Postdoctoral Researcher on Aquatic Science and Technology Studies and More-than-human Relations

The Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Helsinki invites applications for the position of

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER ON Aquatic Science and Technology Studies and More-than-human relations

for a fixed term period for the duration of 1.10.2025-31.08.2029 or as agreed.

This position is linked to the Research Council of Finland fellowship project MARBLOOM  (More-than-human Aquatic Relations and Algal Blooms). The project is led by Principal Investigator Jose A. Cañada and linked to the Centre for the Social Study of Microbes . The work is organizationally situated in the Department of Sociology at the Faculty of Social Sciences (University of Helsinki).

MARBLOOM analyses algal blooms from a social scientific perspective with emphasis on the changing relationship between humans and the environment. Algal blooms are a growing global phenomenon that illustrates shifts in marine and freshwater ecologies due to phenomena such as climate change, global warming, pollution or eutrophication. The objective is to understand how algal blooms and the changing conditions around them contribute to the reconfiguration of human-environment relations in the context of the ecological crisis using Finland as an exemplary case. The project is situated in science & technology studies (STS) and relies on more-than-human and sensory approaches.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The appointed researcher will work closely with MARBLOOM’s Principal Investigator in the project’s implementation. Among other research tasks, the postdoctoral researcher will a) help conduct a multimodal analysis to examine how relations between humans, aquatic microbes, and water bodies are featured in existing discourses, representations, and imaginaries of algal blooms; b) design and conduct an independent ethnography that examines the expanding more-than-human networks and practices that emerge around specific algal blooms and affected water bodies; and c) contribute to the development of conceptual and methodological tools for the social study of changes in human-environment relations. Additionally, the researcher will actively contribute to teaching and administrative tasks in the Department of Sociology at the University of Helsinki (up to 5% of their working time annually).

QUALIFICATIONS

An ideal candidate will have defended their doctoral thesis in the field(s) of science and technology studies, anthropology, sociology, social psychology, environmental sciences, or equivalent. They will have training and/or experience in ethnography, qualitative analysis, and the use of non-textual/sensory methods. Period following the completion of doctoral degree must not exceed three years, excluding family leave and equivalent periods of absence. They should have excellent command of English for academic purposes. Additionally, conversational level of Finnish and/or Swedish for fieldwork purposes is desirable. Proven teamwork skills and commitment to academic collaboration are essential.

WHAT WE OFFER

University of Helsinki is an equal opportunity employer and offers an attractive and diverse workplace with a variety of development opportunities and benefits. The annual gross salary range will be approx. €45,000 – €49,000, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience. Standard Finnish pension benefits and occupational health care are provided for university employees. Further information can be obtained online . The employment contract will include a probationary period of six months.

Finland is a member of the European Union, has high quality free schooling (also in English) and generous family benefits and healthcare. Finland was recently ranked as the best country in the world for expat families, and Helsinki in the world’s top ten most livable cities. Finland and the Helsinki region feature leading research and innovation facilities, clean environment, affordable accommodation, and excellent international, national, and local transport connections. For more information about working at the University of Helsinki  and living in Finland , please see the website.

The chosen applicants are expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki. The Faculty of Social Sciences provides assistance in relocation. 

HOW TO APPLY

The University of Helsinki is committed to promoting equality and preventing discrimination in all its operations. We welcome applicants from a variety of genders, linguistic and cultural backgrounds, and minorities.

Please submit your application, together with the required attachments, through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the link "Apply now" (“Hae nyt”). Use your current email address to register to the Recruitment System. Only applicants who are currently employed by the University of Helsinki are requested to submit their application via the link “Employee login”. The closing date for applications is 14 August 2025.

Applicants are requested to enclose with their applications the following documents in English:

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in the last week of August.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further information about the positions and the research project may be obtained from jose.a.canada(at)helsinki.fi