Postdoctoral Researcher, Philosophy
The Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy is seeking to recruit a Postdoctoral Researcher in Philosophy for a 3-year fixed-term contract. The contract begins on 12 January 2026 or thereafter, depending on mutual agreement. The fixed-term position is for a project.
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 we are looking for
We are hiring a Postdoctoral Researcher, who will conduct research on the reception of Suhrawardī’s philosophy in thirteenth-century CE philosophical and theological authors in the Islamic world. The researcher should have a completed doctoral degree in Philosophy or in another suitable research field, as well as sufficient knowledge of classical Arabic to enable work with untranslated primary sources. The ability to work adequately in English is essential. A strong academic record is advantageous.
The duties, qualification requirements, and language skills of a Postdoctoral Researcher are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines. The PhD degree required for the position must have been completed before the starting date. A trial period of six months will be used in the beginning of the employment.
Benefits
At the University of Jyväskylä, you are a recognized member of our community with a unique opportunity to influence international research. You get to participate in our international and multidisciplinary community where the welfare of each individual is important. At the University of Jyväskylä, we offer a great and lively campus area with opportunities to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.
Finland has a high standard of living, with free schooling (also in English), affordable childcare, good family benefits, and healthcare. Jyväskylä is located in central Finland in the Finnish lakeland and has excellent opportunities for different nature, outdoor, and sports activities. The city of Jyväskylä is a major educational center and the city has a large student population. As such there is a vibrant cultural scene in the city. To find useful information about the University of Jyväskylä, the City of Jyväskylä and living in Finland, see the University's International Staff Guide.
The salary for this Postdoctoral Researcher's position is determined based on the task-specific demand level 5 of the university salary system for teaching and research staff. The salary range will be approximately 3500-4000 €/month (gross income), depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate. We also support your relocation to Jyväskylä with a settling-in allowance.
How to apply?
Please make sure that your ORCID-profile (https://orcid.org) works: your publications are listed and public (Set visibility: Everyone). You cannot apply to this job without an ORCID profile.
The application documents that should be included in English and in PDF format:
- 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.
- A short free-form motivation/cover letter (about 1 page).
- A publication list of any scientific or aother publications according to the Research Council of Finland format.
- A copy of the diploma of your highest degree.
- Your doctoral dissertation text, and evaluations, if available (attach to “research plan”).
- A study trascripts with grade results (attach to "other attachment").
Applications should be submitted via the University of Jyväskylä online application form by December 7th, 2025. Applications sent via email are not considered.
For further information, please contact Professor Jari Kaukua, +358408054147. You can also ask a further description of the project by email, jari.kaukua@jyu.fi.
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-centered environment of 2,500 experts and 14,500 students. Our goal is to create wisdom and wellbeing for all. JYU's naturally beautiful campus is located in the heart of the city of Jyväskylä. JYU is the third largest employer in Central Finland.
Information for the applicant
The application form cannot be saved as a draft. However, after submitting you can return to edit your application via the link you receive by email. The application can be edited until the application deadline.
You have 6 hours to complete your application before the timeout.
