The University of Helsinki in Finland is inviting applications for a fixed-term Postdoctoral Researcher position focusing on climate democracy and community-based democratic responses to climate turbulence.

The position offers an opportunity for an early-career researcher to contribute to an interdisciplinary research project examining how communities and democratic institutions can respond to the climate crisis.

The successful candidate will work across environmental sciences and social sciences and will contribute to research involving areas such as deliberative assemblies, food and energy systems, disaster and climate adaptation responses, ecological urban design, environmental justice, and democratic innovations.

The position is connected to the Finnish Research Council Profi9-supported Climate Democracy project, led by Professor David Schlosberg, and is expected to begin in January 2027.

The appointment is initially for three years, with a possibility of extension depending on continued project funding and the continuation of the research programme.

Postdoctoral Researcher in Climate Democracy at University of Helsinki

The University of Helsinki is seeking a collaborative and proactive researcher to join its interdisciplinary Climate Democracy project.

The research position is based within either:

• The Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences; or
• The Discipline of Social and Public Policy, Faculty of Social Sciences.

The project brings together environmental and social science perspectives to investigate democratic responses to climate turbulence and the ways communities can participate in developing responses to climate-related challenges.

The successful applicant will have the opportunity to conduct both independent and collaborative research while working with researchers, community organizations, project partners and international research networks.

About the Climate Democracy Project

The position is linked to a project supported by the Finnish Research Council Profi9 programme.

The Climate Democracy project is led by Professor David Schlosberg, whose research background includes environmental politics, environmental justice and democracy.

The project explores democratic and community-based responses to the climate crisis.

Rather than focusing only on the scientific or technological dimensions of climate change, the project examines how democratic processes, communities and institutions can contribute to responding to climate-related challenges.

The research may cover several interconnected areas, including:

• Deliberative assemblies
• Community-based democratic innovations
• Food systems
• Energy systems
• Disaster response
• Climate adaptation
• Ecological urban design
• Environmental justice
• Political responses to climate change
• Public participation
• Community-based experiments
• Democratic approaches to climate turbulence

This interdisciplinary focus means that candidates from different academic backgrounds may be considered, provided their research experience is relevant to the broader field of climate democracy.

Key Details of the Postdoctoral Position

• Position: Postdoctoral Researcher in Climate Democracy
• Research focus: Community-based democratic responses to climate turbulence
• Institution: University of Helsinki
• Country: Finland
• Faculties: Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Faculty of Social Sciences
• Possible departments: Department of Environmental Sciences or Discipline of Social and Public Policy
• Project: Climate Democracy
• Project leader: Professor David Schlosberg
• Funding: Finnish Research Council Profi9 support
• Contract: Fixed-term
• Initial duration: Three years
• Expected starting date: January 2027
• Salary: Approximately €3,700–€4,000 per month at the start, depending on qualifications and experience
• Working location: Helsinki, Finland
• Campuses: City Centre or Viikki
• Teaching: Approximately 10–20% of annual working time
• Trial period: Six months
• Application language: English
• Application format: Single PDF
• Deadline: 16 October 2026 at 23:59 EEST

What Will the Postdoctoral Researcher Do?

The successful candidate will have a broad research and project-management role.

The position is not limited to conducting individual academic research. The researcher will also contribute to the coordination, implementation and communication of activities within the wider Climate Democracy project.

Key responsibilities include the following.

1. Conduct Collaborative and Independent Research

The postdoctoral researcher will conduct research into community-based democratic innovations and experiments responding to the climate crisis.

This will involve working both independently and collaboratively with other researchers and project partners.

The successful candidate may therefore be expected to:

• Develop research questions
• Conduct academic research
• Participate in collaborative research activities
• Analyze democratic responses to climate change
• Study community-based initiatives
• Contribute to interdisciplinary research
• Develop research outputs
• Present findings to academic and public audiences

The position provides room for the researcher to develop their own research expertise while contributing to the objectives of the wider project.

2. Assess and Evaluate Community-Based Processes

Another important component of the role is the assessment and comparison of democratic processes and community-based responses to climate change.

