The University of Turku invites applications for two fixed-term postdoctoral researcher positions for a period of two years within the thematic profiling area Cultural Heritage in the Digital Age (DigiHeri). The positions will start on 1 February 2026 or as agreed.
These positions are part of the Cultural Heritage in the Digital Age (DigiHeri) initiative, which belongs to the University of Turku’s profiling funding (PROFI 8) and represents a multidisciplinary collaboration across five faculties. The positions will be placed in the faculty corresponding to the candidate’s discipline.
DigiHeri focuses on digitised and/or born-digital cultural heritage: its identification, utilisation, enrichment, and critical research. The aim is to understand the transformation of cultural heritage and its impact in the digital era. What new forms of cultural heritage has digitalisation produced? How does the division between digital and non-digital heritage affect the way we perceive and study the world? What is the relationship between digitised and born-digital heritage?
The project emphasises research on digital cultural heritage, the development and exploration of open methods and tools, the construction of shared digital infrastructures, and the societal and cultural implications of new forms of heritage. Further information about the project is available at https://sites.utu.fi/digiheri/.
Job Description
The postdoctoral researcher will develop their own research within the project themes in collaboration with a multidisciplinary research team and national and international partners. Duties include:
- Conducting a two-year research plan
- Developing and publishing peer-reviewed research articles and contributing to academic texts with other project members
- Preparing DigiHeri workshops
- Promoting the project’s societal engagement
- Potentially participating in teaching/co-teaching and/or supervising students
The application period opens on 17 November 2025 and closes on 15 December 2025 at 16:00 (Europe/Helsinki).
Essential Qualifications
According to the eligibility criteria for postdoctoral researchers at the University of Turku, applicants must hold a relevant doctoral degree in the fields of humanities, education, law, social sciences, or data science. Applicants must also demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research and possess sufficient teaching skills. A two-year research plan is required as part of the application.
The research plan may address one of the following areas:
- Digital or computational methods in cultural heritage research,
- Educational and pedagogical practices related to digital cultural heritage,
- Cultural heritage policy,
- Legal texts as cultural heritage.
Applicants are encouraged to contact research groups and projects at the University of Turku working in related fields and link their project to existing initiatives.
In evaluating applications, we will particularly consider:
- The quality and feasibility of the research plan
- Ability to conduct scientific research independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
- Familiarity with digital cultural heritage research
- Knowledge of relevant theories and methods
- Interest in societal engagement and previous experience in this area
We value collegiality and promote equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We encourage all qualified applicants with different backgrounds to apply for our open positions.
