Postdoctoral Researcher in Climate Democracy at the University of Helsinki, Finland – €3,700–€4,000 Monthly Salary
Overview
The University of Helsinki in Finland is recruiting a fixed-term Postdoctoral Researcher in climate democracy and community-based democratic responses to climate turbulence. The post belongs to the Climate Democracy project, supported by the Finnish Research Council Profi9 programme and led by Professor David Schlosberg. It is expected to begin in January 2027 and lasts three years initially, with possible extension depending on funding and the continuation of the research programme. The work spans environmental and social sciences and touches deliberative assemblies, food and energy systems, disaster and climate adaptation responses, ecological urban design, environmental justice and democratic innovations.
About the post
The researcher is based either in the Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, or in the Discipline of Social and Public Policy, Faculty of Social Sciences, at the City Centre or Viikki campus in Helsinki. The starting salary is about 3,700 to 4,000 euros per month depending on qualifications and experience. The contract has a six-month trial period, and teaching takes roughly 10 to 20 percent of annual working time.
What you will do
The researcher conducts independent and collaborative research on community-based democratic innovations and experiments responding to the climate crisis, and works with researchers, community organisations and international networks. The role also includes designing assessments and evaluations and comparing democratic processes and community-based responses with academic and community partners. In addition it involves project management: coordinating several researchers, managing research tasks, tracking activities, communicating with partners and meeting deadlines. The researcher writes peer-reviewed publications, builds research expertise, prepares competitive grant applications and supports project documentation.
Who can apply
Candidates from different academic backgrounds may be considered if their research relates to climate democracy. The university seeks a collaborative, proactive researcher with an emerging publication record, potential to become an independent researcher and experience in research project management. Experience in qualitative or quantitative research, evaluation, comparative research, public policy or environmental governance is relevant.
How to apply
Applications are written in English and submitted as a single PDF.
Key dates
The deadline is 16 October 2026 at 23:59 EEST.