The University of Helsinki (www.helsinki.fi/en) is an international scientific community of 40,000 students and researchers. It is one of the leading multidisciplinary research universities in Europe and ranks among the top 100 international universities in the world. The University of Helsinki seeks solutions for global challenges and creates new ways of thinking for the best of humanity.
The Faculty of Social Sciences is Finland’s leading research and education institution in the social sciences and also the most diverse in terms of its disciplines. In several research fields the Faculty belongs to the top 50 in the international rankings. The Faculty has a strong international profile both in research and teaching programmes. The number of academic staff stands at 500. Each year the faculty awards some 350 Bachelor’s degrees, 400 Master’s degrees, and more than 40 doctoral degrees. For more information on the Faculty of Social Sciences, please visit www2.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-of-social-sciences.
The Faculty of Social Sciences invites applications for the position of
for a fixed term period from 1 January 2022 onwards (or as agreed) to contribute to the subproject Discovering the Limits of Reason of the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Law, Identity and the European Narratives (EuroStorie, www.eurostorie.org). The doctoral student will be employed for a defined term of two to four years, depending on the phase of the appointee’s thesis. Successful candidates are expected to work full time and to complete their doctorates in four years.
The position is located at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Law, Identity and the European Narratives (EuroStorie, www.eurostorie.org).
The CoE is a part of the interdisciplinary Centre of European Studies. The purpose of the CoE is to launch a new, third generation inquiry that critically explores the emergence of narratives of Europe as responses to the crises of the twentieth century and how these narratives have shaped the ideas of justice and community in Europe. It studies the foundational stories that underlie the contested idea of a shared European heritage in law and culture, such as the ideas of rule of law, equality, tolerance, pluralism and the rejection of totalitarianism, and their relevance for current debates on identity and history. The CoE is divided into three subprojects. For descriptions of the subprojects and their aims, please see www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/law-identity-and-the-european-narrativ….
The subproject Discovering the Limits of Reason focuses on the philosophical and intellectual roots of the post-WWII European project. In particular, the project studies the interwar debates on the idea of reason and its contested universality in the fields of philosophy, history and theology as well as in legal and political theory. We are interested in a variety of ideas ranging from general concepts such as rationality, universality and teleology to their more concrete formulations in theories of progress, sovereignty, liberalism and so on. We invite new and ambitious projects that combine philosophical and historical approaches with more concrete analyses of ensuing e.g. political and/or legal developments, including perspectives from outside Europe. Projects with linkages with and relevance in other subprojects of the CoE are highly encouraged. We welcome applicants with a multidisciplinary academic background and experience in conducting high-level research in interdisciplinary groups. We offer an exciting and stimulating research community.
The duties of a doctoral student are to work on their own doctoral thesis and to complete their postgraduate studies. The duties also include collaborative work with other researchers of EuroStorie, societal impact, teaching and other tasks. Teaching tasks can account for up to 5 % of the annual working time.
Qualifications
Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in a field that is relevant to the research topic and have a high quality research proposal. Relevant disciplines include but are not limited to philosophy, political science (or political theory), political history, intellectual history, law and theology. Other requirements include proven ability and motivation, demonstrated through previous degree studies or otherwise, to pursue postgraduate studies and a doctoral degree according to the study plan and research proposal. Fluency in English is required.
The appointee should either already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki by the start of the appointment, or apply for the right and obtain it within the probationary period of six months of their appointment. If the candidate does not already have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki, it must be applied for separately, www.helsinki.fi/en/research/doctoral-education/the-application-process-i….
What we offer
We are an equal opportunity employer and offer an attractive and diverse workplace in an inspiring environment with a variety of development opportunities and benefits. The annual gross salary range will be approx. 30,000 – 39,000 euros, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience. In addition, University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and opportunities for professional development. Further information at Further information at www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers. The employment contract will include a probationary period of six months.
How to apply
Please submit your application through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the link Apply for job. Applicants who are employees of the University of Helsinki are requested to submit their application via the SAP HR portal. The deadline for applications is 23 April, 2021.
Applicants are requested to enclose with their applications the following documents as a single pdf file:
1) A curriculum vitae (max 2 pages).
2) A list of publications. (You do not need to send copies of the publications themselves.)
3) A research plan not exceeding four (4) pages including a statement outlining how the proposed topic fits to the profile of the CoE and contributes to cross-disciplinary collaboration between the subprojects of the CoE.
4) Contact information and recommendation from one referee. For instructions, please see www2.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-of-social-sciences/faculty/applying-for-teaching-and-research-positions.
Further information
Further information about the position may be obtained from the team leader Dr. Timo Miettinen (timo.pa.miettinen@helsinki.fi, English or Finnish) or Vice-Director Pamela Slotte (Pamela.slotte@helsinki.fi, also Swedish). In case you need support with the recruitment system, please contact recruitment@helsinki.fi.