About the opportunity
The Faculty of Law at the University of Helsinki is seeking a postdoctoral researcher for a fixed-term appointment of one year, funded by the Research Council of Finland project MORALMEM. The project aims to write a legal history of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) by analyzing previously unexplored archives to understand its role in shaping European collective memory. The successful candidate will develop their own research in relation to the project, contribute to peer-reviewed publications, organize academic events, and participate in teaching and supervision duties (approximately 5-10% of the role). The appointee is expected to reside in Finland and participate actively in the research community.
Salary and benefits
- Annual gross salary of approximately €48,000 – €50,000
- Paid holiday of approximately 5-6 weeks per year
- Occupational health care and health insurance
- Flexible working hours
- Access to campus sports facilities
- Opportunities for professional development
Who can apply?
- Relevant doctoral degree (PhD diploma must be acquired by the first day of employment)
- Ability to conduct independent scholarly work
- Teaching skills necessary for the position
- Doctoral degree completed no more than five years ago (excluding family leave and equivalent absences)
- Proficiency in English
Required documents
- Letter of motivation (max. 1 page)
- Curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages)
- Numbered list of publications with two key publications marked in bold
- Research plan (max. 2 pages) including a statement on how the research fits the project profile
When to apply
- Application deadline: 30 October 2026 at 23:59 EEST
How to apply
- Submit all required documents in PDF format via the University of Helsinki electronic recruitment system
- Current University of Helsinki employees must apply through the SAP Fiori Suffeli portal
Additional information
- The position includes a six-month trial period
- The appointee is expected to reside in Finland during the employment
- The project is associated with PI Dr. Karolina Stenlund
- The working language is English
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Researchers with a background in legal history, memory studies, or critical historical approaches who are interested in the IHRA's institutional development.
- Scholars looking to gain experience in archival research and collaborative academic publishing within a prestigious European research university.
- Early-career academics who meet the five-year post-PhD requirement and are seeking a structured, funded research environment.
What should you think carefully about?
- The position is a fixed-term, one-year contract, which may require planning for subsequent career steps shortly after starting.
- The role requires physical residency in Finland, which necessitates relocation if you are not currently based there.
- The workload includes a teaching and supervision component (5-10%), which should be balanced with your primary research objectives.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This position is ideal for a postdoctoral researcher aiming to build their publication record and expand their professional network through a specific, well-defined research project. It offers a clear opportunity to engage with high-level archival work and contribute to a significant European research initiative, which can serve as a strong foundation for future academic or policy-oriented roles.
Our take
This is a strong opportunity for early-career legal historians or scholars in related fields who are prepared for a short-term, intensive research project. It is less suitable for those seeking long-term stability or those whose research interests do not align with the specific scope of the MORALMEM project.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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