Doctoral Researcher (U-KNOW-project, focus on open-source investigation in the Ukraine or Palestine
About this role
Doctoral Researcher (U-KNOW-project, focus on open-source investigation in the Ukraine or Palestine conflicts) / Väitöskirjatutkija
Tampere University creates a unique environment for multidisciplinary, inspirational and high-impact research and education. Our universities community has its competitive edges in technology, health and society. Read more: www.tuni.fi/en
We are now looking for a doctoral researcher to conduct research on the use of open source investigation in relation to the Ukraine and Palestine conflicts. Fixed-term position is available for 3 years, starting from 1 September 2026 (or upon agreement).
Job Description
We are now offering a fully funded PhD position in International Relations, to conduct research on the U-KNOW research project which investigates the use of open source investigation/intelligence in relation to the Ukraine and Palestine conflicts. We are looking for a creative and digitally savvy prospective doctoral researcher, with motivation and skills to conduct conflict-related skills online and through fieldwork. This fixed-term position is full time for 3 years (36 months), starting from 1 September 2026 (or upon agreement).
The doctoral researcher will pursue a doctoral degree under the supervision of PI Dr. Rune Saugmann as part of the project Understanding International Knowledge Practice and Open Source Images (U-KNOW), funded by the Finnish Research Council. The project researches the role of open source investigation practices in two conflicts - the post-2014 Russian invasions of Ukraine, and the conflict in Palestine - to (i) explore the emergence of visual open-source ways of making knowledge about the conflict, (ii) develop novel methodological ways of studying open-source knowledge-making in relation to conflict, and (iii) develop conceptual tools for thinking about how conflict knowledge-making relate to conflict logics like alliance and cooperation patterns, state identities, or geopolitical interests.
Doctoral