Research fellow in AI in Social Research on Diversity
The Faculty of Social Sciences and the Faculty of Science at the University of Helsinki invite applications for the position of
RESEARCH FELLOW (UNIVERSITY RESEARCHER) IN THE AREA OF AI IN SOCIAL RESEARCH ON DIVERSITY
for a fixed term period for the duration of 4 years, starting in January 2026 or as agreed.
The Faculties of Social Sciences and Science invite applications for a joint position as Research Fellow in AI in Social Research on Diversity within the research action Diversity in Society and Life (DIVSOL). We seek an experienced scholar with expertise in artificial intelligence and a demonstrated interest in advancing qualitative research methods in social sciences through interdisciplinary collaboration. We primarily seek to appoint at the Research Fellow level, but exceptionally strong Postdoctoral Researcher candidates will also be considered.
The appointed researcher is expected to contribute to the interdisciplinary research on the DIVSOL theme Participation, Inclusion and Empowerment, dedicated to understanding inclusion and the equitable treatment of minorities, essential for social justice, self-empowerment and nonconflictual ways of living together, in this position with reference to migration-related diversity.
The position contributes to advancing methodological innovation through the creative and reliable use of machine learning, AI, and other algorithmic techniques in qualitative social scientific research. In line with the interdisciplinary and reflexive ethos of DIVSOL, attention to the societal implications of AI is an important dimension of all research.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The appointed researcher is expected to pursue an independent research programme on methodological innovation in applying AI to qualitative social scientific research, typically in collaboration with existing research groups at the university. Concrete examples of data sources include audio and text interview material (oral and written), ethnographic data, and location or mobility data, with a particular interest in combining different data sources. As the data may include sensitive information, attention to ethical and legal issues is required.
In addition to DIVSOL, the appointed researcher participates in the joint activity of the university-wide AI Research Lab that supports the use of AI in scientific research. It will involve roughly ten researchers, four of whom will jointly develop AI in scientific research in the context of DIVSOL. The Lab works in close collaboration with the broader machine learning and AI research community at the university, including software engineers and various support services.
The appointed researcher will contribute to teaching and administrative tasks (up to 5% of their working time annually). It is possible to complete the teaching and administrative tasks in English.
QUALIFICATIONS
An ideal applicant has:
1. A doctoral degree in a suitable field. Research experience after completing the doctoral degree is necessary.
2. Scientific competence in developing and applying artificial intelligence methods, including practical programming skills. Publications in top-tier journals such as Big Data & Society, Science, Technology & Human Values, Information, Communication & Society, or in general machine learning and AI venues (e.g., International Conference on Machine Learning, Neural Information Processing Systems) are considered a significant merit.
3. Scientific interest and contributions in the given application domain, i.e., migration, inequality and diversity, ideally demonstrated through publications in top-tier venues such as Migration Studies, Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, or Comparative Migration Studies, are highly valued. Applicants with publications in a closely related field, but not exactly within the scope of the position, are asked to describe clearly why their background is suitable for the position.
4. Applicants are expected to describe their research interests and explain how these relate to the scope and topic of the position.
5. A vision of the role of AI in qualitative social scientific research and an outline of planned work on methodological innovation, for instance developing AI-supported approaches for analysing qualitative data.
6. Teaching skills.
7. For Research Fellows (University Researchers), the ideal applicant has (in addition to the above listed requirements):
A. Demonstration of additional scholarly activity, such as evidence of independent research activity, the ability to lead a research group, activities in Finnish or international research groups or networks, and experience in the acquisition of research funding.
B. Evidence of public engagement.
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 appointee’s gross annual salary will, in practice, for Research Fellow (University Researcher) range from €54,000 to €64,000, depending on their previous experience and qualifications. 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 websites.
The appointee is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki. International staff are supported in relocating to Finland.
HOW TO APPLY
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 14th of November 2025.
The following documents in English are required and must be included in the application:
1) A curriculum vitae
2) List of publications
3) An accompanying letter addressing the qualification points 1-6(7) above and specifying which position you apply to (Research Fellow or Postdoctoral Researcher).
4) A brief (at most 2 pages) research plan or abstract, with 3–4 key references, describing your research interest related to the position and suitable for a three-year project.
5) The names, positions and contact details of two referees
FURTHER INFORMATION
Further information about the positions and the research project may be obtained from Professor Timo Kaartinen at the Faculty of Social Sciences (timo.kaartinen(at)helsinki.fi and Professor Arto Klami at the Faculty of Science (arto.klami(at)helsinki.fi).
The research action Diversity in Society and Life (DIVSOL) is a research community for transdisciplinary research on ethnic, cultural, linguistic, religious and socio-ecological diversity. It offers new insights into the nature and challenges of the multiple diversities – linguistic, cultural, religious, biological – that characterise societies and urban environments, and will contribute to the development of multi-level sustainable policies for human flourishing.
DIVSOL is led by the Faculty of Arts and includes all SSH units (Arts, Education, Law, Theology, Social Sciences, the Swedish School of Social Science, and the Helsinki Institute for Social Sciences and Humanities) as well as the Faculties of Science, and of Biological and Environmental Sciences of the University of Helsinki.
A diverse and equitable study and work culture is important to us. That is why we do our best to promote an inclusive university community. We encourage all qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply for our positions.
Click this link to read about accessibility and inclusivity at our University.
JOIN US TO BUILD A BETTER WORLD – TOGETHER!
#HelsinkiUniCareers