Postdoctoral Researcher, Philosophy

Academic Positions; Finland; On-site; EUR 41,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday bonus

Relocation support

Free education

Affordable childcare

Comprehensive healthcare

Four to six weeks of annual holiday

Job summary

The Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy at the University of Jyväskylä invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Philosophy. The 3-year fixed-term contract will work on the ISHRAQ project, researching the reception of Suhrawardī’s philosophy among fourteenth- and fifteenth-century authors in the Islamic world.

English proficiency is essential and classical Arabic knowledge is required. Applicants should hold a Doctoral degree in Philosophy or related field, and have a strong

Qualifications

• Completed Doctoral degree in Philosophy or in another suitable research field.
• Sufficient knowledge of classical Arabic to enable work with untranslated primary sources.
• Strong academic record and potential for high-quality research output.
• Ability to work in English for international collaboration and dissemination.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on the reception of Suhrawardī’s philosophy in 14th- and 15th-century CE authors in the Islamic world.
• Publish findings and contribute to the ISHRAQ project outputs and databases.
• Collaborate with project team and departments to advance research goals.

Skills

Classical Arabic knowledge

Philosophy research

English proficiency

Education

Doctoral degree in Philosophy

Job description

Religious sciences » Other

Organisation/Company University of Jyväskylä Research Field Cultural studies » Other History » History of philosophy Philosophy » Other Religious sciences » Comparative religion Religious sciences » Other Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Application Deadline 11 Oct 2026 - 20:59 (UTC) Country Finland Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy is seeking to recruit aPostdoctoral Researcher in Philosophyfor a 3-year fixed-term contract. The contract begins on 4 January 2027 or thereafter, depending on mutual agreement. The fixed-term position is for a project.

The position is based in Professor Jari Kaukua’s research project Illuminationist Philosophy in the Islamic World (ISHRAQ) which is funded by the Research Council of Finland. ISHRAQ’s goal is to study Shihāb al-Dīn al-Suhrawardī’s philosophical legacy from the thirteenth to the seventeenth century CE, and to create an online database of Illuminationist texts.

Who should apply

We are hiring a Postdoctoral Researcher, who will conduct research on the reception of Suhrawardī’s philosophy in fourteenth- and/or fifteenth-century CE philosophical, theological, and/or Sufi authors in the Islamic world. The researcher should have a completed Doctoral degree in Philosophy or in another suitable research field, as well as sufficient knowledge of classical Arabic to enable work with untranslated primary sources.

A strong academic record is advantageous.

The ability to work adequately in English is essential.

Come to Jyväskylä, Finland, and join our vibrant and inspiring community!

At the University of Jyväskylä, you will be a valued member of our community with a unique opportunity to contribute to international research. You will become part of our international and multidisciplinary community that prioritizes the wellbeing of each individual. Our lively campus provides excellent opportunities for maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle.

Finland, named the world’s happiest country for consecutive years since 2018, offers a high standard of living with free education (also in English), affordable childcare, generous family benefits, and comprehensive healthcare. Work–life balance is highly valued in Finland, and employees enjoy four to six weeks of annual holiday. Jyväskylä is located in central Finland, just three hours by train from the capital Helsinki. Part of the Finnish Lakeland, the city offers easy access to nature and a range of outdoor, sports and exercise activities. As a major centre of education with a large student population, it also features a vibrant cultural scene. For more information about the University of Jyväskylä, the city of Jyväskylä, and living in Finland, see the University's International Staff Guide .

Salaries are based on job demands and employees’ performance following the Finnish University Salary System. The salary for this Postdoctoral Researcher is determined based on the task‑specific demand level 5 for teaching and research staff. The salary range will be approximately 3700-4000 €/month(gross income), depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate. A holiday bonus is paid to all employees. If you are relocating from abroad, we will support your move to Jyväskyläand Finland.

Benefits

• free education (also in English)
• affordable childcare
• generous family benefits
• comprehensive healthcare
• work–life balance is highly valued in Finland
• employees enjoy four to six weeks of annual holiday
• A holiday bonus is paid to all employees
• If you are relocating from abroad, we will support your move to Jyväskyläand Finland

For further information, please contact Professor Jari Kaukua, [phone]. You can also ask for a further description of the project by email, [e-mail] .

Our application process is transparent, professional and international. We communicate openly with the applicants throughout the recruitment process. We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage qualified applicants to apply for this position.

Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy

The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences - a pioneer in research and education. The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Jyväskylä is a multidisciplinary scientific and learning community, with a unique combination of humanities and social science research, education and expertise. Our research is internationally renowned and socially influential, focusing on areas such as culture, languages, communication, social sciences and philosophy. The humanities play a significant role predicting global developmental trends and social changes as well as in meeting societal challenges and managing large masses of information.

Our strength is our strong sense of community and an open and diverse academic atmosphere. Come build your career in a faculty that values you as a professional and offers opportunities for growth and international collaboration! More information about the faculty: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (jyu.fi/en)

The University of Jyväskylä is a human-centred environment of 2,500 experts and 14,500 students. Our goal is to create wisdom and wellbeing for us all. It is essential that each member of the community thrives and has opportunities to develop and grow. We cherish openness of thinking as well as the balance between research and education. Our naturally beautiful campus is located at the heart of the city of Jyväskylä. JYU is the third largest employer in Central Finland.