Research fellow in Migration, health, age care & disability
The Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Helsinki invites applications for the position of
RESEARCH FELLOW (UNIVERSITY RESEARCHER) IN THE AREA OF MIGRATION, HEALTH, AGE CARE AND DISABILITY
for a fixed-term period from 1 August 2026 to 31 December 2029, or as agreed.
The Faculty of Social Sciences invite applications for a position as Research Fellow in Migration, health, age care & disability within the research action Diversity in Society and Life (DIVSOL). 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.
To be recruited as a Research Fellow (University Researcher), the appointed person needs to have documented 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. Further, we expect evidence of public engagement. We primarily seek to appoint at the Research Fellow level, but exceptionally strong Postdoctoral Researcher candidates will also be considered.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The appointed researcher is expected to pursue an independent research programme, typically in collaboration with existing research groups at the university.
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 interest and contributions in the given application domain preferably demonstrated through publications. Articles in top tier venues, such as Migration Studies, Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, or Comparative Migration Studies, are highly valued.
3. Applicants are expected to describe their research interests and explain how these relate to the scope and topic of the position.
4. Teaching skills.
5. Above described qualifications expected of research fellows (university researchers)
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 Postdoctoral Researcher range from €42,000 to €49,000 and 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 webpages.
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 May 8th, 2026.
The following documents in English are required and must be included in the application:
• Curriculum vitae.
• A numbered list of publications, with the five most significant publications clearly marked in bold.
• A report (max. 3 pages) describing the applicant’s research profile, including participation in scholarly communities, international collaboration, acquisition of research funding, and the applicant’s role in obtaining such funding.
• A report (max. 3 pages) describing practical experience and qualifications regarding teaching.
• A brief (max. 3 pages) research plan, describing your research interest related to the position and suitable for a three-year project.
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.
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.
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