The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Jyväskylä is currently seeking to recruit:

A Doctoral Researcher in Social Sciences with a focus on Multi-Level Governance (MLG) for a fixed term of three years, starting on 1.4.2025.

The doctoral post is based at the Transition for Secure and Sustainable Societies (TS3) research group led by Dr Farid Karimi at the Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy. The doctoral researcher primarily contributes to the Horizon Europe project ‘EU Decarbonisation in Times of Crises: Exploring Social Innovations and Enhancing an Equitable Twin Transition’ (DeCrises).

DeCrises aims to identify theoretical and implementation gaps in the current MLG framework concerning twin climate and digital transition and propose pathways to a just twin transition to minimise current inequalities and prevent creation of new ones. Furthermore, DeCrises aims to develop a comprehensive bottom-up governance framework for effective MLG to foresee digital and climate transitions that is well-equipped to deal with future uncertainties. This will involve assessing the EU’s implementation of its Green Deal and how this is interwoven with the EU’s Digital Strategy, understanding how it promotes citizen participation and deliberation, identifying collaboration models and enhancing regional governance.

Duties and qualifications

The primary task of a doctoral researcher is to conduct research on the MLG framework governing the EU climate and digital transitions (twin transition). In addition, the doctoral researcher is expected to participate substantially in the project administration (such as organising events and communication with partners) as well as contribute to the formal deliverables of the project in collaboration with the other project partners.

For this post, knowledge of qualitative research methods and skills in writing scientific articles are essential. Knowledge of quantitative research and familiarity with MLG is a significant advantage.

The candidate is expected to conduct research at a high international level, and a good command of English is required for this position. Knowledge of one of Finland’s official languages (i.e., Finnish or Swedish) is an advantage. Good social and teamwork skills, open-mindedness, self-motivation, and the ability to work independently are required.

General tasks and requirements

Other duties of the Doctoral Researcher will focus on postgraduate studies. The chosen candidate needs to have a right to pursue doctoral studies at the Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy prior to the commencement of the position.

The chosen candidate needs to have a master’s degree in a relevant field prior to the commencement of the position. The relevant fields include but are not limited to social sciences (not least sociology and political sciences) and humanities. The eligibility requirements, duties and language skills of a Doctoral Researcher are defined in the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines.

What does the University of Jyväskylä offer as an employer?

At the University of Jyväskylä, you will become a member of our international and multi-science community, where the welfare of each individual is important. We provide you with the opportunity to thrive and advance in your academic career.

At Jyväskylä, we offer great and lively university campus areas with opportunities to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. To find useful information about the University of Jyväskylä, the City of Jyväskylä and living in Finland, see the JYU International Staff Guide. 

Salary

The monthly salary for a Doctoral Researcher is at level 2 in the salary scale system for teaching and research staff at Finnish universities.

A trial period of six months will be used at the beginning of the employment.

How to apply?

Please attach the following documents in English as PDF files to your online application:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV), including a list of publications;
2. Motivation letter including merits and experience pertinent to the task, as well as describing the applicant’s research interests (max. 1 page, "cover letter" on the online application form);
3. Research plan addressing the DeCrises objectives (max. 2,5 pages);
4. Master’s degree certificate (a PDF copy).
5. One or two recommendation letters ("other attachment" on the online application form);

For further information, please contact Senior Lecturer Farid Karimi: farid.o.karimi@jyu.fi or +358 50 477 4516.