University Researcher in Philosophy / Philosophy of Religion

The Centre of Excellence in Meliorist Philosophy of Suffering (MePhiS), funded by the Research Council of Finland at the University of Helsinki and Tampere University, invites applications for one or two (1-2) fixed-term University Researcher positions for two years, starting in January, 2027 (or later, based on negotiations). The positions are open within MePhiS’s research teams: 1) Antitheodicy and the Methodology of Meliorist Philosophy of Suffering, and 2) Suffering and the Problem of Life in Contemporary Philosophy of Religion. Both teams are hosted by the Faculty of Theology at the University of Helsinki City Centre Campus. Submitting an application is interpreted as an expression of the applicant’s interest in working within either or both of these closely connected research teams. The applicant may also indicate their preference regarding the research team.

MePhiS engages in philosophical and interdisciplinary scholarship that places the concept of suffering at the center of philosophical reflection and offers conceptual and argumentative tools for a deeper understanding of human engagement with affliction, starting from the meliorist (Lat. melior, better) idea that the world can and should be made better through active human efforts. According to meliorism, a positive outcome is neither guaranteed (optimism) nor impossible (pessimism). MePhiS aims at (1) reinterpreting ethical and other philosophical issues by emphasizing their entanglement with suffering; (2) integrating philosophical inquiries into suffering and meliorism with research emerging from key disciplines in the humanities, especially the history of ideas, literary studies, and theology and religious studies; and (3) critically renewing relevant philosophical and interdisciplinary methodology.

As a research group within MePhiS, the group Antitheodicy and the Methodology of Meliorist Philosophy of Suffering serves the entire center by investigating, for example, conceptual issues concerning meliorism, suffering, and antitheodicy, and especially the methodologies of the philosophy of suffering. The group specifically focuses on examining, both historically and systematically, pragmatist and transcendental methodologies enabling an in-depth critical analysis and assessment of the prospects of antitheodicy in developing meliorist approaches to suffering.

As a research group within MePhiS, the group Suffering and the Problem of Life in Contemporary Philosophy of Religion examines how both religious and secular perspectives in contemporary philosophy address suffering, mortality, and hope. The group explores and conceptualises fundamental ethical and existential problems concerning the human condition and the meaning of life in both individual and social contexts. Although the group’s main research focus is on contemporary debates, earlier forms of optimism and pessimism in modern philosophy are also potential research topics.

Requirements for the position and assessment of qualifications

Applicants must hold a doctoral degree and have demonstrated track record of high-quality research and international publications, and other academic activities. We are looking for senior researchers with a background in philosophy and/or philosophy of religion (or relevant neighbouring fields).  A pre-existing interest in the general theme of MePhiS is an advantage. Candidates need to be able to write and publish independently and collaboratively. When assessing applicants’ qualifications, attention will be paid to international academic activities, including high-quality peer-reviewed publications.

A University Researcher typically has at least ca. five years of postdoctoral experience. In addition, applicants should possess ability to lead a research group, a track record of securing external funding, and the teaching skills required to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. The position is filled with a six-month trial period.

The researcher will be responsible for

• Engaging in philosophical research on the above-described themes, e.g., investigating and developing conceptual analyses and methodologies of meliorist philosophy of suffering, or exploring ethical and existential problems concerning the human condition and the meaning of life in both individual and social contexts.
• Authoring academic publications on the topics mentioned above
• Collaborating with the other MePhiS members in theoretical work, including joint publications, as well as in the activities of the research group and the center as a whole;
• Providing research-based teaching and supervising dissertations.

What we offer

The salary for the position will be based on level 6 or 7 of the job requirement scheme for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities. In addition, the appointee will be paid a salary component based on personal performance. The annual gross salary is €51,000 - €65,000. 

In Finnish universities, the teaching and research staff (app. 65% of total staff) have a special system regarding the free time equivalent to holiday. They belong to the 1,612 annual working hour system, in which the annual amount of paid holiday is ca. 5-6 weeks on average per year.

The appointee is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki. The University provides support for internationally recruited employees with their transition to work and life in Finland. More information here.

The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development.

Four research groups within MePhiS are based at the Faculty of Theology, University of Helsinki, on the City Centre Campus, while one group is based at Tampere University. The UH Faculty of Theology is well-known for its internationally acknowledged research in the fields represented by MePhiS, and there are close ties with the Faculty of Humanities, the Faculty of Law, the Faculty of Social Science and the Faculty of Education, as well as other units on the City Centre Campus.

How to apply

The application must be accompanied by the following documents in PDF format:

• CV (max. 3 pages, including contact details of two referees)
• A list of publications
• A letter of motivation (max. 1 page) outlining your motivation for applying, relevant expertise, and how you would contribute to the research aims and collaborative activities of the project.
• A research proposal (max. 3 pages) consisting of
• a description of how your previous research experience and current work align with the overarching aims of teams 1 and/or 2;
• a research idea outlining why the project’s themes or approach interest you and how you position your own research within this context;
• a preliminary publication plan.

Further information about academic portfolios is available on our website.

Other attachments, including letters of recommendation or certificates, are not required at this point. We expect that you will send us a self-written application that reflects your own voice and thoughts. Applications generated by artificial intelligence do not meet our expectations.

Applications must be submitted through the University of Helsinki electronic recruitment system by clicking on the link below. Current employees of the University of Helsinki must submit their applications through SAP Fiori’s Suffeli recruitment portal. 

Further information about the positions can be obtained from MePhiS Director and team 1 PI, Professor Sami Pihlström (sami.pihlstrom(at)helsinki.fi), or team 2 PI, Senior University Lecturer Timo Koistinen (timo.koistinen(at)helsinki.fi). Further information about the recruitment process can be obtained from recruitment(at)helsinki.fi (please mention the name of the applied position in the email heading).

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.

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