Postdoctoral Researcher in Study of Religion at University of Helsinki

About the opportunity

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 a Postdoctoral Researcher position in the Study of Religion. The position is open within MePhiS’s research team Future, Futurelessness and Vernacular Responses to Suffering. MePhiS engages in philosophical and interdisciplinary scholarship that places the concept of suffering at the centre of philosophical reflection and offers conceptual and argumentative tools for a deeper understanding of human engagement with affliction. The position is fixed-term for three years starting in January 2027 or earlier/later as agreed. A six-month trial period applies to new employees at the University of Helsinki, and the appointee is expected to reside in Finland while employed.

Salary and benefits

• Annual gross salary of €43,000 – €50,000, based on level 5 of the job requirement scheme for teaching and research personnel plus a personal performance component.
• Fixed-term employment for three years starting in January 2027 or earlier/later as agreed.
• Annual working hour system of 1,612 hours, with approximately 5-6 weeks of paid holiday per year.
• Comprehensive staff benefits including occupational health care, health insurance, flexible working hours, and campus sports facilities.
• Support for internationally recruited employees with relocation and transition to life and work in Finland.

Who can apply?

• Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in a relevant field within the humanities or social sciences (e.g., Religious Studies, Anthropology, or Sociology of Religion).
• Must have the ability to conduct independent scholarly work and possess the necessary teaching skills for the position.
• Must have expertise in the empirical and theoretical Study of Religion in contemporary society and an interest in the research aims of the project.
• Required to have excellent written and oral communication skills in English, as the working language of MePhiS is English.
• Must be prepared to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki.

Required documents

• Curriculum Vitae (maximum 3 pages, including contact details of two referees).
• A list of publications.
• A letter of motivation (maximum 1 page) outlining motivation, relevant expertise, and contribution to project aims and activities.
• A research proposal (maximum 3 pages) containing previous research alignment, a research idea outlining project theme positioning, and a preliminary publication plan.

When to apply

• Application deadline is 1 November 2026 at 23:56 (UTC+3).
• Position starts in January 2027 or earlier/later as agreed.

How to apply

• Prepare the required application documents in PDF format.
• Submit the application through the University of Helsinki electronic recruitment system using the official online link.
• Current employees of the University of Helsinki must submit applications through SAP Fiori’s Suffeli recruitment portal.

Additional information

• Teaching and administrative duties will amount to approximately 5-10% of the working time.
• A six-month trial period applies to new employees.