University Lecturer in Social Science History
The Faculty of Social Sciences invites applications for the position of
UNIVERSITY LECTURER IN SOCIAL SCIENCE HISTORY
for a permanent appointment starting August 1st, 2026.
The disciplines of Economic and Social History and Political History at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Helsinki, invite applications for the position of University Lecturer in Social Science History. The position is linked to the delivery of the joint degree programme International Masters in Economy, State and Society (IMESS). IMESS is a two-year master's programme in comparative area studies offered jointly by the University of Helsinki and University College London (UCL). Further information on IMESS is available online.
The University Lecturer in Social Science History holds a shared position in Economic and Social History and Political History. Duties include:
• Teaching in accordance with degree requirements
• Supervising and examining master’s theses and supervising doctoral dissertations
• Conducting research in the lecturer’s own field
• Participating in student guidance, academic administration, and programme development
• Contributing to the development of English‑language teaching and international degree programmes
The appointee is responsible for master’s level course offerings according to the University's general guidelines and regulations. Teaching duties include master’s thesis supervision, research dissertation writing seminars, methodological training, and thematic courses.
SELECTION CRITERIA
The successful candidate must:
• Hold an applicable doctoral degree no later than the application deadline
• Demonstrate the ability to provide high‑quality, research‑based teaching
• Show competence in supervising master’s theses and doctoral dissertations
Preference will be given to candidates who can demonstrate:
• An active research profile and international publications
• Strong command of social science historical research methods and the ability to teach them
• Experience in academic networking and success in acquiring research funding
• Teaching and supervision experience in different languages, particularly in international and multicultural academic environments
QUALIFICATIONS
To successfully attend to the duties of the position, the appointee must have good English skills. If the appointee is not proficient in Finnish or Swedish, he or she is expected to acquire moderate proficiency within a reasonable time after the appointment. Support for language studies will be offered.
When assessing the qualifications of each applicant, attention will be paid to:
• Scholarly publications
• Other scholarly activities
• Teaching experience, supervision of theses and dissertations and other pedagogical merits, pedagogical training, the development of teaching, the production of learning material
• The applicant's teaching demonstration
• The interview with the applicant
WHAT WE OFFER
The 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. €53,000 – €65,000, 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 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 February 27th, 2026.
Applicants are requested to enclose with their applications the following documents in English:
• A curriculum vitae
• A numbered list of publications on which the applicant has marked in bold his or her five key publications to be considered during the review
• A report (max. 3 pages) on practical experience and qualifications relevant to the assessment of teaching skills
• A report (max. 3 pages) on the applicant’s scholarly activities (including activities in scientific communities, international scholarly cooperation, the acquisition of research funding and the applicant’s role in the acquisition of such funding)
• A free-form statement of a maximum of three (3) pages on why the applicant thinks they are a good match for the position, referring to the description and evaluation criteria outlined above
Detailed information on the CV and list of publications as well as the presentation of teaching skills can be obtained online.
Other attachments, such as letters of recommendation or certificates, are not required.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Further information about the position is available from Professor Juhana Aunesluoma juhana.aunesluoma(at)helsinki.fi and University Lecturer Hanna Kuusi hanna.kuusi(at)helsinki.fi, and about the recruitment process, from HR Specialist Stella Mattsson, (stella.mattsson(at)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 international master’s programmes, and several of its disciplinary units have been rated among the top 50 in the world. The Faculty has approximately 550 research and teaching staff, and each year it awards some 350 bachelor’s degrees, 400 master’s degrees and more than 40 doctoral degrees.
Economic and Social History explores economic dynamics of social and transnational changes from historical and social scientific perspectives. Teaching encompasses a wide range of theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of economic and social phenomena.
Political History employs historical and social scientific approaches to political dynamics of social and international change. The curriculum covers a range of theories, methods and topics from contemporary history, memory studies, and the history of political thought. Both disciplines emphasize the relevance of history to contemporary issues.
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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