The researcher will work with researchers and project partners to:

• Design assessments
• Conduct evaluations
• Compare different processes
• Examine community-based experiments
• Analyze democratic innovations
• Work with academic partners
• Work with community-based partners

This aspect of the role is particularly relevant for candidates with experience in qualitative or quantitative research, evaluation, comparative research, public policy, environmental governance or related areas.

3. Coordinate and Manage Research Activities

The successful candidate will also contribute to project management.

Responsibilities include coordinating multiple researchers and managing specific research tasks within the Climate Democracy project.

This means the role requires more than academic research skills.

Candidates should also be able to:

• Organize research activities
• Coordinate researchers
• Manage research tasks
• Track project activities
• Communicate with project partners
• Meet project deadlines
• Contribute to project planning
• Support implementation of research activities

Experience with research project management is specifically identified as one of the requirements.

4. Publish Academic Research

The researcher will be expected to contribute to the project’s academic outputs.

This includes:

• Writing peer-reviewed publications
• Developing research articles
• Contributing to collaborative publications
• Developing research expertise
• Preparing competitive grant applications

The university is therefore looking for a candidate with an emerging academic publication record and the potential to develop further as an independent researcher.

5. Prepare Project Documentation and Reports

The postdoctoral researcher will also support the preparation of project documentation.

This may include:

• Research reports
• Project documentation
• Academic articles
• Public-facing articles
• Other written outputs

The role therefore requires strong writing skills and the ability to communicate research to audiences beyond academia.

6. Organize Seminars and Workshops

The successful candidate will take a leading role in organizing and promoting seminars and workshops associated with the research project.

Responsibilities may include:

• Seminar planning
• Workshop organization
• Research event coordination
• Communication
• Logistics
• Financial coordination
• Web content
• Social media content
• Promotion of research activities

This makes communication and organizational skills important components of the position.

7. Build Research Networks

The researcher will also contribute to developing a broader community of researchers and practitioners.

The successful candidate will participate in:

• Research seminars
• Workshops
• Academic discussions
• Research networks
• Collaborative activities
• Engagement with Finnish partners
• European research networks
• International research networks

The position therefore provides opportunities to engage with researchers and practitioners both within Finland and internationally.

8. Teaching Responsibilities

Teaching may account for approximately 10–20% of annual working time.

This means the role combines research, project coordination, academic engagement and a limited teaching component.

Applicants should therefore be prepared to contribute to teaching activities in addition to their research responsibilities.

What Qualifications Are Required?

The University of Helsinki is looking for a candidate with an interdisciplinary interest in democratic and justice-based responses to the climate crisis.

The university specifically expects applicants to demonstrate several qualifications and experiences.

PhD Requirement

Applicants must have completed a PhD in an area related to climate democracy, broadly defined.

The relevant academic background can come from different disciplines, including:

• Humanities
• Social sciences
• Natural sciences
• Environmental sciences
• Political science
• Public policy
• Environmental politics
• Related interdisciplinary fields

Importantly, the doctoral degree requirement must be fulfilled by the beginning of employment.

Therefore, candidates who have not yet formally completed their PhD may potentially be considered if they will have met the degree requirement by the time the employment begins.

Knowledge of Climate-Related Issues

Applicants should demonstrate knowledge and an emerging research profile in one or more fields related to:

• Climate crises
• Climate democracy
• Political responses to climate change
• Public responses to climate change
• Environmental justice
• Democratic innovation
• Climate adaptation
• Community-based responses
• Environmental governance
• Related areas

The university describes climate democracy broadly, meaning applicants do not necessarily need to come from one narrowly defined discipline.

Independent Research Experience

Applicants should demonstrate their ability to conduct independent research.

This includes evidence that the candidate can:

• Develop research ideas
• Conduct research independently
• Take responsibility for research projects
• Complete research activities
• Produce academic publications
• Develop their research expertise

Candidates should therefore be able to demonstrate their research independence through their doctoral work, publications, projects or other relevant academic experience.

Academic Publication Record

Applicants should have an emerging track record in academic publications.

The university also emphasizes the potential to develop further research expertise through participation in different projects.

