Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences is currently seeking to recruit

1 Postdoctoral Researcher in the History of Philosophy, for a 24-month fixed-term period starting from 1st of September 2023 (or as agreed)

and

1 Postdoctoral Researcher in the History of Philosophy, for a 12-month fixed-term period starting from 1st of September 2023 (or as agreed).

The positions are located at the Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy.

Tasks and qualifications

The postdoctoral researchers will work as team members on the research project Gender in Renaissance and Early Modern Philosophy, led by PI Senior lecturer Martina Reuter and funded by the Academy of Finland. The project investigates criticisms of male power and defences of women by studying these arguments in their relation to the history of philosophy. The team will work on four clusters of research questions: (i) the question of education and its relation to innate capacities, (ii) claims about the superiority of women and/or equality between the sexes, (iii) the relations between the mind and the body, and (iv) the question of gender and political rule. The project covers a time span from the early fifteenth century until the end of the eighteenth century.

The postdoctoral researchers will conduct research on one or several clusters of research questions covered by the project. The successful candidates are expected to formulate individual research plans, which will contribute to the general scope of the project. In their research plans, applicants should outline briefly the aims, methods, and expected outputs of their research. As team members, the successful candidates will contribute to the team’s joint research activities and publications. The postdoctoral researchers will work in close collaboration with the PI and with team member Professor Marguerite Deslauriers, McGill University. The project includes funding for archival research, research visits and conference participation.

The successful candidate will have written an excellent doctoral dissertation in the history of philosophy or in a closely adjunct field, such as intellectual history or the history of political thought. Candidates with dissertations in fields such as language and literature may also be considered. Previous work on questions of gender in the history of philosophy is a merit, but not obligatory.

The duties, qualification requirements and language skills of the postdoctoral researcher are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations, Rector’s decision on personnel matters and language skills guidelines. The doctoral degree required for the position must have been completed before starting the position.

What does the University of Jyväskylä offer as an employer?

At the University of Jyväskylä you are a valued member of our academic community with a unique opportunity to influence international research. We offer an architecturally unique campus area, where you will become part of our international and inter-disciplinary scholarly community. To find useful information about the University of Jyväskylä, the City of Jyväskylä and living in Finland, see the University's International Staff Guide.

The annual salary range will be approximately 38 400 – 44 400 EUR (gross income, excluding holiday bonus), depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate.

There is a six-months trial period after appointment.

How to apply

The following documents must be uploaded in English to the electronic recruiting system:

1. Motivation letter, which expresses the candidate’s interest in the area of the research project and stipulates whether the candidate is primarily interested in a 12- or 24-month contract;
2. A CV composed according to good scientific practice;
3. A numbered list of publications covering the applicant’s scientific and other publications;
4. An individual research plan (max. 2-3 pages), which is related to one or several of the clusters of research questions covered by the project and which reflects whether the candidate is applying for a 12- or 24-month position;
5. 2 reference letters, which can be sent as part of the application or directly to PI Martina Reuter (anna.m.reuter@jyu.fi).

Please submit your application 31st of January 2023 the latest using the online application form.

For more information about the research project and the expected tasks of the successful candidate, please contact PI Senior lecturer Martina Reuter, email: anna.m.reuter@jyu.fi.


The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences is a strong contributor to human sciences. It has a central role in understanding and developing human activities and the structures of society. The faculty is a unique, strongly profiled unit that conducts internationally significant research with societal impact. Research and education at the faculty focus on culture, arts, traditions, languages and communication, social sciences and philosophy.

The University of Jyväskylä is a human-centred environment of 2,500 experts and 14,500 students. Our goal is to create wisdom and wellbeing for us all. It is essential that each member of the community thrives and has opportunities to develop and grow. We cherish openness of thinking as well as the balance between research and education. Our naturally beautiful campus is located at the heart of the city of Jyväskylä. JYU is the third largest employer in Central Finland.