We are looking for a creative, motivated and enthusiastic ... We welcome
innovative plans for post-doctoral research on Russia or Eastern Europe in any of
our six ... A 1–2 page cover letter summarising the applicant's motivation for
joining the Aleksanteri ... A sample of scholarly writing (not more than 10,000
words).
The Aleksanteri Institute at the University of Helsinki functions as a national centre of research, study and expertise pertaining to Russia and Eastern Europe, particularly in the social sciences and humanities. The Institute promotes cooperation and interaction between the academic world, public administration, business life and civil society, both in Finland and abroad. Between 2012 and 2017, the Institute will host the Finnish Centre of Excellence in Russian Studies.
We are looking for a creative, motivated and enthusiastic
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER for a fixed term from 1 August 2013 to 31 July 2016. We welcome innovative plans for post-doctoral research on Russia or Eastern Europe in any of our six research foci: 1. Economic diversification 2. The welfare society 3. Democracy, institutions and politics 4. Foreign policy 5. The social constitution of culture 6. The Cold War and its consequences (See www.helsinki.fi/aleksanteri/english/research/ for further details.) These topics can be approached from a broad array of disciplines in the social sciences and the humanities. We value multidisciplinary efforts and willingness to engage in crossdisciplinary discussions. Our geographical focus covers Russia and the countries of the former Soviet Union, as well as Eastern Europe. The University of Helsinki is one of the leading multidisciplinary research universities in the world. The Aleksanteri Institute at the University of Helsinki is one of the largest centres in Europe in its field and a dynamic place for research, teaching and reaching out to society. We offer our researchers an innovative, international and inspiring research community with excellent research infrastructure (including access to the Integrum database, the University of Helsinki’s extensive electronic databases, and the renowned Slavonic library) and premises in the heart of Helsinki, a hub of Russian expertise. We encourage intellectual curiosity, original thought and active societal outreach, and support our researchers with a wide range of both social (including occupational health care) and intellectual benefits. Our dynamic research community includes the Finnish Centre of Excellence in Russian Studies, a Visiting Scholars Programme and a large network of scholars working with Russia and Eastern Europe. For more information about the Aleksanteri Institute, please visit our website www.helsinki.fi/aleksanteri/english.
According to the regulations of the University of Helsinki, the appointee must hold a doctoral degree and have the ability to conduct independent scientific research as well as possess the teaching skills required for the position. The doctoral degree must have been granted by the awarding institution prior to the closing date for applications. Furthermore, the doctoral degree is expected to have been granted no more than four years prior to application (2009 or later). The four-year limit may be exceeded only for particularly compelling reasons, such as maternity, paternity or parental leave, military or non-military service leave, or extended sick leave. An applicant who appeals for an exemption from the four-year limit must indicate the reasons in his or her curriculum vitae. The successful candidate is expected to have a proven capacity to publish in scholarly journals, have strong analytical and methodological skills, and be able to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. The successful candidate should also have excellent skills in written and oral English, as well as a good command of the language of their target country (Russian or other). The salary is based on the salary system of Finnish universities (YPJ); in this case, it is based on level 5 of the demands level chart for teaching and research personnel. In addition, a salary component based on personal performance will be paid. The starting salary for the position will be EUR 3,300–3,700 per month, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and work experience. Employment contracts are made with a probationary period of four months. Applications should be written in English and include: A 1–2 page cover letter summarising the applicant’s motivation for joining the Aleksanteri Institute A research plan (max. 5 pages) CV (max. 3 pages) List of publications (max. 3 pages) Contact information for 2–3 referees A sample of scholarly writing (not more than 10,000 words) Applications should be addressed to Professor Markku Kivinen, director of the Aleksanteri Institute, and submitted electronically as a single PDF file (no more than 5 MB, entitled “Postdoctoral Researcher” and the applicant’s name) to
[email protected]. The application deadline is 8.4.2013 at 15.45 local Helsinki time. Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee representing experts in appropriate subject areas. All applicants will be informed (via e-mail) about the outcome of their application within two months after the closing date.
For more information, please contact: Professor Markku Kivinen, director of the Aleksanteri Institute (tel. +358 9 191 23654 or +358 50 563 6309, e-mail markku.kivinen(at)helsinki.fi), or Markku Kangaspuro, director of research (tel. +358 9 191 23650 or +358 50 522 3393, email markku.kangaspuro(at)helsinki.fi), or Anna-Maria Salmi, head of development (tel +358 9 191 23649 or +358 50 4151687, email anna-maria.salmi(at)helsinki.fi). Please note that applications made directly to these e-mail addresses will not be accepted.
