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

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 Doctoral Researcher, who will write a doctoral dissertation addressing the reception of Suhrawardī’s philosophy in fourteenth- and/or fifteenth-century CE philosophical, theological, or Sufi authors in the Islamic world. The Doctoral Researcher should have a completed master's degree in Philosophy or in another suitable field, as well as sufficient knowledge of classical Arabic to enable work with untranslated primary sources. The duties, eligibility requirements and language skills of a Doctoral Researcher are defined in the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines. A trial period of six months will be used in the beginning of the employment.A trial period of six months will be used in the beginning of the employment.

A strong academic record is advantageous.

The ability to work adequately in English is essential.

In addition, the Doctoral Researcher must have a permission for post-graduate studies at the University of Jyväskylä. After selection, the selected person must apply for postgraduate study rights through a separate application procedure from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

What we offer

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 a Doctoral Researcher is determined based on the task-specific demand level 2–4 for teaching and research staff. The starting salary will be approximately 2500 €/month (gross income). A holiday bonus is paid to all employees. With progress of thesis work, the salary will be revised in accordance with the Collective Agreement of Finnish Education Employers. If you are relocating from abroad, we will support your move to Jyväskylä and Finland.

We offer good working conditions for researchers and promote the principles of HR Excellence in Research, HRS4R. The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) is based on the values of the European Charter for Researchers & The Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (Charter & Code). JYU is committed to fairness, consistency and transparency in selection decisions, and undertakes the recommendations for the responsible evaluation of a researcher in Finland. JYU has signed the DORA Declaration. By signing the agreement, JYU is committed to complying with the CoARA principles.

How to apply?

Please attach the following documents in English and in PDF format to the online application form:

1. a curriculum vitae (CV), composed according to good scientific practice and considering the template for researcher´s curriculum vitae by The Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity;
2. a short and informal motivation/cover letter (about 1 page), including your research interests, career goals and previous experience and merits in relation to the qualifications for this position;
3. if you are an author of any publications, a publication list of any scientific or other publications according to the Research Council of Finland format;
4. a concise research plan (2–3 pages, with a view to studying Suhrawardī’s impact on fourteenth-/fifteenth-century CE authors);
5. a copy of the diploma of your highest degree together with your study transcripts with grade results;
6. your MA thesis text and evaluations, if available (attach to “other attachment”).

We look forward to receiving your application in our recruitment system at the latest on October 11, 2026.

For further information, please contact Professor Jari Kaukua, +358408054147. You can also ask for a further description of the project by email, jari.kaukua@jyu.fi.

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.