Assistant/Associate/Full Professor of Social Sciences

University of Helsinki

Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Helsinki

The Faculty of Social Sciences invites applications for a position as Professor, Associate Professor, or Assistant Professor of Anthropology.

Depending on qualifications and career stage, the successful applicant may be appointed to:

  • a permanent professorship, or

  • a fixed-term associate or assistant professorship within the University of Helsinki’s tenure track system.

Information on the tenure track system is available on the University of Helsinki website.

Job Description

Applicants are expected to contribute to anthropological scholarship at the highest international level.

Social and Cultural Anthropology at the University of Helsinki (UH) has a strong research environment in:

  • Political economy

  • Ethics and morality

  • Cognitive anthropology

  • Environment and sustainability

  • Location and borders

  • Linguistic anthropology

Thematic specialization is open, but candidates working on political and/or environmental questions are particularly encouraged to apply.

Anthropology at UH is known for its strong ethnographic orientation and diverse regional expertise. Candidates should demonstrate:

  • Extensive ethnographic research experience

  • Clear regional expertise

All regional specializations are welcome. Particular attention will be given to how a candidate’s expertise complements and strengthens the existing regional profile of the faculty.

The successful applicant will conduct internationally recognised research and contribute to teaching at bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.

Key Responsibilities

  • Conduct high-quality, internationally recognised research

  • Teach and supervise students at bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels

  • Contribute to curriculum development

  • Develop research initiatives and apply for external funding

  • Strengthen the research environment in Anthropology at UH

  • Build national and international research collaborations

  • Engage in public outreach and societal impact activities

  • Participate in academic administration within Anthropology, degree programmes, and the Faculty

Qualifications

General Requirements

  • A doctoral degree in social or cultural anthropology or a closely related discipline clearly grounded in anthropology

  • The doctoral degree must be completed by the application deadline

Assistant / Associate Professor (Tenure Track)

Applicants must demonstrate:

  • Ability to conduct independent scholarly research

  • Teaching competence appropriate to the position

  • Strong potential for an academic career, evidenced through publications and research activity

Professor

Applicants must demonstrate:

  • High-level academic qualifications

  • Experience in leading scientific research

  • Strong supervision and teaching competence

  • Evidence of international collaboration

  • Academic leadership skills

Evaluation Criteria

Applicants will be assessed based on:

  • Scholarly publications and research output

  • Success in obtaining external research funding

  • International research experience and collaboration

  • Academic service and participation in the scholarly community

  • Teaching experience and pedagogical training

  • Supervision of dissertations and theses

  • Leadership and interaction skills

  • Vision for developing the field and its research agenda

  • Fit with the thematic priorities of the position

  • Contribution to the regional profile of Anthropology at UH

  • External evaluator statements

  • Teaching demonstration

  • Interview performance

Language Requirements

  • Excellent command of English is required

  • If not proficient in Finnish or Swedish, the appointee is expected to acquire moderate proficiency within a reasonable time after appointment

  • Language training support will be provided

The appointee is expected to reside in Finland during employment. Relocation support is available.

What We Offer

  • A stimulating academic environment at Finland’s leading social sciences faculty

  • Competitive salary:

    • Professor: approx. €74,000–€94,000 annually

    • Assistant/Associate Professor: approx. €60,000–€73,000 annually

  • Comprehensive employee benefits, including:

    • Occupational health care

    • Professional development support

    • Research funding application support

    • Library, wellbeing, and fitness services

The employment contract includes a six-month probationary period.

Finland offers:

  • High-quality public education (including English-language schools)

  • Generous family benefits and healthcare

  • A safe, clean environment and excellent quality of life

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via the University of Helsinki Recruitment System by clicking “Apply now”.
Current University of Helsinki employees should apply via “Employee login.”

Application deadline:
15 February 2026 at 23:59 (Europe/Helsinki time)

Required Application Documents (in English)

  1. Curriculum Vitae

  2. Numbered list of publications, with five key publications highlighted in bold

  3. Research report (max. 3 pages), including:

    • Research activities

    • International collaboration

    • Academic service

    • External funding success

  4. Vision statement (max. 2 pages) on developing the field and research focus

  5. Teaching portfolio (max. 3 pages), including teaching experience and pedagogical merits

After the application deadline, shortlisted applicants may be asked to submit up to five publications for external review.

Further Information

Academic content and working environment:

Recruitment process:

Position Details

  • Unit: Faculty of Social Sciences

  • Sub-unit: Disciplines

  • Position ID: 4622

  • Application deadline: 15 February 2026

Equality and Inclusion

The University of Helsinki is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusivity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background.

Apply