Doctoral researcher in Gender Studies

The University of Oulu is part of the international scientific community producing new scientific knowledge and science-based solutions related to problems of society. The University of Oulu is committed to educate educate future pioneers to build a more sustainable, intelligent and humane world. Creating new, taking responsibility, and succeeding together are values that build a strong foundation for all our actions. Doctoral researchers in the University of Oulu are part of an international, multidisciplinary scientific community. Doctoral training is coordinated by the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS).

University of Oulu has allocated twenty (20) 4-year doctoral researcher positions to the emerging research themes. The Emerging projects in the strategic focus areas will connect multidisciplinary research across disciplines with the spearhead projects of the University of Oulu.  

We are now looking for

A Doctoral researcher

in Gender Studies in a research project ’A Spitting Image: Direct-to-consumer DNA testing and new networks of kinship (A-SPIT)’, lead by associate professor Johanna Hiitola, Gender Studies, Faculty of Education. The position is for a maximum of four years, starting at the earliest on 1.1.2023. The applied position is under the Emerging projects programme 2023-2026 within the context of Eudaimonia Institute, which offers a high-level international multidisciplinary environment supplied with cutting-edge infrastructures in the strategic focus area Humans in Change.

The research project investigates how the new availability of direct-to-consumer (DTC) DNA testing shapes the way in which kinship ties and collectives are formed. By utilising the sociology of association and critical and queer kinship studies, we seek to follow the traces of DNA tests from test tubes to databases and, finally, into people's intimate relationships. This revolution concerning genetic knowledge has the potential to completely shift the ways in which intimacies, families and collectives are perceived. In addition, we examine how Finnish Sámi indigenous communities perceive these new technologies. Our team also interrogates the complex ethical issues surrounding DTC DNA testing, such as situations in which tests reveal sexual violence or other unsettling information.

We are looking for a doctoral researcher to carry out their independent research on the effects of DTC DNA testing. You are free to choose their own focus. For example, new kinship ties, emerging ethnic or community belonging, indigenous DNA (with an ethical approach emphasizing self-determination), adoption or donor-conceived children and adults, to name a few possibilities.  

The position is supervised by associate professor Johanna Hiitola who is a feminist family sociologist. The supervisory team will also include Senior Research Fellow Pauliina Rautio who is an expert in post-qualitative and multispecies methodologies. The doctoral researcher will also have a third supervisor from the Research Group for Epistemic Matters (REM) team.

Requirements

You must hold a Master’s degree or an equivalent degree preferably in gender studies, education, humanities or social sciences (e.g. sociology, anthropology, social work, social policy, etc.). You must have knowledge of qualitative research methods (either from your studies or from research projects).

Your Master’s degree must have been completed with good grades (at least 60% of maximum grade, or 3/5, in both the taught studies and the Master’s thesis). Ability to pursue independent research and fluency in English is expected. Applicants will either be starting their doctoral training or have completed no more than two full years of training (adjusted for possible previous part-time status) at the time the position is filled. You will carry out your doctoral studies in the Human Sciences Doctoral Programme of the University of Oulu Graduate School. You must meet the minimal requirements to receive doctoral study rights as defined in UniOGS .

What we offer

• We offer you a place in a highly talented research group, working to solve globally significant research problems in the field of gender studies.
• University´s wide variety of support services are at your disposal, allowing you to focus on your studies and research.
• In addition to modern research facilities, we offer you personnel benefits such as free occupational healthcare, support for sport services and endless opportunities to develop your skills and competences.
• Regular salary is paid 12 months per year, including paid leave and an additional holiday bonus in the summer.
• The employed person will be insured by the university and provided occupational healthcare. The Finnish government provides benefits to residents and their families, for example possibility to the national healthcare system and high-quality affordable childcare and school services.

Salary and key terms

The salary of selected doctoral researchers will be initially set on level 2, and later on levels 2–4 of the national salary scale for the teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a supplementary remuneration is given for personal achievement and performance (max. 50 %). In practice, the salary is roughly 2200 – 2700 € (before taxes) per month for an early-stage researcher, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and progress of the doctoral thesis.

Mobile work is possible in this position, but you do need to have or be willing to apply for residency in Finland for this position.

The position is fixed term for maximum of four years starting earliest on 1st of January 2023. A trial period of 6 months is applied to the position.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through the online system by 30 November 2022, 23:59 (Finnish local time). You can submit your application either in Finnish or English. Please add the following attachments as separate pdf files (please note that the online system has a maximum size limit of attachments):

1. Complete CV (max 4 pages) containing contact information of at least two academic referees. A recommended CV template can be found on the webpage of Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity (http://www.tenk.fi/en/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae ).
2. Motivation letter (max 2 pages) describing why are you applying for this position and why are you interested in this particular research subject. Describe also your strengths and your academic background which makes you suitable for applying for this position.
3. Certificates/Diplomas: scanned electronic copies of diplomas and transcripts of the records of relevant previous degrees (MSc or equivalent). If the original documents are not in English, Finnish or Swedish, each document must be accompanied by an official certified translation into English or Finnish.

Applications sent by email will not be considered.The eligible applicants fitting best in the research profile expected for the position may be invited to a remote interview. All applicants will be notified when the selection process is completed.

For further information please contact

Johanna Hiitola, johanna.hiitola(at)oulu.fi