Postdoctoral Researcher in Psychology or Education (Climate-change Hopelessness among Emerging Adults) University of Oulu in Finland

The University of Oulu, a leading multidisciplinary research university in Finland, is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Faculty of Education and Psychology, specifically within the Teacher Education, School, and Society (TESS) unit. The position is part of the 'Climate-change hopelessness among emerging adults: Sources of hopelessness, outcomes, and resilience factors (ClimHope)' project, funded by the University of Oulu Eudaimonia Institute. The project aims to explore the psychological and educational dimensions of how young people relate to the climate-change crisis, focusing on types and patterns of climate hopelessness, their relationship to engagement and mental wellbeing, and identifying resilience factors. The postdoctoral researcher will work with both qualitative (interviews, written stories) and quantitative (longitudinal and cross-sectional surveys) data, including developing new survey scales and leading a survey study with Finnish high-school students.

Depending on language skills, the researcher may also conduct qualitative interviews in Finnish or analyze English-language stories. The role involves writing scientific articles, collaborating with an international team (including researchers from Denmark and Sweden), and participating in regular project meetings. The researcher will be affiliated with the Profi7 research program 'Frontiers of Arctic and Global Resilience (FRONT)' and the Eudaimonia Institute, and will join the 'Socio-ecological Resilience and Sustainability' research group led by Professor Maria Ojala.

The position offers a supportive, multidisciplinary environment, staff benefits (including wellness and relocation support), and opportunities for professional development. Applicants must have a recent doctoral degree (within 10 years) in psychology, social psychology, education, or a related field, with strong quantitative skills and experience in survey research. Additional merits include qualitative research experience and Finnish language skills.

The position is full-time, fixed-term for up to three years, with a starting salary of approximately 3700-4300 € per month. Applications are due by 2 December 2025 via the university's recruitment system. For further information, contact Professor Maria Ojala at [email protected].