Sari Kivistö

Tampere University invites applications for a Doctoral Researcher position in the field of Suffering and Meliorism in Literature and the Philosophy of Literature, as part of the Centre of Excellence on the Meliorist Philosophy of Suffering (MePhiS, 2026–2033). This research group, led by Professor Sari Kivistö and funded by the Research Council of Finland, is hosted by the Faculty of Social Sciences at Tampere University. The position is fixed-term for 2 years, starting in January or February 2026, and offers a unique opportunity to engage in high-impact, interdisciplinary research at the intersection of philosophy, literature, and the humanities. The MePhiS Centre of Excellence focuses on the meliorist philosophy of suffering, which places the concept of suffering at the heart of philosophical inquiry and seeks to understand how the world can be improved through active human effort. The research group specifically explores how literature and the philosophy of literature can articulate, reflect, and influence experiences and ethical considerations of suffering. Topics include optimism, pessimism, meliorism, and the role of literature in expressing and managing societal and individual suffering, such as that caused by war, violence, poverty, marginalisation, and the climate crisis. The successful candidate will conduct doctoral research aligned with the group’s aims, participate in regular project meetings, and contribute to the joint research plan of the Centre of Excellence. Up to 5% of working time may be devoted to teaching and administrative duties. The working language is English, and the position offers a supportive, international, and collaborative environment with excellent opportunities for professional development. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field (such as literary studies or philosophy) and demonstrate expertise in literary studies and/or philosophy of literature. Familiarity with the themes of suffering, optimism, pessimism, or meliorism, and experience in combining literary and philosophical approaches, are considered advantages. Candidates should possess strong analytical and methodological skills, the ability to conduct independent research at a high international level, and excellent English proficiency. The selected candidate must also apply for and be accepted into Tampere University’s Doctoral Program in Social Sciences in spring 2026. The position is salaried, with a typical starting salary of approximately 2,700 EUR per month, determined by the University Salary System and adjusted for qualifications and experience. Additional staff benefits include occupational health care, flexible working hours, and access to sports facilities. International staff are supported in relocating to Finland. Applications must be submitted in English via Tampere University’s electronic recruitment system by 28 November 2025. Required documents include a CV (max 3 pages), a short letter of reference from the (prospective) PhD supervisor, and a preliminary research proposal (max 3 pages). Online interviews for shortlisted candidates will be held in December. For further information, contact Professor Sari Kivistö at [email protected].

Tampere University invites applications for 1–2 postdoctoral researcher positions in the field of literary studies and the philosophy of literature, as part of the Centre of Excellence in Meliorist Philosophy of Suffering (MePhiS, 2026–2033). The research team, led by Professor Sari Kivistö, focuses on 'Suffering and Meliorism in Literature and the Philosophy of Literature' and is funded by the Research Council of Finland. The team is hosted by the Faculty of Social Sciences at Tampere University, while the broader MePhiS Centre includes teams at the University of Helsinki. The MePhiS Centre is dedicated to philosophical and interdisciplinary research on the meliorist philosophy of suffering, which posits that the world can and should be improved through human effort. The project places suffering at the heart of philosophical inquiry, aiming to reinterpret ethical and philosophical issues, integrate research from the humanities (including history of ideas, literary studies, and theology), and renew interdisciplinary methodologies. The research group specifically investigates how literature can articulate philosophical issues and influence experiences and expressions of suffering, examining writers and works connected to optimism, pessimism, and meliorism, as well as literature reflecting societal anxieties and suffering caused by war, violence, poverty, marginalisation, and the climate crisis. The group also explores how philosophers use literature to reflect on ethical responses to suffering. Postdoctoral researchers will conduct independent and collaborative research, publish actively, and contribute to the joint research plan of the Centre. Participation in regular project meetings and activities is expected, as is a small contribution (5–10%) to teaching and administration. The working language is English, and the position is fixed-term for three years, starting in January/February 2026 (or as agreed). The salary is based on the University Salary System (levels 5–6), with a typical starting salary of 3,800–4,200 EUR/month, plus benefits such as occupational health care, flexible working hours, and sports facilities. International staff receive relocation support. Applicants must have a completed doctoral degree in a relevant field (e.g., literary studies, philosophy) by the application deadline. Expertise in literary studies and/or philosophy of literature is required, and familiarity with suffering, optimism, pessimism, or meliorism in literature and philosophy is advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical and methodological skills, the ability to work independently and collaboratively, and excellent English proficiency. AI-generated proposals are not accepted. Applications must be submitted in English via the Tampere University electronic recruitment system by 28 November 2025. Required documents include a CV (max. 3 pages, with two referees), a numbered list of publications, and a research proposal (max. 3 pages) outlining your alignment with the project and research vision. Online interviews for shortlisted candidates will be held in December. For further information, contact Professor Sari Kivistö at [email protected].

Tampere University is recruiting 1-2 doctoral researchers for a fixed-term appointment of up to four years starting in January 2027. The position is embedded in the research project Oppineet säkeet. Epideiktinen retoriikka ja kulttuuriset kertomukset luonnosta varhaisen uuden ajan yliopistoissa (learned verses: epideictic rhetoric and cultural narratives of nature in early modern universities), led by Academy Professor Sari Kivistö and funded by the Academy of Finland. This opportunity is suitable for applicants interested in literary studies or history, especially those working at the intersection of rhetorical studies, cultural history, history of science, modern history, and world literature. The project title indicates a focus on early modern universities, nature, epideictic rhetoric, and broader cultural narratives, making it a strong fit for research in intellectual history, literary theory, and historical approaches to texts and ideas. The position is based at the Faculty of Social Sciences at Tampere University. Tampere University is part of a major multidisciplinary higher-education community in Finland, and the project sits within a vibrant research environment with strengths in technology, health, and society. The post is advertised as a PhD/doctoral researcher opening, and the call states that the appointment is for four years or less. The posting directs applicants to read the full English-language advertisement and application instructions for the detailed description of duties, eligibility criteria, and submission requirements. Deadline for applications is 11 September 2026 at 23:59 (Europe/Helsinki).

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.