Postdoctoral Researcher in Critical Border Studies (Postdoc) University of Eastern Finland in

The University of Eastern Finland is inviting applications for one Postdoctoral Researcher in Critical Border Studies at the Karelian Institute on the Joensuu Campus.

This is a four-year fixed-term postdoctoral position within the PROFI 9 research initiative funded by the Research Council of Finland. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary research team and the university’s BOMOCULT Research Community (Cultural Encounters, Mobilities and Borders), contributing to research on borders, bordering, border-making, mobility, identity, territoriality, regional development, and trans-border processes.

The position is intended for a scholar who earned a PhD no more than five years ago and who wants to strengthen expertise in critical border studies broadly defined. The role includes independent and collaborative research, participation in project teams led by a professor specialized in critical border studies, and active involvement in research funding proposals and project development.

Funding and salary: The position is salaried according to the Finnish university system. The job-related salary element is level 5 (EUR 3,366.55/month), plus a personal salary element of 6–50%, giving an estimated starting salary of about EUR 3,700–4,200/month. The post also includes occupational health insurance and standard UEF staff benefits.

Eligibility highlights: Applicants need a suitable doctoral degree, strong English skills, and research interests relevant to social, economic, political, regional, or cultural processes related to borders. Finnish is not required. International research cooperation and mobility are considered advantages.

Application window: Applications must be submitted in English by 30 June 2026 at 24:00 Finnish time. Required attachments include a CV, publication list, degree certificates, language certificates if applicable, a summary of scientific achievements, a research proposal (max. 3 pages), and a development plan (max. 1 page).

Contacts: Petri Kahila (Head of the Karelian Institute), Joni Virkkunen (Vice Head), and Airi Leppänen (HR Specialist) are listed for further information.