We invite applications for a fully funded three-year PhD position on Arctic change and adaptation, with a focus on how northern livelihoods respond to the changing climate and operating environments. Research on locally and regionally significant but less-studied sectors – such as forestry, transportation, energy production and tourism – is especially encouraged.

The position is part of an interdisciplinary research community on ‘Arctic change and adaptation’, supporting research in collaboration with societal stakeholders and Indigenous communities. Doctoral studies will be carried out at the Faculty of Social Sciences, and the research work will be located at the Arctic Centre as part of the Global Change research programme (https://arcticcentre.org/en/research/global-change/).

About the Position

Northern livelihoods are increasingly affected by climate change and broader transformations. Less is known about everyday adaptation practices and their links to governance, particularly in emerging or less-studied sectors.

The doctoral project should examine such questions from a social-ecological, political science or interdisciplinary perspective. Relevant topics include:

• everyday coping and adaptation practices
• practitioner knowledge and its relation to scientific knowledge
• links between governance and local-level adaptation
• the implementation of adaptation strategies in practice
• adaptation in diverse or multi-livelihood contexts

Your tasks

• conducting doctoral research on a topic aligned with the research agenda of the adaptation of Northern livelihoods
• completing the studies and credits required for the doctoral degree
• committing to the guidance and activities of the research community
• potential teaching in your field and/or other academic tasks (max. 5% of working hours).

We offer

• a clear and structured study framework within a multidisciplinary academic community, making it possible to complete a doctoral degree in 3 years
• supervision by senior staff at the research community
• high-level skills for careers in academia or other demanding educational, development and expert roles in society
• an engaging research environment with opportunities for multidisciplinary research collaboration.

We expect

• a master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g geography, political sciences, anthropology)
• interest in Arctic communities, adaptation and social-ecological systems
• an understanding of climate change impacts in the Arctic
• interest in interdisciplinary and participatory research
• the ability to conduct empirical fieldwork
• proficiency in English. Finnish is an advantage
• a collaborative, proactive, self-directed and responsible work ethic.

These positions are intended for applicants who are starting their doctoral research. To be eligible, applicants must not currently hold a right to pursue a doctoral degree in any university in any country. Selected candidates are expected to apply for doctoral study rights during the University of Lapland’s application period in spring 2027 (2–16 February 2027).

Required Application Documents

The required documents should be submitted in English.

If you have used generative AI in your documents, specify how it was utilised.

The required documents are:

1. a doctoral research plan that follows the template (which can be found at Application enclosures for Doctoral education - University of Lapland) and is a max. length of 5 pages (including the bibliography but excluding covers and potential appendices); if the research includes an artistic or production-oriented component, justify its significance
2. a one-page summary of the research plan, including contact information (address, telephone number, email address)
3. a one-page motivation letter that includes a hand-signed declaration stating that all the information provided in your application documents is accurate and complete
4. an academic CV (use the TENK template: https://tenk.fi/en/advice-and-materials/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae), including the names and contact information of two (2) references
5. copies of degree certificates
6. copies of certificates showing language skills if language skills are not specified in the degree certificate. 

Further information on the position

For inquiries about the position, please contact Professor Pigga Keskitalo (with questions about the content of the position) pigga.keskitalo(at)ulapland.fi. If you have questions about the recruitment process, contact tutkijakoulu(at)ulapland.fi.

Note: Due to the holiday season, email inquiries received in July will be answered in August.

Workplace address: Yliopistonkatu 8, 96300 Rovaniemi, Finland
Employment duration: 3 years full-time, starting on 1 January 2027
Probation period: 6 months
Salary: The salary is based on the university salary system for teaching and research staff (demand level 2), with a starting salary of approximately €2,714/month. The task-specific component is €2,281.48/month, and a personal performance component of up to 50% may be added. The salary will increase when 50% and 75% of the dissertation have been completed.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an on-site or online interview at the end of August.

University of Lapland

The University of Lapland is an international science and art university located in the City of Rovaniemi on the Arctic Circle. Our university creates new knowledge, skills and competence from the arctic perspective – for the North and for the world. Our fields of education and research include educational science, law, art and design, social sciences, and northern and arctic perspectives. Our strategic choices focus on global arctic responsibility, sustainable tourism, future services and governing distances.

The University of Lapland values equality and diversity within its community.