Doctoral Researcher within the Research Council of Finland-funded project Agency in everyday Datafication (AgenDa)

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

Job description

The doctoral researcher will use design methods to research embodied and justice-oriented approaches to datafication literacy, to support human agency and mitigate algorithmic harms. The focus will be on empirical research that uses different design and game-making methods to study how human agency interacts with digital technologies and algorithms in both public and private spatio-legal settings.

The doctoral researcher’s tasks include conducting research on the theme of the applicant’s dissertation and attending doctoral courses. The position may include up to approximately 80 hours/academic year of teaching and additional faculty-assigned duties. The position requires that the employee resides in Finland for the duration of the employment contract.

The doctoral researcher will work in close cooperation with the PI Miriam Tedeschi. The doctoral researcher will be co-supervised by the PI, who is a legal geographer, and Associate Professor Andrea Resmini (Halmstad University, Sweden), who is an information architect and designer. A third supervisor may be added depending on the doctoral researcher’s chosen research focus. While the doctoral researcher will have the freedom to choose their own research focus, it is important that the thesis aligns with the description above and the focus of AgenDa (more information about the project can be found on the website: https://www.utu.fi/agenda).

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Who we are looking for

We are looking for a candidate with a master’s degree in law, design, human, legal, or digital geographies, political or social sciences, gender studies, digital humanities, education (other degrees may be also considered) with a research interest in, for example, socio-legal studies, emotional and/or feminist geographies, datafication literacy, playful approaches to embodied and experiential learning, and research through design.

The doctoral researcher will be expected to advance their own research and contribute to the activities of the AgenDa project and the Faculty of Law. The doctoral researcher should be fluent in English.

Given that AgenDa is an interdisciplinary project, we particularly welcome applications from candidates who show clear interest in crossing disciplines’ boundaries and learn new methods. Preliminary experience in carrying out qualitative, empirical research, and content analysis after data collection is an advantage.

The position is primarily intended for candidates who are beginning their doctoral studies rather than those with ongoing PhD projects.

If the successful applicant does not already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Turku, they must apply for admission during the first 2026 application period (spring) via the Studyinfo.fi service through the Doctoral Programme in Law (Faculty of Law).

Please note that having doctoral study rights does not automatically guarantee a salaried position within the AgenDa project. Additionally, if the selected candidate does not have the doctoral study rights at the University of Turku and does not apply for them in the spring 2026, their selection will not be considered valid.

Interviews for the position will be held at the end of January/beginning of February 2026.

Read more about applying for the right to study on the website Doctoral Programme in Law / Instructions for Applicants.

The qualification requirements for doctoral researchers are described in the rules of procedure of the University of Turku (section 38).

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.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 quality label. The label 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:

The University of Turku is among the top of the world’s universities in most rankings and among the best universities in the world in certain fields. Our high-quality basic research, a multidisciplinary research profile and close cooperation in research infrastructures creates the basis for international top research. Read more about University of Turku in international university rankings.

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 task-specific salary component of a Doctoral Researcher is at level 2–4. The component based on personal performance is 6–50% of the task-specific salary. The task-specific salary component of an entry-level Doctoral Researcher is typically on level 2, in which case the salary range is about 2500 € per month at the beginning of the employment relationship.

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 19 December 2025 at 16.00 (Helsinki/Europe).

Applicants should enclose with their application:

  1. a cover letter of no more than two pages;
  2. an extended abstract of a doctoral research proposal (maximum 400 words);
  3. a short curriculum vitae, without photo, of no more than two pages;
  4. 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;
  5. an academic writing sample (e.g. the candidate’s master’s thesis);
  6. copie(s) of degree certificate(s) (if degree(s) are not completed at the University of Turku);
  7. other documents related to the applicant’s competence and qualifications.

Further information

For further information about the position, please contact Academy Research Fellow Miriam Tedeschi, miriam.tedeschi(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

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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.

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Doctoral Researcher within the Research Council of Finland-funded project Agency in everyday Datafication (AgenDa)

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