Candidates should therefore highlight relevant publications and research outputs in their CV and motivation letter.

Where applicable, applicants can demonstrate their experience through:

• Peer-reviewed journal articles
• Book chapters
• Research reports
• Conference papers
• Collaborative publications
• Other relevant academic outputs

Project Management Experience

Experience in project management is specifically required.

Candidates should be able to demonstrate experience managing or coordinating research activities, projects, teams or related initiatives.

Relevant experience may include:

• Research project coordination
• Managing project timelines
• Coordinating researchers
• Organizing workshops
• Managing research events
• Coordinating partners
• Grant project administration
• Research programme management

Collaborative Working Skills

The university is seeking a person who can work collaboratively.

The successful researcher will interact with:

• Academic researchers
• Community organizations
• Project partners
• Research networks
• Finnish institutions
• European partners
• International researchers and practitioners

Applicants should therefore demonstrate experience working effectively in collaborative environments.

International and Multidisciplinary Experience

Experience working in international and/or multidisciplinary settings is also expected.

This is particularly relevant because the project brings together environmental and social science perspectives and involves collaboration with Finnish, European and international partners.

Applicants should highlight relevant international research collaborations, multidisciplinary projects, academic networks or cross-sector research experiences where applicable.

English Language Requirement

Applicants must have excellent written and spoken English.

This is important because the role involves:

• Academic writing
• Peer-reviewed publications
• Grant applications
• Research presentations
• Workshops
• Seminars
• Project documentation
• Communication with international partners

The application itself must also be submitted in English.

Salary and Employment Conditions

The position is offered as a fixed-term three-year appointment.

The preferred starting date is January 2027, depending on practical arrangements.

The salary is based on level 5 of the demands level chart for teaching and research personnel in the Finnish university salary system.

In addition to the basic salary component, the appointee will receive a salary component based on personal performance.

The starting salary is typically approximately:

€3,700–€4,000 per month

The exact starting salary will depend on the successful candidate’s:

• Qualifications
• Experience
• Academic profile
• Relevant expertise

A six-month trial period will apply.

Where Will the Researcher Work?

The successful applicant is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki.

The position will be based in Helsinki, at either:

• City Centre Campus, or
• Viikki Campus

The researcher will join either the Department of Environmental Sciences in the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences or the Discipline of Social and Public Policy in the Faculty of Social Sciences.

Working Environment at the University of Helsinki

The University of Helsinki describes its working environment as international and multidisciplinary.

The successful candidate will have opportunities to collaborate with researchers and partners across environmental and social sciences.

The Climate Democracy project connects researchers working in different fields and provides opportunities to participate in:

• Research seminars
• Workshops
• Academic networks
• Finnish research collaborations
• European partnerships
• International research networks

The position can therefore provide a platform for an early-career researcher to develop both their academic profile and international research network.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit their application as one PDF file in English through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System.

The application should contain the following documents:

1. Motivation Letter

A motivation letter of maximum two pages is required.

The letter should explain the applicant’s suitability for the position and demonstrate their interest in the Climate Democracy project.

2. Curriculum Vitae

Applicants should provide an up-to-date CV detailing their:

• Academic qualifications
• Research experience
• Publications
• Project experience
• International experience
• Multidisciplinary work
• Relevant professional experience

3. Relevant Certificates or Transcripts

Applicants should include relevant academic documentation, such as:

• Doctoral diploma
• Academic certificates
• Transcripts

Candidates should provide documentation relevant to their eligibility for the position.

4. Contact Information for Two References

Applicants must provide contact information for two references.

Applicants should ensure that the reference details are accurate and that the referees are appropriate for an academic postdoctoral application.

Application Deadline

The deadline for applications is:

16 October 2026 at 23:59 EEST

Applicants should make sure their complete application is submitted before the stated deadline.

Because the application requires a motivation letter, CV, academic documentation and two references, candidates should allow sufficient time to prepare and combine all documents into the required single PDF.

Who Should Apply?

