Postdoctoral Researcher, Biodiverse Anthropocenes transdisciplinary research programme

We, at the University of Oulu, work as part of the international science community to produce new scientific information and science-based solutions. We are committed to educating 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. We offer a working environment where individuals can cultivate their skills, do meaningful work, and develop professionally. Our university's several specialized research and service units enable extensive and diverse development and career opportunities for experts in various fields. 

We are looking to hire a highly motivated 

Postdoctoral Researcher

to join the University of Oulu’s Faculty of Humanities, Unit of History, Culture and Communications.The postdoctoral researcher will have experience and/or a demonstrated interest in environmental change and socio-environmental relations.The researcher will work with Dr. Anna Krzywoszynska on relations between humans and soil ecosystems as part of a new transdisciplinary programme, Biodiverse Anthropocenes.

This postdoctoral researcher position is based within the research focus area of Biodiverse Anthropocenes (https://www.oulu.fi/en/research/arctic-interactions-resilience-and-global-change/biodiverse-anthropocenes ). Biodiverse Anthropocenes focuses on human-environment relations and biodiversity dynamics, with a particular orientation towards the Arctic. We invite applications from candidates across social science and humanities fields and disciplines. We are looking for strong research skills in environment and society relations, or biodiversity research specifically. We invite candidates interested in pursuing work across and beyond disciplinary boundaries. We are looking for a scholar with an interest in soils and land, and conversant in issues and frameworks linked to global and regional environmental change, its social impacts and interpretations and biodiversity loss.

Located on the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia in Northern Finland with over 13,000 students and over 3,000 employees, the University of Oulu is one of the Nordic countries’ largest universities and a global leader in studies of Arctic environments and peoples. The research unit of History, Culture and Communications combines cutting-edge expertise of cultural anthropology, archaeology, history, information studies, and the history of science and ideas.

Biodiverse Anthropocenes Research Programme

Biodiverse Anthropocenes is a Research Programme of the University of Oulu supported by the Academy of Finland PROFI6 funding (2021-2026). This innovative and transdisciplinary research initiative brings together scholars from across the social and natural sciences to collaboratively investigate the biodiversity loss currently threatening multi-species well-being and planetary sustainability, and to generate future-oriented solutions both in the Arctic and around the planet. The Biodiverse Anthropocenes Research Programme is framed around four core themes:

• Transformations and adaptations
• Multispecies worlds
• Innovating approaches and methodologies
• and Envisioning sustainability

Together, these themes address the critical topics of: multiple pressures creating biodiversity loss; the responses of species, communities and ecosystems to ecological challenges; creative development and use of research methods for examining human-environmental systems; and, speaking with and listening to the public to use scientific knowledge to enhance sustainable and ethical practices. You will be invited to join as a member of Biodiverse Anthropocenes and take part in the programme’s various activities and events.

Job description

The position combines participation in an ongoing research project led by Dr. Krzywoszynska with the development of an independent research trajectory by the candidate, linked to the societal issues at the intersection of biodiversity, soils and land in the Arctic regions.  

You will work with Dr. Anna Krzywoszynska on her ongoing project on soil health in European environmental governance. The rising concerns about soil degradation in the EU are generating governance initiatives by supra-national actors, national and regional bodies, private companies, farming groups, and others. Central to many initiatives is the concept of soil health, the definition of which is contested amongst knowledge communities, not least within the sciences. This project uses qualitative research methods to map and understand these emerging controversies and debates. The project includes a special focus on soil biodiversity, and soil life more broadly, as an area of ‘undone knowledge’, a site of science-policy controversies, and a concept prompting new social and ecological learning in land-oriented communities of farmers, growers, and other land stakeholders.

You will also work with Dr. Krzywoszynska on developing a new research trajectory on issues related to soil life and soil biodiversity in the Arctic region. The focus of this work may include the role of the soil biodiversity in Artic climate change governance, on Artic agroecology, on local Arctic soil knowledges, or others. In this role, you will work with Dr. Krzywoszynska on establishing stakeholder networks, undertaking scoping research, and writing funding proposals and position papers. Having existing research and/or practitioner experience of issues related to soils and land in the Arctic regions, including in the fields of agriculture, forestry, urban land management, or within scientific and other knowledge communities, but would be of benefit.

