Postdoctoral researcher in cultural memory studies (NARS)
About this role
The Faculty of Humanities at the University of Helsinki invites applications for the position of
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN CULTURAL MEMORY STUDIES AT THE CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN NATIONALISM RESEARCH IN THE HUMANITIES (NARS)The fixed-term appointment is for 36 months, starting in September 2026.
This position is based in the CoE NARS research group "Nationalism Beyond Borders" (PI: Ulla Savolainen) in the Department of Cultures, Folklore Studies, and is funded by the Research Council of Finland. The group investigates the role of memory in shaping national allegiances in multi- and transnational contexts and examines how cultural remembrance constructs group belonging and exclusion. CoE NARS brings together four teams at the Finnish Literature Society, the University of Helsinki, Tampere University, and Åbo Akademi University to study nationalism through the lenses of historical research and cultural memory studies. We approach nationalism as a complex human phenomenon whose functions and intensity shift and vary over time. Rather than treating nationalism solely as a political ideology, we analyze its practical operations and its effects on the lives of different groups.
Responsibilities
- We seek postdoctoral researcher with expertise in cultural memory studies and nationalism research. The postdoctoral researcher will carry out an independent research project as part of the University of Helsinki team and CoE NARS activities. Proposed projects are not limited by geography or research material but should focus on transnational or border contexts and employ memory studies approaches to nationalism. The role also includes teaching (5%), organizing workshops and seminars, developing future research projects, and applying for external research funding.
- The start date is 1 September 2026. The appointee is expected to reside in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area during the employment.
- QUALIFICATIONS AND EVALUATION
- Applicants are required to hold a PhD in a relevant fie