This position is particularly relevant to researchers who have recently completed, or will complete by the employment start date, a PhD in a field connected to climate democracy or related climate, environmental, social science, humanities or natural science disciplines.

Potentially relevant backgrounds include:

• Environmental politics
• Environmental science
• Political science
• Public policy
• Social sciences
• Environmental sociology
• Sustainability studies
• Climate adaptation
• Environmental justice
• Geography
• Political ecology
• Governance
• Democracy studies
• Urban sustainability
• Food systems
• Energy systems
• Disaster studies
• Related humanities or natural science fields

However, the university defines climate democracy broadly, so applicants should assess their fit based on their research expertise and demonstrated connection to the project’s themes, rather than relying solely on their degree title.

International Applicants

The announcement encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

The position is based at the University of Helsinki in Finland, and the successful candidate is expected to reside in Finland during employment.

The announcement does not restrict applications to Finnish citizens or to applicants from a particular nationality or continent.

Therefore, qualified international researchers can apply, subject to the University’s employment requirements and any applicable Finnish immigration and residence requirements.

The announcement specifically emphasizes an inclusive university community and encourages qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds.

Why This Position Is Significant for Early-Career Researchers

This postdoctoral position combines several elements that can be valuable for researchers seeking to develop an independent academic profile.

The researcher will have opportunities to:

• Conduct independent research
• Participate in collaborative interdisciplinary research
• Publish academic work
• Develop grant applications
• Manage research activities
• Coordinate researchers
• Work with community-based partners
• Organize academic workshops and seminars
• Engage with international research networks
• Develop experience in public-facing research communication
• Contribute to teaching

The position therefore extends beyond a narrowly defined postdoctoral research assignment and includes research coordination, project management, communication and academic networking.

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Research Themes Covered by the Position

The climate democracy research area is broad and may involve several interconnected themes.

These include:

Deliberative Assemblies

Research may examine how deliberative democratic processes can be used to engage communities and citizens in decisions relating to climate change and environmental policy.

Food Systems

The project may explore democratic and community-based approaches to food systems and their relationship with climate change and sustainability.

Energy Systems

Research may examine democratic participation and community responses related to energy systems and the transition toward more sustainable energy.

Disaster and Adaptation Response

The position can involve research into how communities and democratic institutions respond to climate-related disasters and adaptation challenges.

Ecological Urban Design

Research may also address how democratic processes and community participation can contribute to urban environments designed around ecological and climate considerations.

Environmental Justice

Environmental justice is another important dimension of the position, particularly in understanding how climate responses affect different communities and how democratic approaches can address questions of equity and justice.

Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Helsinki states that a diverse and equitable study and work culture is important to the institution.

The university indicates that it seeks to promote an inclusive university community and encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

This means the opportunity is open to qualified researchers without the announcement specifying a nationality, ethnicity or racial restriction.

Applicants should nevertheless satisfy the academic, research and professional requirements outlined in the vacancy.

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Conclusion

The Postdoctoral Researcher in Climate Democracy position at the University of Helsinki provides an opportunity for an early-career researcher to contribute to interdisciplinary research on democratic and community-based responses to the climate crisis.

The project covers a broad range of themes, including deliberative democracy, food and energy systems, disaster and climate adaptation, ecological urban design and environmental justice. The successful researcher will combine independent and collaborative research with project management, academic publishing, grant development, workshops, seminars, research communication and limited teaching responsibilities.

Applicants should have a PhD in a field related to climate democracy or the climate crisis, an emerging publication record, independent research experience, project-management skills, collaborative experience and excellent English-language abilities. Experience in international or multidisciplinary environments is also expected.

The position is initially offered for three years, with a preferred start in January 2027, and offers a starting salary of approximately €3,700–€4,000 per month, depending on qualifications and experience.

Qualified researchers from diverse backgrounds and international applicants can apply, provided they meet the stated requirements and are able to satisfy the employment and residence requirements associated with the position in Finland.

Interested candidates should prepare a maximum two-page motivation letter, CV, relevant academic certificates or transcripts, and contact information for two references, combine these materials into a single PDF in English, and submit the application through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System before 16 October 2026 at 23:59 EEST.

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