Junior Researcher (PhD) in Sámi and Indigenous Studies in the Sustainable Naturecultures Research Community

We invite applications for a fully funded PhD position for three years focusing on Sámi and Indigenous studies. The position is located in a multidisciplinary and international research environment that centres around Sámi knowledge systems, societal structures, political practices, and land and environmental relations. Moreover, the research community places the decolonisation of science and knowledge production at the core of its work, alongside the aim of advancing more sustainable and just futures.

Research Focus

The doctoral research must relate to Sámi society, the Sámi as an Indigenous people or Indigenous peoples more broadly within national or international systems with a Sámi focus. We welcome proposals that draw on Sámi and Indigenous ontologies, Indigenous methodologies, communitybased research practices and approaches that challenge dominant Western knowledge structures.

Possible themes include, but are not limited to the following:

• social and societal structures within Sámi society

• political structures and activity, governance, and decisionmaking systems of the Sámi

• practices, traditions, and landbased livelihoods

• Sámi concepts, worldviews, and relational ontologies and epistemologies

• humanenvironment relationality and relations to animals and other morethanhuman beings

• questions of justice, responsibility and multispecies relations

• sustainability, Indigenous futures and community resilience

• decolonisation, Indigenous data sovereignty and transformations of knowledge systems

The research may involve ethnographic, communitybased, participatory, conceptual, textual, policyoriented, legal or multimethod approaches. We especially value research that strengthens Indigenousled perspectives and contributes to the decolonisation of science and to more sustainable and just futures.

Your tasks

• conducting doctoral research aligned with the themes of Sámi and Indigenous studies and sustainable naturecultures

• completing the studies and credits required for the doctoral degree

• carrying out research according to the highest ethical standards, including acquiring research ethics approval when required

• committing to the guidance and activities of the research community

• potential teaching in your field and/or other academic tasks (max. 5% of working hours).

🎁We offer

• a clear and structured study framework within a multidisciplinary academic community, making it possible to complete a doctoral degree in 3 years

• supervision by senior staff at the research community

• high-level skills for careers in academia or other demanding educational, development and expert roles in society

• an engaging research environment with opportunities for multidisciplinary research collaboration.

We expect

• a relevant masters degree (e.g. in Indigenous studies, anthropology, sociology, political science, environmental studies, cultural studies, law or related fields)

• a strong interest in Sámi and Indigenous research and the research communitys topics more widely, ethical engagement

• proficiency in English; proficiency in a Sámi language or the willingness to learn one is considered an asset

• a collaborative, selfdirected and responsible work ethic.

These positions are intended for applicants who are starting their doctoral research. To be eligible, applicants must not currently hold a right to pursue a doctoral degree in any university in any country. Selected candidates are expected to apply for doctoral study rights during the University of Laplands application period in spring 2027 (216 February 2027).

Required Application Documents

The required documents should be submitted in English.

If you have used generative AI in your documents, specify how it was utilised.

The required documents are:

• a doctoral research plan that follows the template (which can be found at Application enclosures for Doctoral education - University of Lapland) and is a max. length of 5 pages (including the bibliography but excluding covers and potential appendices); if the research includes an artistic or production-oriented component, justify its significance

• a one-page summary of the research plan, including contact information (address, telephone number, email address)

• a one-page motivation letter that includes a hand-signed declaration stating that all the information provided in your application documents is accurate and complete

• an academic CV (use the TENK template: https://tenk.fi/en/advice-and-materials/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae ), including the names and contact information of two (2) references

• copies of degree certificates

• copies of certificates showing language skills if language skills are not specified in the degree certificate.

Further information on the position

For inquiries about the position, please contact Professor Outi Rantala (questions about the content of the position) outi.rantala(at)ulapland.fi. If you have questions about the recruitment process, contact tutkijakoulu(at)ulapland.fi.

Note: Due to the holiday season, email inquiries received in July will be answered in August.

Workplace address: Yliopistonkatu 8, 96300 Rovaniemi, Finland Employment duration: 3 years full-time, starting on 1 January 2027 Probation period: 6 months Salary: The salary is based on the university salary system for teaching and research staff (demand level 2), with a starting salary of approximately €2,714/month. The task-specific component is €2,281.48/month, and a personal performance component of up to 50% may be added. The salary will increase when 50% and 75% of the dissertation have been completed.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an on-site or online interview at the end of August.