Primary duties attached to the position will include:

• Carrying out both self-initiated and collaborative research and writing activities that lead to high-quality academic publications;
• Collaborating with programme leaders to further the aims of Biodiverse Anthropocenes, such as organizing thematic conferences or workshops;
• Engaging in writing and submitting applications for research funding;
• Participating in outreach initiatives that engage both academic and non-academic publics;
• Taking part in teaching activities, subject to faculty needs and your own teaching/research capabilities and interests.

Qualification requirements

You must possess an applicable Doctoral degree in a relevant field (anthropology, geography, social studies of science, environmental humanities, or a related field in human sciences) that has been awarded not more than ten years ago. In addition, we appreciate:

What we offer

• We offer you a world-class research environment in a multinational, high ranking research group working to solve globally significant scientific and environmental challenges.
• We offer you a lively community of committed scholars in an innovative and internationally focused programme keen on generating new research ideas.
• We provide you with multiple opportunities to advance your career via different routes (see https://www.oulu.fi/en/career-alternatives for details).
• We offer you significant personnel benefits and opportunities to develop your own skills and competences.
• You will receive a competitive salary paid monthly, which includes paid leave and an additional holiday bonus in the summer.
• You will receive university occupational health insurance. The Finnish government also provides benefits to residents and their families, for example access to the national healthcare system and high-quality, affordable childcare and school services.

Salary

The salary will be competitive and based on the standard salaries for teaching and research staff at Finnish universities, set at demand levels 5-6 for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a personal salary component based on work performance will be paid (maximum of 50% of the job-specific component). In practice, this means the starting gross salary will be approximately between EUR 3500-4000 per month (before taxes).

How to apply

Applications should be submitted using the electronic application form by 6th October 2022 at 23:59 (EET). The application should be written in English and include the following:

1)     A letter ofmotivation (max. 2 pages) summarizing your professional experience and expertise and describing why you are interested in this position and detailing your personal research interests, experience and career plans

2)     Brief research plan (max. 3 pages, excluding references) outlining the research you plan to carry out during the three years of the position.

3)     Curriculum vitae (max. 4 pages) in accordance with the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity http://www.tenk.fi/en/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae

4)     List of publications in line with the guidelines of the Academy of Finland: https://www.aka.fi/en/research-funding/apply-for-funding/how-to-apply-for-funding/az-index-of-application-guidelines2/list-of-publications/ [a full list with ten most important publications highlighted]

5)     Certificates/Diplomas: Scanned copy of the original doctoral degree certificate

6)     Contact information of two to three senior/experienced researchers senior/experienced researchers who may be asked to give a personal statement about you (note that these will only be requested if you are shortlisted for this position).

Only applications containing all relevant appendices and submitted through the online recruitment system will be considered. The top candidates will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified at the various stages of the selection process, including once it has been completed.

Further information

The position is fixed term for 3 years beginning on 1.1.2023 or as soon as possible thereafter and ending on 31.12.2025. A trial period of 6 months is applied to the position.

For further information, please contact Biodiverse Anthropocenes coordinator Dr Laura Siragusa [email protected] .

You can also contact the Principal Investigator Anna Krzywoszynska, [email protected]

About our University and Oulu, Finland

Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, excellent education system, and competitive economy. Oulu is a Northern Nordic city known for its stunning natural surroundings, vibrant cultural life and friendly, easy-going atmosphere. Residents enjoy Finland’s high standard of living, combined with affordable housing and lower living costs compared to larger cities in the south. The greater Oulu region is home to over 200,000 people making it the largest urban centre in the Nordics and one of the fastest growing regions in northern Finland. Find out more about Oulu: https://www.oulu.fi/university/living-in-oulu