Postdoctoral Researcher in Climate Democracy
Explore democratic innovations for climate resilience through interdisciplinary research and project leadership at the University of Helsinki.
Best for:Best for postdoctoral researchers with expertise in climate democracy, political science, environmental justice, or related social sciences, seeking interdisciplinary collaboration and project leadership roles.
Overview
This postdoctoral position at the University of Helsinki focuses on community-based democratic responses to climate challenges, including deliberative assemblies, food/energy systems, disaster adaptation, and environmental justice. The successful candidate will collaborate across environmental and social sciences, managing research projects, publishing findings, and organizing workshops. Based in Helsinki, the role offers a multidisciplinary environment with opportunities to engage with Finnish, European, and international partners. The project is led by Professor David Schlosberg and aims to advance climate democracy through participatory and justice-oriented approaches.
What you'll do
- Conduct collaborative and independent research on community-based democratic innovations addressing climate challenges.
- Design and execute assessments, evaluations, and comparative analyses of democratic processes with academic and community partners.
- Coordinate and manage multiple researchers and research tasks within the Climate Democracy project.
- Author peer-reviewed publications and develop competitive grant applications.
- Prepare project documentation, reports, and articles for academic and public audiences.
- Lead the organization and promotion of research seminars, workshops, and events (including logistics, finance, and digital communication).
- Actively participate in research seminars and workshops to foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Assist with teaching responsibilities (10-20% of annual workload).
Requirements
Degree required: PhD in any area related to climate democracy, broadly defined, including humanities, social sciences, or natural sciences (must be completed by the start of employment)
Language: Excellent written and spoken English
Instruction: English
Publications: Emerging track record in academic publications with potential for further development
- Demonstrated knowledge of climate democracy and political/public responses to climate crises
- Ability to conduct independent research and manage research projects
- Experience in project management and coordination
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
- Collaborative work experience in multidisciplinary or international settings
- PhD completion requirement by the start of employment
- No explicit nationality or residency restrictions mentioned
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-16 (EEST)
Submit a single PDF file containing a motivation letter (max. 2 pages), CV, relevant certificates/transcripts, and contact information for 2 references via the University of Helsinki Recruitment System. Employees with a valid contract at the university may use the Employee login.
- Motivation letter (max. 2 pages)
- CV
- Relevant certificates or transcripts (e.g., Doctoral diploma)
- Contact information for 2 references
Contact
David Schlosberg· Professor of Environmental Politics
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