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The Faculty of Social Sciences at Tampere University invites applications for a fixed-term Senior Research Fellow position in literary studies and/or philosophy of literature for a two-year period starting in January 2027 (or as agreed).
The position is open within the Centre of Excellence in Meliorist Philosophy of Suffering (MePhiS), funded by the Research Council of Finland, and its research team Suffering and Meliorism in Literature and the Philosophy of Literature. Among the five research teams of MePhiS, four are hosted by the Faculty of Theology at the University of Helsinki, while the team Suffering and Meliorism in Literature and the Philosophy of Literature is hosted by the Faculty of Social Sciences at Tampere University. The Centre offers a supportive and inspiring research environment and excellent opportunities for researchers to develop their careers in an international and interdisciplinary setting. More information about MePhiS is available at: www.helsinki.fi/mephis .
MePhiS engages in philosophical and interdisciplinary scholarship that places the concept of suffering at the centre 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).
The research group on Suffering and Meliorism in Literature and the Philosophy of Literature within MePhiS focuses on literary studies and the philosophy of literature as pathways to a meliorist philosophy of suffering. We take seriously the idea that literature can articulate philosophical questions and shape people’s ways of experiencing, expressing, and coping with suffering. The group critically examines writers and literary traditions associated with optimism, pessimism, and/or meliorism, and analyses literary works that reflect societal anxieties as well as human or non-human suffering arising from war, violence, poverty, marginalisation, the climate crisis, and related challenges. We also investigate how philosophers draw on literature in developing ethical responses to suffering.
Position
Towards these ends, we invite applications for a Senior Research Fellow with a background in literary studies and/or philosophy of literature with demonstrated interest in advancing research in these fields.
The Senior Research Fellow will be responsible for
- investigating representations of suffering and meliorism in literary and philosophical contexts;
- developing literary and philosophical analyses of ethical responses to suffering;
- authoring scholarly publications on the research topic;
- collaborating with other members of the Centre of Excellence, including through joint publications and other research activities; and
- contributing to teaching and administrative duties, amounting to approximately 5-10% of the working time.
Qualifications
We seek candidates with expertise in literary studies and/or philosophy of literature who are interested in advancing the research aims described above. Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in a relevant field within the humanities or social sciences (e.g., literary studies, philosophy) and have a demonstrated track record of high-quality research and international publications. A Senior Research Fellow typically has at least ca. five years of postdoctoral experience. In addition, applicants should possess the ability to lead a research group, a track record of securing external research funding, and the teaching skills required to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.
Familiarity with the topics of suffering, optimism, pessimism, or meliorism in literature and philosophy, as well as experience in combining literary studies with philosophical inquiry, will be considered an advantage.
The selected candidate should be capable of conducting independent research at a high international level and able to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of the research team. The working language of MePhiS is English, and excellent written and oral communication skills in English are required.
Applicants should be prepared to provide proof of their qualifications upon request. Please do not submit AI-generated proposals.
We offer
The position is fixed-term for two years starting in January 2027 or as agreed. A six-month trial period applies to all new employees at Tampere University.
The salary will be based on the University Salary System. The salary of a Senior Research Fellow is at levels 6-7. In addition to the basic salary, a performance-based salary component is paid according to the appointee’s qualifications and experience. The starting salary (level 6) is approximately EUR 4,700-4,900 per month.
The appointee is expected to reside in Finland while employed by Tampere University. Tampere University is an internationally renowned research university offering a wide range of staff benefits, including occupational health care, flexible working hours, and excellent campus sports facilities. Please read more about working at Tampere University. International staff are supported in relocating to Finland.
For more information about Tampere, please see VisitTampere. For further information about Finland, please visit InfoFinland and This is Finland.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted in English through Tampere University’s electronic recruitment system (link below). The closing date for applications is 11 September 2026 (at 23:59/UTC+3). Online interviews with shortlisted candidates will be held on 24 and 25 September 2026.
The following documents must be attached to your application:
1) CV (max. 3 pages, including the contact details of two referees) according to TENK guidelines
2) A numbered list of publications according to the Research Council of Finland guidelines
3) A letter of motivation (max. 1 page) outlining your motivation for applying, relevant expertise, and how you would contribute to the research aims and collaborative activities of the project.
4) A research proposal (max. 3 pages) consisting of
- a description of how your previous research experience and current work align with the overarching aims of the team Suffering and Meliorism in Literature and the Philosophy of Literature;
- a research idea outlining why the project’s themes or approach interest you and how you position your own research within this context;
- a preliminary publication plan.
Enquiries
For further information about the position please contact the project PI, Academy Professor Sari Kivistö, sari.kivisto(at)tuni.fi.
For questions regarding the application process, please contact HR Specialist Katri Majuri, katri.majuri(at)tuni.fi
Application period starts: 2026-08-17 10:00. Application period ends: 2026-09-11 23:59
