 4500€ and 5500€, and for full professors (Visiting Professors) between 6500€ and 8300€. All core fellows are entitled to an annual personal allowance of 4000€ for travel and other research expenses. Fellows’ offices are located on HCAS premises at the heart of the University of Helsinki on the City Centre Campus, with easy access to libraries and other university services.
The application, together with the required attachments, must be submitted through the University of Helsinki electronic recruitment system.
Candidates from outside the University must apply through the University’s recruitment system by clicking on ‘Apply now‘. Candidates with a helsinki.fi user account and a valid employment contract or a contract for grant-funded researchers, visiting researchers or visiting professors at the University of Helsinki must apply by clicking on ‘Employee login‘.
Detailed instructions for applicants are available on our website.
The closing date for applications is 11th of September 2025 at 23.59 (local Helsinki time).
The decision on the appointments will be announced by early March 2026. We kindly ask that all inquiries and questions be addressed to collegium-recruitment@helsinki.fi