Doctoral Researcher in Psychology or Education, Faculty of Education and Psychology

We are now looking for

a Doctoral Researcher

to join us in the Faculty of Education and Psychology, Teacher Education, School, and Society (TESS), to work in a project about how young people relate to the climate-change crisis (psychological, educational, and multidisciplinary perspectives). The doctoral researcher will also be affiliated with the Profi7 research program Frontiers of Arctic and Global Resilience (FRONT). The FRONT program focuses on changing human-environment relations and challenges to cope and adapt with that change in the Arctic and elsewhere on the planet. In addition, the doctoral researcher will take part in activities arranged by the Eudaimonia Institute.

About the job

As a doctoral researcher you will work in a three-year long project "Climate-change hopelessness among emerging adults: Sources of hopelessness, outcomes, and resilience factors (ClimHope)" funded by the University of Oulu Eudaimonia Institute. The main aims of the project are to among emerging adults: (1) Explore what types of climate hopelessness, and what patterns of hopelessness and other climate emotions, exist. (2) Investigate relationships between hopelessness and outcome factors such as climate-change engagement, civic engagement, and mental wellbeing. (3) Identify possible resilience factors for engagement and mental wellbeing. We will conduct qualitative studies (analyze written stories and interview data) and work with quantitative survey data (cross-sectional, longitudinal).

In the ClimHope project, your responsibilities include working with three substudies to your doctoral thesis: (1) A study about climate-hopelessness based on already collected longitudinal survey data (two to three waves of quantitative data). (2) A qualitative study based on already collected open-ended survey data about climate hope and hopelessness from Spain and an ongoing similar data collection in Finland. (3) A qualitative study based on already collected written stories about the future and climate change (in English). Your specific tasks can be tailored based on your skills and interests. You will write scientific articles together with other researchers in the group. You will take part of regular meetings with the researchers in the ClimHope project, including a postdoctoral researcher, two researchers from Denmark and Sweden who will be your co-supervisors, and the principal investigator of the project that will be your main supervisor, Professor Maria Ojala. In addition, the project includes an esteemed scientific advisory board consisting of leading international researchers.

The project is part of a new research group led by Maria Ojala “Socio-ecological Resilience and Sustainability (SERSUS)” where researchers in psychology and education work. You will also be part of the Profi 7 research program Frontiers of Arctic and Global Resilience (FRONT) and take part of activities arranged by the Eudaimonia Institute, University of Oulu.

What we offer

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team of multidisciplinary people, where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture, and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits. 
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and your close ones in settling into Oulu.
• We have an HR Excellence in Research -quality label, which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers. 
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, an excellent education system, and a competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Who are you?

In order to succeed and enjoy the position, we expect that you: 

• Have a master's degree, preferably in psychology or social psychology. Alternatively, you could have a master’s exam in the educational field. A master's degree must have been completed before the start of the doctoral researcher's work
• Have experience and interest in both quantitative (statistical) and qualitative data analysis (shown by, for instance, the master’s thesis, completed courses, and/or earlier work experience)
• Have knowledge about and interest in climate change and other sustainability issues (shown by, for instance, the master’s thesis, completed courses, and/or earlier work experience)
• Have an openness to other scientific disciplines and to multidisciplinary approaches
• Have good collaborative skills
• Are fluent in written and spoken English and have good communication skills   
• See also the requirements of the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS)

We also appreciate:

• Knowledge about and interest in research about emotions, resilience factors and implications for, for example, education, active citizenship, and mental wellbeing (shown by, for instance, the master’s thesis, completed courses, and or earlier work experience)
• Finnish language skills

Salary

The position is fixed-term for 3 years as of 15.1.2026 (or as agreed).

The salary will be based on the levels 2-4 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 (a maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). The starting gross salary will be approx. 2600-3200 € per month (before taxes). A trial period of 6 months is applied to the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 2.12.2025 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

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

1. Cover letter
2. CV following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
3. Certificates/Diplomas
4. Abstract of your Master’s thesis
5. Contact information of two persons available for recommendation

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, genders, and linguistic, cultural, or minority groups. 

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact Professor Maria Ojala, Maria.Ojala@oulu.fi.