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Tampere University creates a unique environment for multidisciplinary, inspirational and high-impact research and education. Our universities community has its competitive edges in technology, health and society. Read more: www.tuni.fi\/en<\/em><\/p>\n We are now looking for a doctoral researcher to conduct research on the use of open source investigation in relation to the Ukraine and Palestine conflicts. Fixed-term position is available for 3 years, starting from 1 September 2026 (or upon agreement).<\/p>\n Job Description<\/strong><\/p>\n We are now offering a fully funded PhD position in International Relations, to conduct research on the U-KNOW research project which investigates the use of open source investigation\/intelligence in relation to the Ukraine and Palestine conflicts. We are looking for a creative and digitally savvy prospective doctoral researcher, with motivation and skills to conduct conflict-related skills online and through fieldwork. This fixed-term position is full time for 3 years (36 months), starting from 1 September 2026 (or upon agreement).<\/p>\n The doctoral researcher will pursue a doctoral degree under the supervision of PI Dr. Rune Saugmann as part of the project Understanding International Knowledge Practice and Open Source Images (U-KNOW)<\/strong>, funded by the Finnish Research Council. The project researches the role of open source investigation practices in two conflicts \u2013 the post-2014 Russian invasions of Ukraine, and the conflict in Palestine \u2013 to (i) explore the emergence of visual open-source ways of making knowledge about the conflict, (ii) develop novel methodological ways of studying open-source knowledge-making in relation to conflict, and (iii) develop conceptual tools for thinking about how conflict knowledge-making relate to conflict logics like alliance and cooperation patterns, state identities, or geopolitical interests.<\/p>\n Doctoral student is expected to choose and develop their topic independently within the frame of the U-KNOW project, but should indicate in their preliminary research plan which of the conflicts and actors they plan to focus on, and how they plan to approach three main aspects of the project listed above (i \u2013 iii). The doctoral researcher is encouraged to work with or alongside open-source actors, contributing to understanding of how these work in practice. The doctoral position will include some project tasks in the U-KNOW project, while the main aim is to collect data and work on the dissertation. These include representing U-KNOW nationally and internationally, and contributing to realize its research and societal objectives through public engagement activities, including media appearances, maintaining the website, writing op-eds, and creating infographics and podcasts. The U-KNOW project provides financing to help undertake these efforts. In addition to dissertation work, working time will be devoted to other activities and teaching (no more than 5% of annual working time).<\/p>\n The U-KNOW project is led by Dr Rune Saugmann and is implemented by a research team in which the PhD student will work closely with a postdoctoral researcher, the PI, and shorter term senior researchers with expertise in digital methods and conflict. The PhD student will be supervised by the project leader, Dr. Rune Saugmann, and a co-supervisor. The position offers a chance to receive PhD training in close collaboration with members of the U-KNOW research team, the wider Visual Security hub and the TASER research seminar community. The doctoral researcher will be located within the International Relations discipline and affiliated with the Visual Studies Lab. This offers great opportunities for young researchers to develop their careers in an international and inspirational environment.<\/p>\n The terms of the dissertation work are defined in the doctoral researcher\u2019s personal study and supervision plan, including a detailed annual work schedule.<\/p>\n The position provides an excellent opportunity for completing a full PhD as part of a motivated, international and interdisciplinary research team working on themes closely related to critical studies of security, digital conflict, war and peace. Project activities are handled mostly as teamwork, and a positive attitude and a willingness to collaboratively learn about and with new technologies are essential.<\/p>\n Requirements<\/strong><\/p>\n We are looking for candidates who have demonstrated high academic ability when completing (before the end of the application period) a higher university degree (MA-level) in international relations, digital media studies or cognate fields (such as political science, international political sociology, or critical data studies). Knowledge of digital conflict dynamics, qualitative and visual methods, and the key themes of the project are considered advantages. We expect candidates to demonstrate strong motivation and commitment to the U-KNOW project, as well as an ability to work in written and spoken English.<\/p>\n When evaluating candidates, we will consider the alignment of plans and ideas with the aims and key themes of the project, the quality and novelty of preliminary plans, the merits and suitability of the applicant, and the motivation letter. We also expect candidates to be willing to travel to the named research sites. Language skills enabling access to conflict actors (Arabic, Ukrainian, Russian) are considered an advantage but are not required.<\/p>\n What we offer<\/strong><\/p>\n Fixed-term employment contract is made for three years (until August 31st, 2029), continuation of the position may be possible if additional funding is acquired.<\/p>\n The salary for a doctoral researcher is based on job demands and personal performance, in accordance with the Finnish university salary system. According to the criteria for teaching and research staff, the position is placed at levels 2\u20134, in addition to which employees receive performance-based salary. At the beginning of the PhD process, the monthly salary is approximately \u20ac2,774, the salary rises as the doctoral studies progress. A trial period of six months applies to all new employees. Applicants who do not live in Finland need to relocate to Finland before starting to work.<\/p>\n We offer a wide range of staff benefits, including occupational health care, flexible working hours, excellent sports facilities on campus, and several campus restaurants and caf\u00e9s with staff discounts.<\/p>\n How to Apply<\/strong><\/p>\n Please submit your application through our online recruitment system (see the link below the job ad). The closing date for applications is 1st June 2026 (23:59 EEST \/ UTC+3)<\/strong>. All application documents must be written in English.<\/p>\n The application must include the following documents in PDF format:\u00a0<\/p>\n The preliminary research plan should include a short description of your research experience; a plan of intent or research proposal explaining your interest in the U-KNOW project themes and how you would approach them theoretically as well as empirically, including an indication of which of the two conflicts (or combination of them) you wish to focus on and whether you want to draw in additional conflicts; and indicate how your possible experience with the conficts or other main elements of the proposed project (theory, methods) facilitates the study and contributes to U-KNOW.<\/p>\n The selected candidate must apply to the faculty\u2019s Doctoral Programme with a full research plan before starting the PhD process. Work within the U-KNOW project can begin before final acceptance into the Doctoral Programme, which should be obtained at the first possible instance.<\/p>\n For more information about the position and the project, please contact the project PI, Dr Rune Saugmann (rune.saugmann.andersen(at)tuni.fi). Questions about the application process can be directed to HR Specialist Anni Zilliacus (anni.zilliacus(at)tuni.fi).<\/p>\n **************************************************************************************************<\/p>\n\n