Postdoctoral Researcher on Philosophy of Loneliness

The Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Helsinki invites applications for the position of      
     
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER ON Philosophy of Loneliness. Phenomenological Inquiries into the Social and Affective Dimensions of Experiencing a Lack of Meaningful Connection     
  
for a fixed term period for the duration of 2 years, starting in March 2025 or as agreed. 
 
This position is part of a Research Council of Finland project awarded to Research Fellow Sanna Tirkkonen (Principal Investigator) for a project on philosophy of loneliness.
 

THE PROJECT 
 

The research project Philosophy of Loneliness: Phenomenological Inquiries analyzes loneliness through philosophical means. Today, loneliness is recognized as a serious social problem and a specific form of emotional distress, studied within a multidisciplinary field of research. However, the renewed interest among philosophers in loneliness has brought to light the complexity and diversity of the phenomenon. Some researchers have defined loneliness as an emotional experience of absence, others as an existential feeling, and some as an overarching experiential structure that frames the possibilities of perceiving oneself, others, and one’s lived reality. In addition, critical approaches have emphasized the importance of shifting the focus from the individual to social structures and harmful environments that contribute to loneliness.

The Philosophy of Loneliness project develops a new research paradigm at the intersection of philosophical studies of loneliness, critical phenomenology, and the philosophy of emotion. This framework is particularly useful for analyzing how experiences of loneliness are shaped by social interactions. The project addresses questions such as: In what sense is loneliness a socially embedded phenomenon? How does loneliness emerge in specific types of interaction? How are socially shaped, normative expectations of relationships present in experiences of loneliness? In this context, the project also explores the experiential links between loneliness and antagonistic emotions such as anger, misogyny, and hatred. What types of emotional environments and social dynamics are involved when loneliness accumulates into hostile emotions? The developed framework thus challenges individualistic conceptions of loneliness and promotes more nuanced, critical ways of understanding and analyzing the phenomenon.

THE CANDIDATE 
 

The postdoctoral researcher working on this project is expected to have a doctoral degree in philosophy with a specialisation in relevant areas (e.g. phenomenology, post-structuralism, hermeneutics, existentialism, enactivism, philosophy of emotions, social/critical theory, or political philosophy). It will also be considered an advantage if the applicant possesses relevant knowledge and skills for building bridges between philosophy and other fields of loneliness research, such as the history of emotions, psychology, psychotherapy, literary studies, political science, gender studies, or media studies. Other areas of research will also be considered.

The default assumption is that the doctoral degree requirement must be met by the beginning of the employment. The period following the completion of doctoral degree must not exceed three years, excluding family leave and equivalent periods of absence. Applicants must have strong skills in philosophical writing and an excellent command of written and spoken English.    
 
Successful applicants will demonstrate excellent methodological and academic writing skills. Strong organizational skills are required in order to plan and conduct work independently. As the postdoctoral researcher will work as part of a project and with students, it is essential that applicants demonstrate good communication skills. 
 
RESPONSIBILITIES 
 
The main task of the appointed researcher is to coordinate and conduct philosophical research. The post-doctoral fellow will play a pivotal role in project implementation individually and jointly. In addition, the researcher will actively contribute to teaching and administrative tasks in the discipline of Practical Philosophy at the University of Helsinki (up to 5% of their working time annually) and participate in organizing a conference on the topic. It is possible to complete the teaching and administrative tasks through English. 
  

WHAT WE OFFER   
  
University of Helsinki is an equal opportunity employer and offers an attractive and diverse workplace with a variety of development opportunities and benefits. The annual gross salary range will be approx. €43,500 – €47,000, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience. Standard Finnish pension benefits and occupational health care are provided for university employees. Further information can be obtained online. The employment contract will include a probationary period of six months. 
  
Finland is a member of the European Union, has high quality free schooling (also in English) and generous family benefits and healthcare. Finland was recently ranked as the best country in the world for expat families, and Helsinki in the world’s top ten most livable cities. Finland and the Helsinki region feature leading research and innovation facilities, clean environment, affordable accommodation, and excellent international, national, and local transport connections. For more information about working at the University of Helsinki and living in Finland, please see the website. 

The chosen applicant is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki. The Faculty of Social Sciences provides assistance in relocation.  
 

HOW TO APPLY   
 
The University of Helsinki welcomes applicants from a variety of genders, linguistic and cultural backgrounds, and minorities.   
 
Please submit your application, together with the required attachments, through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the link "Apply now" (“Hae nyt”). Use your current email address to register to the Recruitment System. Only applicants who are currently employed by the University of Helsinki are requested to submit their application via the link “Employee login”. The closing date for applications is 28 October 2024. 
  
Applicants are requested to enclose with their applications the following documents in English: 
  
1) A curriculum vitae that includes all publications and positions 2) A statement outlining how the applicant would contribute to the loneliness project (max 2 pages), and 3) A writing sample (ONE published work such as article or book chapter OR a chapter from PhD).

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in November.
  
FURTHER INFORMATION 

Further information about the positions and the research project may be obtained from Research Fellow Sanna Tirkkonen, sanna.tirkkonen@helsinki.fi. 
 
The Faculty of Social Sciences is Finland’s leading research and education institute in the social sciences, and the country’s most diverse social sciences faculty in terms of the range of its disciplines and fields of research. The Faculty has a strong international research profile and an international master’s programme, and several of its disciplinary units have been rated among the top 50 in the world.  The Faculty has approximately 500 research and teaching staff, and each year it awards some 350 bachelor’s degrees, 400 master’s degrees and more than 40 doctoral degrees.