The Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Helsinki invites applications for the position of
DOCTORAL RESEARCHER on Understanding and redefining just sustainability transformations from disability perspectives
for a fixed 4-year term starting on 1 Sept. 2025 (or as agreed). Successful candidates are expected to work full-time.
This position is part of an ERC Consolidator Grant awarded to Associate Professor Guido Caniglia (Principal Investigator) for the project: “Whose sustainability? Understanding and redefining just sustainability transformations from disability and queer perspectives” (WEIRD) (see further information below). With an intersectional approach that foregrounds and leverages disability and queer perspectives around environmental sustainability, WEIRD aims to (a) critically appraise the way in which we usually think about sustainability transformations, (b) empirically understand how people with disability and from gender and sexual minorities are enacting and prefiguring alternative, just, and more environmentally sustainable futures, and (b) creatively redefine and generate new theories of justice in sustainability transformations (see: TOPIC and OBJECTIVES below for more details). The research design of the project is organized in two main tracks: the first looking at the intersection of environmental sustainability and disability and the second investigating the intersection of environmental sustainability and queer (see: APPROACH AND RESEARCH DESIGN below for more details).

QUALIFICATIONS AND ATTRIBUTES

An appointee to the position must hold an MA in one of the following fields: disability studies, transdisciplinary sustainability science, environmental humanities, environmental social sciences. Applicants are invited to check in advance with the Principal Investigator whether their background in suitable for the position. The appointee should apply for and obtain the right for a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki within the probationary period of six months of their appointment.

Overall, the applicant will have:

• Experience in qualitative, mixed-methods research (or willingness to strengthen this methodological skill).
• Capacity to work collaboratively in a diverse and interdisciplinary research group.
• Ethical sensitivity and competence to work with vulnerable populations and minorities.
• Excellent English writing skills.
• Strong organizational skills (e.g., organization and facilitation of workshops).

Please refer the Job description for details