2 Postdoctoral Researchers (History)

The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Jyväskylä is seeking to recruit:

two Postdoctoral Researchers (History), for a period of four years, starting 2.9.2024 or as agreed (2.1.2025 at the latest).

Reason for recruitment

These full-time four-year Postdoctoral Researchers will contribute to the ERC Consolidator Grant project "De-Centering Eighteenth-Century Political Economy: Rethinking Growth, Wealth and Welfare in the Swedish Empire" (DEPE) led by PI Ere Nokkala. The aim of DEPE is to reassess the early history of European political economy by radically historicizing it.

Candidates should propose a research plan, based on their own interests and expertise in response to DEPE’s work packages https://www.jyu.fi/en/projects/de-centring-eighteenth-century-political-economy-rethinking-growth-wealth-and-welfare-in-the-swedish  WP2 (Parliamentary Speeches: Improvement and Freedom) or WP5 (Political Economy and Colonial Aspirations: Improvement and Empire). The candidate’s research plan is expected to contribute to the overall aims of radically historicizing and de-centering eighteenth-century political economy.

Duties and Requirements

Postdoctoral Researcher 1

• to do lead research on Diet Records (WP2)
• contribute to project coordination
• to actively participate in the project’s activities
• present research at international conferences

Postdoctoral Researcher 2

• to do lead research on Political Economy and Colonial Aspirations (WP5)
• contribute to project coordination
• to actively participate in the project’s activities
• present research at international conferences

Requirements for the applicant

The Candidates must have (or be obtaining before the start of the employment relationship) a PhD in history or a related field. The duties, qualification requirements and language skills for the position of the Postdoctoral Researcher are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines.

The candidate for position Post Doctoral Researcher 1 is further required to have:

• expertise in history of political and/or economic thought
• high proficiency in English and ability to read sources in Swedish
• personal suitability and motivation for the position

The candidate for position Post Doctoral Researcher 2 is further required to have:

• expertise in colonial history and/or history of economic and/or political thought
• high proficiency in English and ability to read sources in French and Swedish
• personal suitability and motivation for the position

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on:

• The scientific quality of the project
• The ability of the applicant to complete the project within the timeframe
• Capacities for both independent and collaborative research
• Ability to work in an international research project and communication skills

It will be considered as an advantage if the candidate has:

• familiarity with Swedish intellectual history
• familiarity with early modern Swedish texts

What does the University of Jyväskylä offer as an employer?

At the University of Jyväskylä you are a recognized member of our community with a unique opportunity to influence international research. You get to participate in our international and multi-science community where the welfare of each individual is important. 

Finland has a high standard of living, with free schooling (also in English), affordable childcare, good family benefits, and healthcare. Jyväskylä is located in central Finland in the Finnish Lakeland, and has excellent opportunities for different nature, outdoor, and sports activities. The city of Jyväskylä is a major educational center and the city has a large student population. As such there is a vibrant cultural scene in the city. At Jyväskylä we offer a great and lively university campus area with opportunities to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. To find useful information about the University of Jyväskylä, the City of Jyväskylä and living in Finland, see the International Staff Guide.

Salary

The salary of a successful candidate will be based on level 5-6 of the job requirement scheme for teaching and research staff in the salary system of Finnish universities. The starting gross salary will be between 3400—4100 EUR/month depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate. A trial period of six months will be used in the beginning of the employment.

How to apply

The following documents must be uploaded in English to the electronic recruiting system:

1. CV composed according to current scientific practice and using e.g., the template for researcher´s curriculum vitae of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity (TENK);
2. An informal motivation letter, which outlines your personal research orientation and interest in the given topic and research project. The motivation letter can include the names and contact information of 1-3 referees ("cover letter" on the online application form);
3. Numbered list of publications including the applicant’s scientific and other publications according to the instructions of the Research Council of Finland (please highlight the five most relevant publications for this position);
4. A Research Plan (2-3 pages)
5. Ph.D. degree certificate (a PDF copy) or a copy of supervisor’s statement that will demonstrate that a candidate will obtain Ph.D. degree certificate before the start of the employment relationship

For more information, please contact Associate Professor Ere Nokkala ere.p.nokkala@jyu.fi

Information for the applicant

The application form cannot be saved as a draft. However, after submitting you can return to edit your application via the link you receive by email. The application can be edited until the application deadline.

You have 6 hours to complete your application before the timeout.