Postdoctoral researcher on Sámi democratic engagement in the energy transition

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join a Nordic research consortium “Sámi democratic engagement in the energy transition: advancing justice, legitimacy and participatory governance” funded by the NordForsk Green Transition call. The tasks include conducting research and serving as a part-time coordinator for the project.

The position will be located in the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Lapland, Rovaniemi, Finland.

We are looking for a person with a PhD degree preferably in political science/policy studies, with experience on environmental studies, sociology or a related field. The successful candidate will ideally also have experience of project coordinator.

Your duties include

Research tasks include:

– develop institutional mechanisms for the effective recognition and representation of group difference in policymaking

– compile a report of the specific policy and legislative changes necessary to enhancing Sámi democratic involvement and work on policy briefs as listed for deliverables in WP3

– write and publish a peer-reviewed journal article based on their research in the project.

Project coordination tasks include coordinating the overall project administration, management, communication of the research project, and assist organizing meetings and workshops as needed.

We offer

– interesting work tasks as part of an international university community

– opportunity for flexible multi-location work

– modern work equipment and facilities

– extensive occupational health services

– sport, culture and wellbeing benefits.

We expect

– A relevant social science doctoral degree, such as Sámi and/or Indigenous studies, political science, sociology, or a related field.

– Familiarity with or demonstrated expertise in Sámi or Indigenous research and their methods and/or experience or knowledge of Sámi society.

– Fluency in English and Finnish. Proficiency in North Sámi is considered an asset.

– Strong analytical abilities as well as research planning and coordinating skills.

– High motivation for initiative and the ability to work both independently and in team settings.

– Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with experience working in multicultural settings and multidisciplinary teams.

– Strong verbal and written communication abilities to ensure clear and prompt interaction between work packages (WPs) and external institutions.

– Ability to establish and maintain project procedures, ensuring they are consistently followed.

– Proven ability to coordinate and monitor the overall project, manage day-to-day activities, and ensure timely progress.

Application

The application should be written in English, Finnish or North Sámi and include the following:

– Two-page motivation letter summarizing your professional experience and expertise and describing why you are interested in this position and detailing your personal research interests, experience and career plans and how they relate to this position.

– Curriculum vitae (max. 3 pages) in line with the [guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity](https://tenk.fi/en/advice-and-materials/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae)

– List of publications in line with the [guidelines of the Academy of Finland](https://www.aka.fi/en/research-funding/apply-for-funding/how-to-apply-for-funding/az-index-of-application-guidelines2/list-of-publications/) (a full list with ten most important publications highlighted).

– Certificates/Diplomas: Scanned copy of the original doctoral degree certificate

– Contact details of 2-3 individuals able to provide a personal recommendation (NB: these people will not be contacted unless you are shortlisted).

Further information on the position

Research professor Rauna Kuokkanen, firstname.lastname@ulapland.fi, or Administrative Manager Jukka Sankala, firstname.lastname@ulapland.fi.

Workplace address: Yliopistonkatu 8, 96300 ROVANIEMI
Duration of employment: 2.1.2025 – 30.04.2028
Work hours: full-time employment
Trial period: 6 months
Salary: The salary for the position is based on level 5 of the university salary system’s teaching and research staff requirement level map (3213,55 €). In addition, a salary component based on personal performance is paid, which is no more than 50% of the job-specific salary component. At the beginning of the employment relationship, the starting salary is approximately EUR 3,730 – 3,920.

University of Lapland

The University of Lapland is an international science and art university located in the City of Rovaniemi on the Arctic Circle. Our university creates new knowledge, skills and competence from the arctic perspective – for the North and for the world. Our fields of education and research include educational science, law, art and design, social sciences, and northern and arctic perspectives. Our strategic choices focus on global arctic responsibility, sustainable tourism, future services and governing distances.

Osaamisalue: Luonnonvara- & ympäristöala