Doctoral Researcher or Postdoctoral Researcher, SUSCON project

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 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 three countries: Finland, Sweden and Belgium. The field has been expanding due, among other things, to the climate emergency and recent EU legislation. The project is also concerned with how different aspects of sustainability, such as ecological and social sustainability, come together in this work. The research material for this ethnographic project will consist of media ethnography, interviews with consultants and observation of their work. The project is led by Inna Perheentupa.

ABOUT THE POST

The appointee will be responsible for the production of research material in Belgium (media and online ethnography, conducting interviews and observation). The successful candidate will thus be required to spend periods of time in Belgium, especially during Fall 2026.

Working closely with the Principal Investigator, the appointee will play a key role in project implementation, and will be expected to publish articles, independently and jointly, based on the empirical material produced, as well as participating in project communications, organizing project events and other tasks relating to the project. Duties will also include teaching (up to 5% of annual working time).

We are looking primarily for a doctoral researcher to implement a doctoral thesis and complete their postgraduate studies on the project. However, postdoctoral researchers may also apply for this position, with a shorter fixed period of approximately 27 months.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SELECTION CRITERIA

(A)    Doctoral candidate. Applicants must hold a master’s degree in sociology or another field relevant to the research topic (e.g. studies relating to EU, sustainability or gender studies). They must have proven ability and motivation to pursue postgraduate studies and a doctoral degree according to the study plan and research proposal, evidenced by previous degree studies or other activities.

The appointee will need to have secured the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki by the start of the appointment, or must apply for the right and obtain it within the six-month probationary period. See: www.helsinki.fi/en/research/doctoral-education/the-application-process-in-a-nutshell.

(B) Postdoctoral researcher. Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in sociology or another field relevant to the research topic (e.g. studies relating to EU, sustainability or gender studies), and must have strong qualitative methods skills. The postdoctoral researcher will be expected to be highly motivated to pursue an academic career.

Applicants’ skills and motivation to conduct research on this project will be evaluated on the basis of their application documents and an interview. The successful candidate will have excellent analytic and writing skills and will be able to conduct independent work. While we expect the research plan to align with the key themes of the research project, applicants are encouraged to implement approaches to the topic relevant to their own expertise and scholarly interest. Applying aspects of EU-related decision making, regulation and politics is also encouraged.

Experience of working or researching in the field of consultation, sustainability and sustainability consultation in Finland, Belgium, Sweden or another country will be welcome, as will experience of conducting qualitative and especially ethnographic research. We also appreciate language skills (e.g. French, German, Dutch or Swedish). Finnish and English are our working languages, but mastery of Finnish is not compulsory.

The appointee will be expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki. The Faculty of Social Sciences will provide assistance with relocation.

WHAT WE OFFER

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

The University of Helsinki is an equal opportunities employer and offers an attractive and diverse workplace in an inspiring environment with a range of benefits. The annual gross salary will range from approximately €31,500 to €41,000 for the doctoral researcher and approx. €45,000 to €51,000 for the postdoctoral researcher, depending on qualifications and experience. In addition, the University of Helsinki’s comprehensive employee services include occupational healthcare and opportunities for professional development. Further information can be obtained online. The employment contract will be subject to a probationary period of six months.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your application, together with the required attachments, through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the “Apply now” button below. Use your current email address to register with the Recruitment System. Internal applicants (i.e. current employees of the University of Helsinki) may submit applications using the “Employee Login” button. The closing date for applications is 26 October 2025.

Please include with your applications the following documents as pdf files:
1.    A letter of motivation describing your interest in and suitability for the project (max. 1 page).
2.    A research plan (1500-2000 words)
3.    A curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages)
4.    A list of potential publications
5.    Recommendations from up to two referees and their contact details.

Detailed information on the CV and list of publications can be obtained online.

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed during the first and second week in November.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For queries regarding the position, contact Dr Inna Perheentupa, inna.perheentupa@helsinki.fi

Further information on the recruitment process may be obtained from HR Specialist Minna Maunula, hr-socialsciences@helsinki.fi

For technical support with the recruitment system, contact rekrytointi@helsinki.fi

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