Doctoral researcher in Sociology/ Doktorand i sociologi

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Åbo Akademi University is an internationally acknowledged research university with an extensive responsibility for providing education in Swedish in Finland. With its strong Nordic ties, Åbo Akademi University has an acclaimed and recognized position within research and education both nationally and internationally.

Åbo Akademi University invites applications for a fixed-term salaried position as Doctoral Researcher in Sociology in the Research Council of Finland Academy Project JustISA. The position is full-time during a three-year period, with start date 1 September 2026, or as agreed. The position is located in Turku.

The project is carried out at the Department of Social Sciences within the Faculty of Human and Social Sciences in collaboration with the Faculty of Law at the University of Lapland. Both research environments have a strong tradition of research on vulnerabilities and human rights, which is central to this project. The Sociology Units research areas include social norms, civil society, professions, religion, diversity, health and reproduction, and are related to the universitys research profile on minority research.

The project JustISA Surrogacy Agreements and Interdisciplinary Pathways to Minimum Justice: A Comparative Study of Finland, Colombia and Greece is an interdisciplinary collaboration between sociology and law. The project investigates international surrogacy arrangements and justice-related issues such as the childs best interests, the desire for parenthood, legislative circumvention, as well as risks and consequences for the individuals involved and for the legal systems through analysis of surrogacy agreements from Colombia and Greece, interviews, social media and other texts from online sources.

The doctoral researchers thesis will primarily be based on articles on data mining of service providers online information about surrogacy and public posts on social media. The project group and the supervision team include experts in reproduction and parenthood, rights issues, law and the data mining method.

WORK TASKS

The doctoral researchers primary task is to work on the doctoral thesis, as well as to contribute to the activities of the JustISA project. The central work tasks include data collection, data management, and analysis, scientific writing and publishing, communicating research findings, and contributing to the development of the project research. The recruited person will be a part of a larger research team and collaborate around various project activities. We offer you a social and independent job on an international and interdisciplinary project in a dynamic and pleasant work environment

✅QUALIFICATIONS AND MERITS

We are looking for a motivated doctoral researcher with a masters degree in social sciences, preferably in sociology, to pursue doctoral research within the scope of the JustISA-project. To succeed in the task, you also need to have knowledge of law and an interest in interdisciplinary research. Previous studies related to reproduction and/or experience with quantitative research methods – especially analysis of large-scale text data (data mining) – are considered meritorious. Previous experience of publishing is also considered a merit.

Strong skills in English are meritorious. Knowledge of Swedish and Finnish is an advantage. You also have good communication and collaboration skills as well as the ability to work independently and in a structured way.

The appointment will be based on an overall assessment of the applicants potential for development and competences and in relation to the necessary qualities to successfully carry out the tasks for the position.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

The doctoral researchers primary task is to work on the doctoral thesis, as well as to contribute to the activities of the JustISA project. Teaching tasks and supervision can comprise a maximum of 5% of the work time.

The primary workplace is located at Åbo Akademi University's campus in Turku, where regular campus presence is expected by the doctoral researcher. Hybrid work is possible, with flexibility for remote work within Finland.

The principle of total work time (1612 hours per year) is applied to employed doctoral researchers. The supervision and study plan for doctoral researchers will be evaluated annually.

The salary for doctoral researchers is determined according to requirement levels 2–4 for teaching and research staff. Currently, the starting salary for a new doctoral researcher is approximately €2,700 per month. The salary will be adjusted as the dissertation work progresses, reaching approximately €3,500 per month as the doctoral researcher approaches the completion of the doctoral degree. A trial period applies to new employees.

The selected candidate will be employed for a maximum period of three years. A trial period of six months applies to new employees.

Please note, that upon acceptance, there is a separate application process for the admission to a doctoral programmeat ÅAU. Thus, applicants that have not yet been admitted to the ÅAU doctoral programme will also be considered for the position. A short-term employment contract as Research Assistant within the project might come into question between completion of the recruitment and admission to the PhD programme.

📨APPLICATION

Submit your application by 12 August 2026 at 15.00 (Finnish time) via the electronic application form on the Universitys web page. See Instructions on electronic applications and their appendices for technical assistance.

The following appendices must be attached to the application (in Swedish or English):

• Copies of diplomas (MA and BA) including transcript of records.
• A description of the applicants research interests related to the JustISA project (max. three A4 pages, according to the instructions below)
• Two references and their contact det