Doctoral Researcher on Counterterrorism Policies in Europe

The Faculty of Social Sciences and research network Coping with Varieties of Radicalisation into Terrorism and Extremism (VORTEX) invite applications for the position of

DOCTORAL RESEARCHER

for a fixed 3-year term starting on 1 September 2023 (or as agreed). Successful candidates are expected to work full time

The doctoral researcher position is part of the European Union funded Doctoral Network Coping with Varieties of Radicalization into Terrorism and Extremism (VORTEX). The project is financed by the European Union and is a European Doctoral Network within Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions.

VORTEX’s overarching aim is to develop new evidence-based innovative strategies to countering and preventing ideological and behavioural radicalization. The doctoral network is led by the Malmö University (Sweden), and other participating institutions are Peace Research Institute Frankfurt (Germany), the University of Marburg (Germany) the University of Turin (Italy), the Université  librede Bruxelles (Belgium), the University of Oslo (Norway), and Babeș-Bolyai University (Romania). For more about the project, see https://vortex.uni.mau.se/about-us/about-vortex/.

The doctoral researcher based at the University of Helsinki is expected to carry out an individual research project addressing the theme Counterterrorism policies and their consequences in Europe. The project is expected to focus on contestation and negotiation around counterterrorism and study how four European states have sought to solve the tensions between counterterrorism needs and safeguarding liberal democratic principles. The states to be studied will be decided together with the applicant.

Although the doctoral researcher will mainly be working on an individual research project, they will also be connected to the VORTEX network described above and will work in close collaboration with other doctoral researchers and senior researchers. The doctoral researcher is expected to spend time at other universities and organisations of the VORTEX network. The duties also include teaching and other tasks. Teaching tasks can account for up to 5 % of the annual working time.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SELECTION CRITERIA

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in a field that is relevant to the research topic (e.g. political science, sociology, security studies or political history). Fluency in English language is required. The applicant should also have good command of other languages needed to complete the research project. Other requirements include proven ability and motivation, demonstrated through previous degree studies or otherwise, to pursue postgraduate studies.

Selection criteria set by the funding instrument:

• The applicant must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Finland for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date (unless as part of a compulsory national service or a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention). NOTE: If you do not fulfill this requirement but are interested in the project, please take a look at positions open in other participating universities (https://vortex.uni.mau.se/job-opportunities/).
• The applicant must not already be in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of the recruitment.

The appointee is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki. The Faculty of Social Sciences provides assistance in relocation. The position also involves researcher mobility periods spent in other participating institutions and cooperating partners.

The appointee should apply for the right and obtain a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki within the probationary period of six months of their appointment.

Applicants of any gender, linguistic and cultural background or from members of minority groups are welcomed.

WHAT WE OFFER

By completing the postdoctoral research as part of the VORTEX project, the appointee will have a unique opportunity to interact with a large number of junior and senior researchers based in several European countries and beyond. The appointee will also benefit from the common activities arranged by the network, as well as have supervisors from several universities. Being involved in this highly international and multidisciplinary community of radicalization researchers and policymakers will provide the appointee with excellent international networks, knowledge and skills to continue their career in the academia and beyond.

The University of Helsinki an equal opportunity employer and offer an attractive and diverse workplace in an inspiring environment with a variety of development opportunities and benefits. The annual gross salary range will be approx. €30,000–36,500, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience. In addition, University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and opportunities for professional development.

As a member of the VORTEX project, the appointee will also have additional funding to cover costs related to the mobility periods.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants are requested to enclose with their application the following documents in English:

1. A curriculum vitae (max 2 pages)
2. Copy of diplomas, transcript of records and other certificates relevant for the call
3. A list of publications (if any)
4. A research plan (1500-3000 words). The research plan is expected to present the applicant’s proposal about how they would approach the individual research project in question (incl. the theoretical framework, selection of cases (which countries and why), methodological approach and research data). It should also include information about the applicant’s previous knowledge about the topic and countries to be studied.
5. Contact information and recommendation from up to three referees
6. Independent work at advanced level (e.g. a master thesis or a long essay written for an advanced level course)

For more instructions on the application process, please see https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-of-social-sciences/faculty/applying-for-teaching-and-research-position

Please submit your application, together with the required attachments, through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the link "Apply now" below. Applicants who are currently employed by the University of Helsinki are requested to submit their application via the SAP Fiori portal. The closing date for the applications is 13 December, 2022.

Further information about the position may be obtained from Dr. Leena Malkki (Director, Centre for European Studies, leena.malkki@helsinki.fi).
In case you need support with the recruitment system, please contact HR Specialist Minna Maunula, minna.maunula@helsinki.fi.

ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF HELSINKI

The University of Helsinki is the oldest and largest institution of academic education in Finland, an international scientific community of 40,000 students and researchers. In international university rankings, the University of Helsinki typically ranks among the top 100. The University of Helsinki seeks solutions for global challenges and creates new ways of thinking for the best of humanity. Through the power of science, the University has contributed to society, education and welfare since 1640.

The Faculty of Social Sciences is Finland’s leading research and education institution in the social sciences and also the most diverse in terms of its disciplines. In several research fields the Faculty belongs to the top 50 in the international rankings. The Faculty has a strong international profile both in research and teaching programmes. The number of academic staff stands at 500. Each year the faculty awards some 350 Bachelor’s degrees, 400 Master’s degrees, and more than 40 doctoral degrees. For more information on the Faculty of Social Sciences, please visit www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-of-social-sciences.

The doctoral researcher will be based at the Centre for European Studies which is a multidisciplinary research and education unit. It promotes multidisciplinary research collaboration, supports doctoral education and organizes seminars and guests lectures. The CES also houses several other projects related to radicalization and violent extremism in Europe.