The Department of History, Culture and Arts Studies at the Faculty of Humanities, University of Turku, invites applications for a fixed-term position of Postdoctoral Researcher / Project Researcher for the period 1 November 2026 – 31 March 2027
Job description
The Postdoctoral Researcher / Project Researcher will work as part of the Research Council of Finland funded project PERSECUTIO: Causalities of Polemics and Persecution in Late Medieval Europe. The project is led by Academy Research Fellow Reima Välimäki.
The project examines the causes of the persecution of heretics and Jews in late medieval Europe, particularly in the area of the Holy Roman Empire. The aim is to explain the mechanisms behind the emergence, development and spread of persecutions. The project examines the relationship between polemical accusations and polemical texts and the emergence of persecutions, comparing it with other explanatory factors such as the social networks of the actors involved. The project is based on the modelling of medieval sources and the analysis of the modelled data both qualitatively and quantitatively.
The Postdoctoral Researcher / Project Researcher will conduct research in accordance with the project's research plan, both independently and in collaboration with the research group.
The duties include:
- participating in data collection and modelling using the InkVisitor tool (https://inkvisitor.net/)
- participating in the analysis of the modelled data
- participating in scholarly publishing activities
- participating in the preparation of workshops and other events organised by the project
- participating in collaboration with the project's partners, in particular the DISSINET research group at Masaryk University
- participating in the societal impact and communication activities of the project
- possibly participating in teaching and/or supervision of students.
Who we are looking for
Requirements
In accordance with the eligibility requirements for Postdoctoral Researchers at the University of Turku, we require a completed doctoral degree in a relevant field. For the Project Researcher position, a relevant master's degree (e.g. MA) is required. In both application categories, we require the ability to conduct independent research, a good command of written medieval Latin, and good written and spoken command of English. The position does not require programming skills or experience in quantitative research, but we value an interest in and a positive attitude towards data-intensive historical research.
Desirable expertise
- the ability to conduct scholarly research both independently and in collaboration with others
- familiarity with the research topics of the project
- familiarity with medieval Latin palaeography and codicology
- experience in using research databases
- an active publication record
- knowledge of German or Czech
We value collegiality and promote equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We 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.
- Possibilities to develop your expertise – We encourage our personnel to develop their professional expertise by offering versatile training and competence development possibilities which employees can take advantage of during their working hours. Also, the course offering of Open University is free of charge for our personnel.
- Your well-being is important to us! – In addition to comprehensive occupational health care, our own well-being services monitor, support and develop the well-being of our personnel. You are entitled to use the CampusSport’s services at a personnel price.
- We support your work-life balance – Flexible working hours and extensive remote work options help you balance work and leisure time.
- An inspiring and supportive work community – We encourage each other and value working together!
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Salary and trial period
The salary is determined in accordance with the university salary system for teaching and research personnel. The job requirement level for the Postdoctoral Researcher position is 5. In addition, a performance-based pay component is paid, which typically amounts to 11–17% of the position-specific pay component at the start of employment. Depending on prior experience and expertise, the salary at the start of the position is approximately 3,737–3,939 euros per month.
The job requirement level for a Project Researcher is 2–4. In addition, a performance-based pay component is paid, which typically amounts to 11–17% of the position-specific pay component at the start of employment. Depending on prior experience and expertise, the salary at the start of the position is approximately 2,588–3,401 euros per month.
The position has a trial period of two months.
How to apply
Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is 30.9.2026 at 16.00 (Europe/Helsinki).
Please write your application and accompanying documents in English.
Applicants are required to attach the following documents to their application:
- A motivation letter describing the applicant’s motivation and relevant expertise for the position
- A curriculum vitae (CV)
- A list of publications, indicating the publications most relevant to the project
- The names and telephone numbers of two referees
- Degree certificates
Instructions for preparing the CV and publication list can be found at:
Filling the posts of teachers and researchers at the Faculty of Humanities | University of Turku
Proficiency in Finnish is not required for the position.
Further information
For further information about the position, please contact: Academy Research Fellow Reima Välimäki, reima.valimaki@utu.fi.
With questions about the application process, please contact: HR Specialist Katariina Teräs, katariina.teras@utu.fi.
