University Lecturer in Societal Security
The Faculty of Social Sciences invites applications for the position of
UNIVERSITY LECTURER IN SOCIETAL SECURITY
for a permanent position starting August 1, 2026.
We seek candidates with a multidisciplinary background in social sciences and expertise in research related to economic, political, environmental, climatic and societal crises, conflicts and risks. This includes also their prevention, mitigation, responses and consequences, as well as societal dimensions of technological change. Previous background on theories and conceptualisations of security, insecurity, conflict, crises, resilience, militarisation, social and political trust and other concepts related to societal security is considered as a merit.
The position is linked to the international MA programme Societal Security, a two-year master’s programme focusing on the complex nature of security and conflict. The programme provides students with a multidimensional understanding of the foundations of societal security and the threats it faces. Read more about the programme and University of Helsinki’s Societal Security hub here.
The position will be organisationally situated in one of the following units at the Faculty of Social Sciences: Centre for European Studies, Economic and Social History, Global Development Studies or Political History.
Duties and Responsibilities
The appointee will:
• Teach in accordance with degree requirements and general guidelines of the Faculty of Social Sciences. Most teaching will take place within the track Economic Structures, Technological Change, and Crises. This track will focus on what kinds of crises, harms and hazards threaten a society’s functioning, as well as their root causes, impacts, and consequences. By doing that, it will provide an understanding on how societal security is deeply connected to political, economic and technological changes in climatic/ecological/social contexts.
• Supervise and examine master’s theses and supervise doctoral dissertations.
• Conduct research on the topic areas of the aforementioned track.
• Participate in student guidance, academic administration, and programme development.
Selection Criteria
The successful candidate must:
• Hold an applicable doctoral degree by the application deadline.
• Demonstrate the ability to provide high-quality, research-based teaching.
• Show competence in supervising master’s theses and doctoral dissertations.
• Maintain an active research profile with international publications.
• Demonstrate excellent English language skills. If the appointee is not proficient in Finnish or Swedish, they are expected to acquire moderate proficiency within a reasonable time after appointment. Support for language studies will be provided.
In assessing applicants, attention will be paid to:
• Scholarly publications.
• Teaching experience; supervision of theses and dissertations; pedagogical training; development of teaching; and production of learning materials.
• Teaching demonstration.
• Interview performance.
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. €54,000 – €67,000, 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 April 17th, 2026.
Applicants are requested to submit the following documents in English:
• Curriculum vitae.
• A numbered list of publications, with the five most significant publications clearly marked in bold.
• A report (max. 3 pages) describing practical experience and qualifications relevant to the assessment of teaching skills.
• 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 free-form statement (max. 3 pages) explaining the applicant’s suitability for the position, with reference to the duties and selection 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 Vice-Dean Leena Malkki (leena.malkki@helsinki.fi), and about the recruitment process, from HR Specialist Minna Maunula (minna.maunula@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.
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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