Doctoral Researcher (Grant-Funded, 4 Years)

Raket Webbyrå AB; Helsinki; On-site; EUR 30,132; Full time

Job summary

A leading Finnish university invites applications for a Doctoral Researcher role for a project examining authenticity in activism. This fully funded position offers a monthly grant of 2700 € for 4 years. Candidates must hold a relevant Master's degree and demonstrate their ability to undertake rigorous academic research. The researcher will engage in collaborative activities and contribute to a supportive research environment. Applications are accepted until 12.10.2025.

Qualifications

• Proven ability and motivation to pursue postgraduate studies.
• Experience relevant to the research topic.

Responsibilities

• Conduct an individual research project aligned with the PALJAS themes.
• Participate in workshops, conferences, and other academic activities.

Education

Master’s degree in sociology, political science, gender studies, cultural studies, or social and cultural anthropology

Job description

Doctoral Researcher (Grant-Funded, 4 Years)

Finland Univeristy of Helsinki

We invite applications for a Doctoral Researcher to join the project “Bare activism: Politics of authenticity and exposure in the margins” (PALJAS) at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Helsinki. The position is funded by the Kone Foundation for a fixed-term period of four years. The work is expected to begin at the latest on 1.1.2026, or as agreed. The grant is 2700 € / month.

RESEARCH PROJECT

The project “Bare activism: Politics of authenticity and exposure in the margins” (PALJAS) examines how the demand for authenticity on visual social media reshapes political action. While authenticity and personal storytelling have become central to politics, for marginalized activists exposing one’s life can be both a tool of empowerment and a source of vulnerability. Using ethnographic methods, PALJAS explores how these dynamics generate new opportunities and obstacles for activism, and how they transform Finnish political culture. The project team currently consists of three researchers: project PI Taina Meriluoto, post-doctoral researcher Emmi Holm and doctoral researcher Heini Salminen.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SELECTION CRITERIA

• Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in a field that is relevant to the research topic (e.g. sociology, political science, gender studies, cultural studies, social and cultural anthropology).
• The candidate should have proven ability and motivation, demonstrated through previous degree studies or otherwise, to pursue postgraduate studies.

The doctoral researcher will carry out an individual research project aligned with the themes of PALJAS. The applicant may define the research topic, methodology, and data to be used. In addition, the researcher will participate in the broader project activities, such as workshops, conferences, and other joint activities. The position offers close collaboration within the research team and active involvement in national and international academic networks. We have cultivated an inspiring, communicative and caring environment, and hope that the applicant also contributes to this work culture.

HOW TO APPLY

The application period starts 16.9.2025 and ends 12.10.2025. Applications should be sent by email to Taina Meriluoto, [e-mail].

Applicants are requested to include the following documents in a single file (in English or Finnish):

• A Curriculum Vitae (max 2 pages, prepared according to TENK guidelines)
• A research plan (1500–2000 words) aligning with the themes of the PALJAS project
• Letter of motivation describing the applicant’s interest and suitability for the project (max 500 words)

Further information about the position may be obtained from the project PI Taina Meriluoto ([e-mail]), post-doctoral researcher Emmi Holm ([e-mail]) or doctoral researcher Heini Salminen ([e-mail]).