PhD position on Sámi democratic engagement in the energy transition

We are looking for a postdoctoral student 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 position will be located in the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Lapland, Rovaniemi, Finland.

The successful PhD candidate will be appointed for 24 months to investigate policy, regulatory, and institutional barriers to the meaningful and appropriate involvement of Sámi communities. They will conduct fieldwork as part of the project, attend the project meetings and/or workshops and work toward their dissertation. The specific topic of the dissertation will be determined in collaboration with PI Kuokkanen, who will also act as the PhD supervisor.

Project description

This interdisciplinary, community-driven project will investigate Sámi democratic participation as a crucial element for the legitimacy of the energy transition in Norway, Sweden, and Finland, with four interconnected objectives:

– developing a locally relevant articulation of ‘just transition’ in Sápmi;

– analysing the impact of national permitting practices and EU-level corporate due diligence initiatives on enhancing Sámi democratic participation within existing national regulatory frameworks;

– exploring systemic and structural changes needed at local, regional, and national levels for a just and legitimate energy transition in Sápmi; and

– identifying strategies and best practices to facilitate Sámi democratic participation, justice, and legitimacy in the energy transition in the short and long term.

The project addresses a demonstrated democratic deficit in the Nordic countries concerning Sámi participation in resource development projects and legislative efforts. The project also advances the theory and practice of Sámi democratic engagement by incorporating gender as a central analytical lens in assessing Sámi democratic engagement vis-à-vis the energy transition. The research engages with deliberative theory, in particular feminist deliberative theory, which critiques standard deliberative theory for its limitations and omissions related to gender and other forms of marginalization, advocating for more pluralistic democratic deliberation. The project is informed by structural justice theory, focusing on the underlying structures and systems that produce and perpetuate social inequalities.

The research employs a range of methods, including qualitative interviews, focus groups, and community surveys, as well as innovative approaches such as collaborative, intersectional, gender-sensitive policy design and Indigenous futurities. The anticipated results will provide new knowledge for implementing an equitable transition, contributing to the development of a socially sustainable energy system

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

– Master’s degree in Sámi and/or Indigenous studies, political science, sociology, or related field.

– Knowledge of and interest in Sámi society, demonstrated through your master’s thesis, relevant coursework, and/or previous work experience, combined with familiarity with or proven expertise in Sámi or Indigenous research methods.

– Proficiency in Finnish and English, both spoken and written, adequate for undertaking doctoral studies. Proficiency in North Sámi is considered an asset.

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

Application

The following documentation must be submitted along with the 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)

– Certificates/Diplomas: Scanned copy of the original Master’s 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: 1.1.2025 – 31.12.2026
Work hours: full-time employment
Trial period: 6 months
Salary: The salary will be competitive and based on the standard salaries for teaching and research staff at Finnish universities, set at demand level 2 (2584,19€) for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a personal salary component based on work performance will be paid (maximum 50% of the job-specific component). At the beginning of the employment relationship, the starting salary is approximately EUR 2584 – 2715.

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.

Tagged as: Research, development & R&D