University Researcher, Diversity in Society and Life
Swedish School of Social Science at the University of Helsinki invites applications for the position of
University Researcher
for a fixed term period of up to 3 years 6 months. We are primarily looking for a University Researcher in their early stages on this career level. The University Researcher is expected to contribute to research on challenges in social structures, racism, and everyday struggles of migrants and racialised minorities. The position is based at The Centre for Research on Ethnic Relations and Nationalism (CEREN) and connected to the Profiling 8 research action Diversity in Society and Life (DIVSOL). The position starts 1.7.2026 or as agreed.
About the Position
The position is focused on the themes of challenges in social structures, racism, and everyday struggles of migrants and racialised minorities. The research that the University Researcher aims to conduct should contribute to (at least two of) the mentioned research themes and provide novel scientific knowledge to the field of studies in migration and racism. The thematic area can be studied from various perspectives, including but not restricted to: welfare state and institutions; labour market and employment; housing and urban environments; policing and borders; civil society organisations; narratives, media and culture; everyday life and everyday struggles; struggles in institutions and urban neighbourhoods; resistance and resurgence; knowledge created by migrants and racialised minorities; and theoretical and methodological perspectives on racism, intersectionality and decoloniality.
In addition to conducting research, the tasks of the University Researcher include contributing to teaching (up to 5 % of their working time annually) and other tasks at CEREN and Swedish School of Social Science. The University Researcher will also participate in and contribute to the DIVSOL activities.
The Reseach Action
The position is connected to the Profiling 8 research action Diversity in Society and Life (DIVSOL), notably its topic 3 Challenges in Social Structures. DIVSOL brings together existing strands of research on diversity at the University of Helsinki to create a leading European community for transdisciplinary research on ethnic, cultural, linguistic, religious and socio-ecological diversity. The action aims at offering novel insights into diversity that will contribute to the development of multi-level sustainable policies for human flourishing. This includes identifying social and environmental inequalities, supporting inclusive social action and policies, informing learning and education, promoting democratic literacy, understanding and promoting convivial multilingualism, and opening new methodological horizons. A strategic emphasis on data and AI supports reaching these aims.
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.
Qualifications
The University Researcher must hold a doctoral degree in a relevant discipline and be experienced in the research field of migration and racism. In case the applicant’s doctoral thesis is not located within the research field of migration and racism, experience in this field can be shown by, for example, other scientific publications or participation in research projects.
The assessment criteria for a University Researcher include: evidence of active publication in recent years, demonstration of other 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), teaching skills required for the position and evidence of public engagement. As this is a research position, the assessment will especially pay attention to the candidate’s active publication in recent years, experience in the acquisition of research funding and the ability to lead a research group. Moreover, the quality and feasibility of the applicant’s research plan and its suitability for the research themes of the position will be of importance.
The University Researcher needs to have adequate language skills for their research topic. Working at the university and at CEREN requires strong communication and academic writing skills in English. The administrative language at the Swedish School of Social Science is Swedish. English is used as a supplementary language.
The University of Helsinki is committed to promoting equality and preventing discrimination in all its operations.
What We Offer
We offer an attractive and diverse workplace in an inspiring environment with a variety of development opportunities and benefits. The position as University Researcher offers a high-class and supportive research environment with opportunities for national and international networking, and experience of academic and societal interaction.
The position is full time and funded up to 3 years 6 months. The salary is defined in accordance with the University salary system for teaching and research personnel. The monthly gross salary for the University Researcher position will be approximately 4400 - 4800 € depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience.
The University Researcher will also have access to limited travel money and funds for open access publishing as well as language revision services.
University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and opportunities for professional development. The employment contract will include a probationary period of six months. Read more about career opportunities and benefits on our webpages.
How to Apply
Please submit your application, together with the required attachments, through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the "Apply now" button below. Use your current email address to register to the Recruitment System. Internal applicants (i.e., current employees of the University of Helsinki) may submit their application by using the "Employee Login" button.
Applicants are requested to enclose with their applications the following documents as pdf-files:
1. A curriculum vitae
2. List of publications (following the model of the Research Council of Finland)
3. Cover letter, including a description of the applicant’s research interests and contributions to the themes of the position (max. 500 words)
4. Research plan (max. 5 pages) and list of references
5. One scientific publication that proves the applicant’s expertise in the field of the position, accompanied by a short explanation of why this text is chosen
6. Degree certificates (master’s degree and doctoral degree)
7. Contact information of two persons available for recommendation
The closing date for the applications is 5.12.2025.
Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed.
Further Information
Further information about the position may be obtained from Professor Suvi Keskinen, suvi.keskinen@helsinki.fi. If you have any questions about the process, need assistance, or require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact hr-sskh@helsinki.fi – we are here to support you.
Swedish School of Social Science is an autonomous unit at the University of Helsinki, with a research profile that combines interdisciplinary research on Nordic welfare and ethnic relations. CEREN is a cutting-edge research environment in the field of migration and racism research, with high-class research projects, active organisation of scientific events, and intensive cooperation with authorities and civil society.
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