Postdoctoral Researcher in Environmental Social Sciences
The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Jyväskylä is seeking to recruit:
a Postdoctoral Researcher (Environmental Social Sciences), for a period of two years, starting 3.8.2026 or as agreed (4.1.2027 at latest). The fixed-term position is for a project.
The position is allocated to the Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy and to the profiling area of planetary well-being and sustainability transitions. The position links to a new 5-year ERC StG project ‘Environmental Landscape Ethics: A Theory of Cohabitability’ (link).
Research in this project consists of innovative interdisciplinary research that seeks to transform the ethics of land use and urban and landscape planning, and create new philosophical and social scientific frameworks and knowledge to approach ethically responsible cohabitation and multispecies sustainability in human-managed environments.
Duties and requirements
The main task of the to-be-recruited researcher is to conduct research in the ERC project, both individually and in close collaboration with other team members. The opened position is responsible for designing and implementing empirical work on cohabitability in WP4 with comparative case studies on the cohabitability of different urban and/or rural contexts and factors that drive or impede cohabitability.
The applicant is expected to have a Ph.D. degree in social sciences, human geography, or other relevant field. (In case you are interested yet uncertain about the suitability of your degree, please don’t hesitate to ask more.) The position necessitates strong knowledge from empirical research in environmental social sciences and skills for interdisciplinary research. Capacities for both independent and collaborative research are required.
Besides research, we expect the chosen candidate to contribute as a Wisdom Fellow to the building and development of the cross-disciplinary JYU.Wisdom sustainability research community. The primary place for community building and research collaboration is Jyväskylä and the chosen person is expected to participate actively in research community activities located in Jyväskylä campus.
The candidates are expected to conduct research at high international level, and a good command of English is required for this position. The duties, qualification requirements and language skills of a Postdoctoral Researcher are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines. The qualification requirements should be met by the closing of the application time.
Benefits
You get to participate in our international and multidisciplinary community where everybody’s welfare is valued. You will work in an enthusiastic, innovative and award-winning research team and become a member of the multidisciplinary, highly engaged JYU.Wisdom community where you also get support for cultivating your skills for sustainability research, creating own research projects, and creating successful project funding applications. At JYU, you will enjoy a beautiful campus environment that supports a healthy and active lifestyle (including good sports benefits for staff) and has received the European Heritage Label. Nature amenities nearby are exceptionally good. Living costs in Jyväskylä are modest compared to many other Finnish cities.
Finland has a high standard of living with healthcare, free schooling (also in English), affordable childcare, and good family benefits. The city of Jyväskylä is located in central Finland amidst Finnish lakes and has excellent opportunities for different nature, outdoor, and sports activities. It is a major educational center, whose large student population is responsible for a vibrant cultural scene. To find useful information about the University of Jyväskylä, the City of Jyväskylä, and living in Finland, see the University's International Staff Guide. International Staff Guide.
The Postdoctoral Researcher positions are rated on levels 5-6 in the YPJ salary system for Finnish universities. At the beginning of the work contract, the monthly salary (gross income, excluding holiday bonus) in this Postdoctoral Researcher position will be approximately 3.300–4.100 €, depending on the qualifications and prior experience of the candidate.
Six months trial period is applied to the filling of the position.
In case you are also experienced in theoretical research, please see also the other application related to the same ERC project (link).
How to apply
To apply, your ORCID-profile (https://orcid.org) must be up to date and your publications must be visible to the public (Set visibility: Everyone).
Following documents must be included in English as PDF files to the electronic recruiting system:
- CV composed according to good scientific practice and considering, using e.g., the template for researcher´s curriculum vitae of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity (TENK);
- Informal motivation letter, which explains your personal research orientation and interest in the given topic and research project (link). The motivation letter can include the names and contact information of 1-3 references ("cover letter" on the online application form);
- Numbered list of publications covering the applicant’s the scientific and other publications according to the instructions of the Academy of Finland (please highlight five most relevant publications for this position);
- Ph.D. degree certificate (a PDF copy).
- *Research plan is not mandatory for this position, please submit an empty file here to proceed with your application.
Apply between 17 April and 14 May, 2026, 23:59 (Europe/Helsinki) via the University of Jyväskylä online application form. Applications sent via email won't be considered.
For more information, please contact Assistant Professor Teea Kortetmäki, teea.kortetmaki@jyu.fi (tel. +358 40 183 4918).
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.
Our application process is transparent, professional and international. We communicate openly with the applicants throughout the recruitment process. All appointment decisions are based on careful consideration within the faculty. We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage qualified applicants, regardless of background, 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.
The application form cannot be saved as a draft. However, you have 6 hours to complete your application before the timeout. After submitting your application, you can return to edit it via the link you receive by email until the application deadline.
