Junior Researcher (PhD) in Arctic Anthropology in the Sustainable Naturecultures Research Community

We invite applications for a fully funded PhD position for three years focusing on anthropological research. The anthropology team is the EUs northernmost anthropological research hub, part of a multidisciplinary team at the Arctic Centre (www.arcticcentre.org/anthropology). The research community Sustainable Naturecultures is an emerging topical research and teaching network of research teams from different faculties. The successful applicant will conduct doctoral studies including long-term fieldwork with Arctic inhabitants. The topic must be focused on the anthropological study of how people relate to the multiple species and beings surrounding them in the Arctic environment, considering ontological pluralism and post-anthropocentric thinking. Using the methods of co-creating knowledge with practitioners is strongly encouraged. Field sites can be anywhere in the Arctic. The place of work would be at the Arctic Centre, where the candidate will be based full-time during the employment relationship.

Your tasks

• conducting doctoral research on a topic aligned with the topic of sustainable naturecultures, multispecies ethnography and post-anthropocentric ways of seeing the world around us

• completing the studies and credits required for the doctoral degree

• carrying out research living up to the highest ethical standards, including applying for a research ethics permit if required by the topic

• 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 suitable masters degree in anthropology or related disciplines

• genuine research interest related to the research communitys topics and Arctic inhabitants that specifically concerns working with multispecies ethnography, humananimalenvironment relations, applying post-anthropocentric approaches and the methods of co-creating knowledge between researcher and practitioners within and beyond traditional anthropological fieldwork settings

• proficiency in English; proficiency in one more language spoken in the Arctic is considered an asset

• a collaborative, proactive, self-directed 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 (with 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.

University of Lapland

The University of Lapland is an international science and art university located in the City of Rovaniemi on the Arctic Circle. Our university creates new knowledge, skills and competence from the arctic perspective for the North and for the world. Our fields of education and research include educational science, law, art and design, social sciences, and northern and arctic perspectives. Our strategic choices focus on global arctic responsibility, sustainable tourism, future services and governing distances.

The University of Lapland values equality and diversity within its community.