Doctoral Researcher, English, Languages and Literature, Faculty of Humanities

We are now looking for

a Doctoral Researcher

to join us in the research unit of Languages and Literature (English) at the Faculty of Humanities. The position is part of the SafeEarth research programme, funded by the Research Council of Finland, under the theme Language use and Comprehensive security. In addition to this, the successful applicant will work as a member in the COACT research community and the English unit.

About the job

You will work within the SafeEarth research programme and collaborate with the Finnish Defence Forces International Centre and Finnish National Defence University. You will use video-based methods (conversation analysis, interaction analysis and/or ethnography) to study talk and interaction in multinational crisis management training. The studied situations involve military and civilian personnel who are trained to participate in international peace-keeping and humanitarian missions. The trained personnel come from different countries and organisations, and their working language is English.

As a doctoral researcher, you will be performing post-graduate studies and advancing your own doctoral thesis in a multidisciplinary research environment. In the SafeEarth project, you will mainly be responsible for researching talk and interaction from the perspective of multi-background collaboration and be involved in the collection of new research materials. You will also participate in teaching work and other duties. 

What we offer

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic research community, 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.
• 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.

Who are you?

We require from you: 

• Master’s degree in the subject of English (for example, in languages, linguistics, or applied linguistics). The Master's degree must have been completed before the start of the doctoral researcher's work.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English and Finnish
• The selected doctoral researcher will undergo a security screening and must obtain a research permit under the research collaboration to access the research data
• See also the requirements of the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS)

We also appreciate:

• Experience in or knowledge of conversation analysis, interaction analysis, discourse analysis and/or ethnography (e.g., a Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis completed in these areas or courses taken in these areas)
• Skills in making and using video recordings for practical work
• Experience in working in international work and/or research environments

Salary

The position is fixed-term for three years as of 1.4.2026 (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 23.2.2026 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

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

• Cover letter including a brief statement (max. 1 page) of the applicant’s motivation to work as a doctoral researcher in SafeEarth, a short biography explaining the applicant’s professional experience (e.g., knowledge of the research field used in the position), and an account of the applicant’s language skills and proficiency.
• A general research plan (max. 2 pages). Since the setting in this doctoral project is given, the applicant is asked to address the following questions: How would the applicant study interaction (method)? What aspects and details of interaction would the applicant study (focus)? How does the applicant’s background and experience support the aims of the project? What would be the most important implications and impact of the applicant’s approach?
• Curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages) following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
• 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: Assistant Professor Antti Kamunen, Faculty of Humanities, Research Unit for Languages and Literature (English), antti.kamunen@oulu.fi