University Researcher in Philosophy / Philosophy of Religion

Tiivistelmä työpaikkailmoituksesta: The Centre of Excellence MePhiS at the University of Helsinki invites applications for one or two fixed-term University Researcher positions of two years, starting in January 2027 (or later by agreement), based at the Faculty of Theology, City Centre Campus. The positions are attached to two research teams focused on meliorist philosophy of suffering: Antitheodicy and methodology, and Suffering and the Problem of Life in contemporary philosophy of religion, with interdisciplinary collaboration encouraged. Applicants must hold a doctoral degree with a demonstrated track record of high-quality international research and publications, typically have about five years postdoctoral experience, and be able to lead research, secure external funding, teach and supervise, with a six-month trial period. The annual gross salary is €51,000–€65,000, the appointee is expected to reside in Finland, and applications (CV, list of publications, one-page motivation letter and a max‑3‑page research proposal) must be submitted via the University of Helsinki recruitment system. Tämä tiivistelmä on luotu tekoälyn avulla. The Centre of Excellence in Meliorist Philosophy of Suffering (MePhiS), funded by the Research Council of Finland at the University of Helsinki and Tampere University, invites applications for one or two (1-2) fixed-term University Researcher positions for two years, starting in January, 2027 (or later, based on negotiations) . The positions are open within MePhiS’s research teams: 1) Antitheodicy and the Methodology of Meliorist Philosophy of Suffering , and 2) Suffering and the Problem of Life in Contemporary Philosophy of Religion. Both teams are hosted by the Faculty of Theology at the University of Helsinki City Centre Campus. Submitting an application is interpreted as an expression of the applicant’s interest in working within either or both of these closely connected research teams. The applicant may also indicate their preference regarding the research team. MePhiS engages in philosophical and interdisciplinary scholarship that places the concept of suffering at the center of philosophical reflection and offers conceptual and argumentative tools for a deeper understanding of human engagement with affliction, starting from the meliorist (Lat. melior , better) idea that the world can and should be made better through active human efforts. According to meliorism, a positive outcome is neither guaranteed (optimism) nor impossible (pessimism). MePhiS aims at (1) reinterpreting ethical and other philosophical issues by emphasizing their entanglement with suffering; (2) integrating philosophical inquiries into suffering and meliorism with research emerging from key disciplines in the humanities, especially the history of ideas, literary studies, and theology and religious studies; and (3) critically renewing relevant philosophical and interdisciplinary methodology. As a research group within MePhiS, the group Antitheodicy and the Methodology of Meliorist Philosophy of Suffering serves the entire center by investigating, for example, conceptual issues concerning meliorism, suffering, and antitheodicy, and especially the methodologies of the philosophy of suffering. The group specifically focuses on examining, both historically and systematically, pragmatist and transcendental methodologies enabling an in-depth critical analysis and assessment of the prospects of antitheodicy in developing meliorist approaches to suffering. As a research group within MePhiS, the group Suffering and the Problem of Life in Contemporary Philosophy of Religion examines how both religious and secular perspectives in contemporary philosophy address suffering, mortality, and hope. The group explores and conceptualises fundamental ethical and existential problems concerning the human condition and the meaning of life in both individual and social contexts. Although the group’s main research focus is on contemporary debates, earlier forms of optimism and pessimism in modern philosophy are also potential research topics. Requirements for the position and assessment of qualifications Applicants must hold a doctoral degree and have demonstrated track record of high-quality research and international publications, and other academic activities. We are looking for senior researchers with a background in philosophy and/or philosophy of religion (or relevant neighbouring fields). A pre-existing interest in the general theme of MePhiS is an advantage. Candidates need to be able to write and publish independently and collaboratively. When assessing applicants’ qualifications, attention will be paid to international academic activities, including high-quality peer-reviewed publications. A University Researcher typically has at least ca. five years of postdoctoral experience. In addition, applicants should possess ability to lead a research group, a track record of securing external funding, and the teaching skills