1-2 Doctoral Researchers in Literary Studies or History (VERSITAS project, Tampere University) Tampere University in Finland

Tampere University invites applications for 1-2 Doctoral Researchers in literary studies or history within Academy Professor Sari Kivistö’s project The Verses of Learning: Epideixis and the Cultural Stories of Nature at Early Modern Universities (VERSITAS). The project is based at the Faculty of Social Sciences and examines the relationships between poetry, rhetoric, and nature in the early modern period, together with their roots and continuities across earlier and later centuries.

The project focuses on how myths and cultural narratives shaped early modern natural history and how literary forms, genres, and rhetorical strategies influenced the representation of nature. Through the study of scientific writing and occasional literature from the early modern period and adjacent centuries, the project investigates how literary and stylistic devices shaped relationships between humans and nature. The research environment is described as supportive, inspiring, and well connected to wider scholarly activity at Tampere University.

The positions are suited to promising doctoral researchers with a master’s degree in a relevant humanities field, such as literary studies, rhetoric and its history, book history, intellectual history, or classical studies. Strong alignment between the applicant’s proposed research topic and the project’s aims will be central in selection, alongside the ability to produce research of high international standard. Experience with historical texts and archival materials is an advantage, as are prior studies in early modern literature and/or history. Topics may include historical studies of nature, human-animal studies, ecocritical approaches to pre-modern and early modern literature, and transhistorical perspectives. Familiarity with the history of rhetoric or occasional poetry is also welcome.

The appointed researchers will write a doctoral dissertation linked to the project, complete the required doctoral credits, and participate in collaborative academic activities such as joint events. Teaching and administrative duties may take up to 5% of working time. The selected candidates must apply for and be admitted to Tampere University’s Doctoral Programme in Literary Studies or Doctoral Programme in History during autumn 2026.

The positions are fixed term for up to four years, beginning in January 2027 or as agreed. Salary is based on the university salary system, with doctoral researchers placed on levels 2-4. The starting salary is approximately €2,700 per month and increases as doctoral studies progress. The appointees are expected to reside in Finland during employment.

Applications must be submitted in English via Tampere University’s electronic recruitment system by 11 September 2026 at 23:59 (UTC+3). Applicants should attach a CV (max. 3 pages), a reference letter from the prospective doctoral supervisor if external to the research team, and a preliminary research proposal (max. 3 pages) including prior research experience, a project-fit statement, and a doctoral timeline. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed online on 22 and 23 September 2026. Applicants should not submit AI-generated research proposals.