Doctoral researcher, Sustainability Transformations Doctoral Education Pilot (SusTra)

Doctoral Researchers for Sustainability Transformations Doctoral Education Pilot (SusTra) 

 

The University of Helsinki is currently seeking to fill 64 three-year positions for doctoral researchers. These positions are part of a national initiative in doctoral education and are available within various doctoral education pilots. The appointments are set to commence on January 1, 2025. 

 

As a doctoral researcher at the University of Helsinki, you will conduct your doctoral research as part of an international scientific community under the guidance of top researchers in your field.  

 

Sustainability Transformations Doctoral Education Pilot (SusTra)produces information about social, cultural, organizational and individual-level change processes when targeting a sustainable and just society without exceeding the planetary boundaries. Complex social-ecological challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and global social inequality require in-depth sustainability transformations, across all sectors, scales and actors. 

 

This will include new approaches for i)rethinking the state, such as cross-sectoral governance approaches for advancing sustainability transformations; ii)rethinking the commons, such as changing the way which people understand, govern, and use physical, cultural, and intellectual commons; iii)rethinking justiceincluding changing the relationships between people and place, and the range of knowledge and experiences of environmental change; iv)rethinking efficiencyincluding finding ways tofair distribution of goods, and v)rethinking business and economy. 

 

At the University of Helsinki we are looking for two doctoral researchers for a 3-year doctoral position in the field of Environmental Humanities. The selected persons will work on one of the following themes: Critical approaches to Global Sustainability Framework, Biocultural diversity in the Arctic, Equality and inclusion of Indigenous and minority perspectives to sustainability transition. 

 

Suitable candidates have a background in cultural and areal studies, environmental humanities or sociolegal studies. 

 

• More information about the Doctoral Education Pilot in Sustainability Transformations 

 

Qualifications and Responsibilities 

We are looking for motivated candidates who have demonstrated their capabilities in previous studies and are committed to completing their doctoral degree within the targeted three-year timeframe. Your responsibilities will include conducting research for your dissertation and completing the doctoral degree according to the curriculum of the doctoral program. Additionally, you may be involved in teaching and other duties, accounting for up to 5% of your annual working time. 

 

We Offer: 

• Opportunity to work in an international, multidisciplinary research community 

• High-quality research infrastructure and support services 

• Comprehensive support for initiating and advancing your research 

• Competitive salary (starting salary typically 2,400-2,800 €/month, depending on the appointees' qualifications and experience), along with benefits such as healthcare and other employee benefits 

• Assistance with integration into Finland and the University of Helsinki community 

 

Application Process and Selection Criteria 

In this call, applicants are expected to have a supervisor for their project. All applicants are required to have: 

• A research plan drawn up in collaboration with the supervisor 

• Supervision plan drawn up in collaboration with the supervisor 

• A study right for a doctoral degree awarded no earlier than 1.11.2023 OR a stage of studies that allows the candidate to be awarded aright to study for a doctoral degreeduring the probationary period, i.e. within six months of the start of employment 

 

The selection process will consider: 

• Suitability of the research plan to the chosen pilot project 

• Quality and feasibility of the research plan within the three-year timeframe 

• Planned connections to the professional world and the significance of the position for the applicant's career after completing the doctoral degree 

• Feasibility of completing the dissertation within three years, as demonstrated in the supervision plan 

 

Additionally, we expect from all applicants:  

• Commitment to three years of intensive and full-time work  

• Strong motivation and previous evidence of the ability to achieve results and complete the project on schedule  

• Creativity along with the ability for analytical and conceptual thinking, a determined and independent work approach, collegiality, the ability to engage in constructive collaboration with others, and inspire others  

• Fluent oral proficiency in English and the ability to write scientific texts in English 

• The appointed doctoral researchers are expected to reside in Finland, though temporary research visits abroad are possible. If relocating, employment can only begin after arriving in Finland. 

 

In addition, there may be consortium-specific requirements or specifications, which are listed in the application instructions online. 

 

Application Instructions and Deadline 

 

Please review the application instructions carefully and submit your application no later than September 9.  

 

Please note that as part of the selection process, we utilize an online competency assessment for all eligible applicants. Please ensure that you allocate approximately one hour between September 12 and September 16 (EEST) to complete the test. 

 

The University of Helsinki is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our operations. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, including different genders, linguistic and cultural backgrounds, and minority groups.