Postdoctoral Researcher, Geography Research Unit, Faculty of Science

The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary, international research university, with about 3,600 employees who produce new knowledge based on high-standards research and provide research based education to build a more sustainable, smarter, and more humane world. The University of Oulu community has about 17,000 people in total. Our northern scientific community operates globally and creates conditions for the emergence of innovations.  

We are now looking for

a Postdoctoral Researcher

to join us in the Geography Research Unit at the Faculty of Science. The unit is a highly acclaimed international academic community and has a strong track record of research in border studies and geopolitics. It has 40+ researchers and 300+ bachelor’s and master’s students and is one of the leading research units at the University of Oulu. 

About the job

You will be working on the Research Council of Finland-funded project ‘Militarised Indigenous Borderscapes: Reconfiguring geographies of war and borders’ (the public project description can be found here). Led by Dr Hidefumi Nishiyama (PI), the project will study the impacts of militarisation on Indigenous lands and peoples through the case studies of Sápmi and Okinawa. 

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will

• Conduct fieldwork (including interviews and participant observation).
• Be responsible for transcribing (and translating if applicable) interviews.
• Analyse interview data.
• Contribute to the project's data management.
• Be actively engaged in publications and conference presentations.

What we offer?

•  A dynamic and international working environment with 40+ experienced and emerging researchers from across the world where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
• English as a working language. 
•  Regular salary is paid 12 months per year, including paid leave and an additional holiday bonus in the summer. 
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits here.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close ones in settling into Oulu.
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• We have an HR Excellence in Research -quality label which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers. 
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, an excellent education system, and a competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Who are you?

We expect from you:

• A doctoral degree in a relevant discipline, including but not limited to human geography, international studies, cultural anthropology, and indigenous studies, obtained before the beginning of employment but no more than 10 years ago.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in carrying out ethnographic research.
• Knowledge and familiarity with the geographical contexts (Sámi and/or Okinawa).
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Interest in seeking external funding to support research.
• Spoken and written fluency in English. 

We also appreciate:

• Language proficiency in Okinawan, Japanese, Swedish, and/or Sámi language(s).
• Understanding theories, concepts, and methodologies in decolonial and indigenous geographies and border studies.
• Experience in conducting research on issues concerning militarism and militarisation in Indigenous contexts.
• Familiarity with research ethics and data management concerning research in Indigenous contexts.

Salary

The full-time position is fixed-term for 2 years and will start from September 2025 or as agreed. The salary will be based on levels 5-6 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (a maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). The starting gross salary will be approx. 3600-4200 € per month (before taxes).  

A trial period of 6 months is applied for the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 31.05.2025 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

The application should be written in English and include the following:

1. Cover letter (max. 3 pages) summarising your experience, expertise, and skills relevant to this position. The letter should describe why you are fit for and interested in the position. 
2. CV (max. 4 pages) following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity.
3. List of publications, following the guidelines of the Academy of Finland. 
4. Certificates/Diplomas
5. Contact information of 2 persons available for recommendation (title, name, contact details, and a sentence or two describing the context of your professional relationship). 

The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, such as people of different ages, different genders, and members of different languages, cultural or minority groups. 

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact Dr Hidefumi Nishiyama, Geography Research Unit, [email protected].