Doctoral Researcher in Global Development Studies on Forests, Deforestation, and Post-truth Politics University of Helsinki in Finland

The Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Helsinki is recruiting a Doctoral Researcher in Global Development Studies for a fixed-term appointment of at least three years, starting on 1 March 2027 (or as agreed). The project is Forests At Tipping points in the Era of Post-truth and Polycrisis: Insights from Brazil and Finland (FATE), funded by the Research Council of Finland (2024–2030).

The project examines deforestation and clearcutting in Brazil and Finland as contributors to climatic ecological tipping points. The research combines interviews, participant observation, qualitative documentary analysis, and discourse analysis of official documents and media. The successful candidate will work closely with the Principal Investigator, Markus Kröger, and contribute to project communications, events, publications, and related tasks. Teaching duties may account for up to 5% of annual working time.

This doctoral opening is especially relevant for candidates interested in global development studies, social sciences, human geography, anthropology, environmental science, political science, and qualitative/ethnographic research on forests, post-truth politics, and policy-making. The appointee will conduct fieldwork in Brazil, including in-situ research, interviews, media and online ethnography, and observation, and will need to spend periods of time in Brazil during employment.

Eligibility highlights: a master’s degree with excellent grades in a relevant field; proven ability and motivation for doctoral study; prior exposure to the Brazilian Amazon forest communities and politics; strong Portuguese and English; excellent analytical and writing skills; and the ability to work independently. Experience with qualitative and especially ethnographic research is welcome, and experience in rural/forest communities is an advantage. The appointee must secure the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki by the start of the appointment or within the six-month probationary period.

Funding and conditions: annual gross salary approximately €32,000–€42,000 depending on qualifications and experience, plus standard Finnish pension benefits and occupational health care. The position is full-time and the appointee is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki.

Application deadline: 12 November 2026 at 23:59 Europe/Helsinki time. Apply via the University of Helsinki Recruitment System and upload the required PDF documents: motivation letter, research plan (1500–2000 words), CV, publications list, referee contacts, and supporting degree/language certificates.