Postdoctoral Researcher 2, Overcoming Barriers to Democratic Participation OBaMa

The Faculty of Education and Welfare Studies at Åbo Akademi University invites applications for a position as Postdoctoral Researcher for a fixed term period of 23 months. The position is linked to the Strategic Research Council of Finland funded research consortium Overcoming Barriers to Democratic Participation with Minorities and Marginalized Groups (OBaMa). The position starts 1.6.2025 or as agreed.

About the position
OBaMa examines barriers to democratic participation among marginalized and minoritized groups and co-develops solutions to overcome participation inequalities together with those who are affected by them. The Postdoctoral Researcher will be responsible for a qualitative case study on democratic participation in the context of groups with different migration, linguistic and ethnic backgrounds. The work includes co-research in collaboration with civil society organisations, data collection, analysis and dissemination of research findings. The Postdoctoral Researcher will participate in joint activities of the research consortium and communicate research findings to academic audiences and stakeholders outside academia in close collaboration with all consortium partners.

Qualifications
The Postdoctoral Researcher must hold a doctoral degree in a relevant discipline and be experienced in qualitative research. Candidates should have previous research experience or strong interest to conduct research on democratic rights and participation in the context of minorities and disadvantaged social groups. The Postdoctoral Researcher must have strong communication and academic writing skills in English, Swedish and/or Finnish. We strongly encourage candidates with minority backgrounds to apply. 

What we offer
Working in the OBaMa consortium offers a high-level and inclusive research environment, opportunities for national and international networking, and experience of societal interaction. The position is located at The Faculty of Education and Welfare Studies at Åbo Akademi University. Åbo Akademi University is committed to promoting equality and preventing discrimination in all its operations. Åbo Akademi University welcomes applicants of any gender and age, linguistic or cultural background, or minority group.

The postdoctoral researcher’s salary is based on levels 5–6 of the job requirement levels for teaching and research staff. In addition, an individual salary component based on personal work performance is added to the salary. The job requirement component in this position is 3 213,55 – 3 747,44 €/month. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid. Please see the salary chart for teaching and research personnel.

Teachers and researchers have a total working time of 1,612 hours per year. A probationary period is applied at the start of new employments. The employment contract will include a probationary period of six months.

Application
Submit your electronic application through the ÅAU recruitment system below by 9.5.2025 at 15:00 (Finnish local time) at the latest. For guidelines on the electronic application, please see https://www.abo.fi/en/instructions-for-submitting-an-application/.
 
The application should include the following enclosures (in English):

Cover letter, including a description of the applicant’s research interests and contributions to the project (max. 500 words)

1. A CV (according to the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity recommendations, TENK: https://tenk.fi/en/advice-and-materials/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae) including a full list of publications (please see guidelines). 
2. Doctoral degree certificate
3. Contact information of two persons available for recommendation

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed. 

Further information
Further information about the position and the research project may be obtained from Senior University Lecturer Camilla Nordberg (camilla.nordberg[a]abo.fi).
Further information about the recruitment process can be obtained from HR specialist Malin Österholm-Liljedahl (malin.osterholm-liljedahl[a]abo.fi). 

Tagged as: Education & teaching