Postdoctoral Researcher in Decolonial and Indigenous Geography of Militarisation (focus on Sápmi) - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

We are now looking for

Postdoctoral Researcher

in Decolonial and Indigenous Geography of Militarisation (focus on Sápmi) to join us in the Geography Research Unit at the Faculty of Science and the Academy of Finland-funded research project ‘Militarised Indigenous Borderscapes: Reconfiguring geographies of war and borders.’ 

The unit is a highly acclaimed international academic community and has a strong track record of research in border studies and geopolitics. It has 40+ researchers and 300+ bachelor’s and master’s students and is one of the leading research units at the University of Oulu. Geography at the University of Oulu is ranked 150-200 in the 2023 QS World University Rankings by Subject.

About the job

You will be working on the Academy of Finland-funded research project ‘Militarised Indigenous Borderscapes: Reconfiguring geographies of war and borders’. Led by Dr Hidefumi Nishiyama (PI), the project will study the impacts of militarisation on Indigenous lands and peoples through the case studies of Sápmi and Okinawa. It will investigate how militarisation borders Indigenous spaces, not only politically and territorially, but also socially, economically, and culturally, and how Indigenous peoples contest and negotiate their bordered lives. This postdoctoral position will focus on research on Sápmi/Sábme (particularly in northern Sweden), and you will be conducting desk research and fieldwork with PI and co-supervised with project collaborator Associate Professor May-Britt Öhman (Uppsala University).

As a postdoctoral researcher in the project, you will:

• Conduct textual and political analysis of relevant statements and other representations with PI.
• Conduct fieldwork (including interviews and participant observation) with PI.
• Be responsible for transcribing and translating interviews.
• Analyse interview data.
• Contribute to the project’s data management.
• Be actively engaged in publications and conference presentations.

What we offer?

• A dynamic and international working environment with 40+ experienced and emerging researchers from across the world where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
• English as a working language.
• Regular salary is paid 12 months per year, including paid leave and an additional holiday bonus in the summer.
• Monthly meetings with fellow human geographers where you can discuss a wide range of topics including research, career development, well-being, and beyond.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits here.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close-ones in settling into Oulu.
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• We have a HR Excellence in Research -quality label which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers. 
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, excellent education system, and competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Who are you?

In order to succeed and enjoy the position, We expect from you:

• A doctoral degree in a relevant discipline, including but not limited to human geography, international studies, and Indigenous studies, obtained within the past 10 years.
• Experience of carrying out research in studies related to Sámi and Sábme, preferably using in-depth interview.
• Language proficiency in Swedish.
• Experience of writing up research for publication.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Interest in seeking external funding to support research.
• Fluent in written and spoken English.

We also appreciate:

• Language proficiency in a Sámi language.
• Doctoral research in studies related to Sámi and Sábme.
• Knowledge of Sámi culture and livelihood, preferably on the Swedish side of Sábme.
• Understanding theories, concepts, and methodologies in decolonial and/or Indigenous geographies as well as in border studies.
• Experience of using ethnographic and qualitative methods including interview, focus group, and participatory observation.
• Research interest in issues concerning militarism and militarisation in Indigenous contexts.
• Familiarity with research ethics and data management concerning research in Indigenous contexts.

Salary

The position is fixed-term for two years and will start from January 2024 or as agreed. 

The salary will be based on the levels 5-6 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (maximum of 50% of the job-specific component). Starting gross salary will be approximately 3800 € per month (before taxes).

A trial period of 6 months is applied for the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 31.10.2023 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

The application should be written in English and include the following:

1. Motivation letter (max. 3 pages) summarising your experience, expertise, and skills relevant to this position. The letter should describe why you are fit for and interested in the position. Your own ideas pertinent to the project as well as information on career plans can also be included in the letter.
2. CV (max. 4 pages) in accordance with the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity.
3. List of publications, following the guidelines of the Academy of Finland.
4. Certificates/Diplomas.
5. Contact details of 2 persons available for recommendation (title, name, contact details, and a sentence or two describing the context of your professional relationship).

The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, such as people of different ages, different genders and members of different language, cultural or minority groups. 

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact Dr Hidefumi Nishiyama, Geography Research Unit, hidefumi.nishiyama@oulu.fi.