Postdoctoral Researcher within the ERC-funded project From the Margin to the Centre: Rights Development, Transitional Justice and Indigeneity in the Nordics (MARCEN)

The Faculty of Law, University of Turku invites applications for the position of Postdoctoral Researcher in Law (1 January 2026 – 31 December 2029).

Job description

The postdoctoral researcher will analyse the Nordic Sámi truth and reconciliation commissions – their impetuses, mandates, compositions, designs, scopes, activities, final reports and outcomes – against a transitional justice framework. The postdoctoral researcher will comparatively analyse central documents pertaining to the Sámi truth and reconciliation commissions and gather data through in-depth interviews with central actors and stakeholders in the Sámi truth and reconciliation commissions.

The research will pay particular attention to topics such as the scope of the transitional justice processes, the legal and extra-legal factors which have sparked these projects, which questions the commissions consider relevant, as well as the inclusion and exclusion of indigenous actors and voices by the commissions.

The position is primarily focused on research, but the postdoctoral researcher will also be given opportunities to develop their teaching skills.

The postdoctoral researcher will work in close cooperation with the Principal Investigator Daniela Alaattinoğlu and the rest of the MARCEN project team.

Apply between and

Who we are looking for

A person selected for the position of Postdoctoral Researcher is required to have a doctoral degree, the ability for independent scientific research and the teaching competence necessary for the task. The qualification requirements of the position are described in the rules of procedure of the University of Turku (section 35).

We are looking for a candidate with a relevant doctoral degree in law, sociology, indigenous studies, anthropology, political or social sciences. The doctoral degree should be obtained by the end of the application period, but no more than five (5) years having passed since the completion of the degree.

The postdoctoral researcher will be expected to advance their own research and contribute to the activities of the MARCEN project and the Faculty of Law. The postdoctoral researcher should be fluent in English and be proficient in at least two of the following languages: Norwegian, Swedish and/or Finnish.

Since the MARCEN project concerns the legal inclusion and exclusion of the Sámi people, we particularly welcome applications from candidates who are proficient in one or more Sámi languages and who are familiar with the relevant context.

We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage all qualified applicants with different backgrounds to apply for our open positions.

Benefits

We offer you responsible and interesting tasks and the opportunity to develop your professional skills in a versatile operating environment. You get a professional and inspiring team to support your work. We take care of your well-being at work and the functionality of your everyday life, e.g. with the help of flexible working hours and our well-being services.

Please read more about University of Turku as an employee from our Come work with us! pages.

The European Commission has awarded the University of Turku the right to use the HR Excellence in Research logo. The logo is a token of the University's commitment to continuous development of the position and working conditions of researchers according to the guidelines set forth in the European Charter for Researchers. 

The university offers good support and orientation for international hires. Please learn more about the Finnish culture and relocation to Finland:

Salary and trial period

The salary is based on the salary system of the university’s teaching and research staff. It consists of a task-specific salary component and a personal performance salary component. The component based on personal performance is 6–50% of the task-specific salary. The salary is 3500-3600 euros/month on average depending on competence and experience.

The post is subject to a six (6) months trial period.

How to apply

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is 2.6.2025 at 16.00 (Europe/Helsinki).

Applicants should enclose with their application:

  1. a cover letter of no more than two pages;
  2. a postdoctoral research proposal which aligns with the job description of no more than three pages;
  3. an academic portfolio in accordance with the guidelines of the University of Turku: https://www.utu.fi/en/university/come-work-with-us/academic-portfolio
  4. a short curriculum vitae, without photo, of no more than two pages;
  5. a list of publications in accordance with the guidelines of the Faculty of Law: https://www.utu.fi/sites/default/files/public%3A//media/file/list_of_publications_EN.pdf;
  6. an academic writing sample (one text);
  7. copie(s) of degree certificate(s) (if degree(s) are not completed at the University of Turku);
  8. other documents related to the applicant’s competence and qualifications.

Further information

For further information about the position, please contact Assistant Professor Daniela Alaattinoğlu, daniela.alaattinoglu(a)utu.fi.

For practical matters concerning the application process and electronic application system, please contact Head of Faculty Administration Noora Kedonperä, nokake(a)utu.fi.

Faculty of Law

The Faculty of Law is a modern research and educational community. It is an encouraging and innovative academic community in which the interaction between students, teachers, researchers and administrative staff is easy and uncomplicated. The production of the new research information and the training of the new experts are core tasks of the Faculty.

The University of Turku is an inspiring and international academic community of 25,000 students and staff in Southwest Finland. We build a sustainable future with multidisciplinary research, education, and collaboration. With us, your work will have a significant impact and relevance in the changing world.

See our open vacancies

HR Excellence in Research Logo

Homepage LinkedIn Facebook Youtube Instagram

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.

Instructions for submitting a job application

Logo

Postdoctoral Researcher within the ERC-funded project From the Margin to the Centre: Rights Development, Transitional Justice and Indigeneity in the Nordics (MARCEN)

Are you sure you want to withdraw this application?

Back to form
Saving changes
Saved!