1-2 Doctoral Researchers in literary studies or history / 1-2 (The Verses of Learning: Epideixis and the Cultural Stories of Nature at Early Modern Universities, VERSITAS project)

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The Faculty of Social Sciences at Tampere University invites applications for

1-2 Doctoral Researchers in literary studies or history. The duration of employment is determined by the progress of the doctoral studies and thesis work and is limited up to a maximum of four years, starting in January 2027 or as agreed. 

The positions are open within Academy Professor Sari Kivistö’s project, The Verses of Learning: Epideixis and the Cultural Stories of Nature at Early Modern Universities (VERSITAS), funded by the Research Council of Finland (2026-2031). The project examines the relationships between poetry, rhetoric, and nature in the early modern period, as well as their roots and continuities in earlier and later centuries. Myths and cultural narratives were an important part of early modern natural history and shaped experiences of nature. The project argues that understanding nature from a cultural perspective requires attention to the literary forms, genres, and rhetorical strategies through which it was represented. Through the study of scientific writing and occasional literature from the early modern period and adjacent centuries, we investigate how literary and stylistic devices shape relationships between humans and nature. Based in the Faculty of Social Sciences at Tampere University, the project offers a supportive and inspiring working environment, as well as excellent opportunities for researchers to advance their skills and careers.

Positions and Qualifications

We are seeking promising doctoral researchers with a master’s degree in a relevant field within the humanities (e.g., literary studies, rhetoric and its history, book history, intellectual history, or classical studies). Applicants will be assessed primarily on the suitability of their proposed research topic to the project’s aims and its potential to produce research of high international standard. Knowledge of early modern literature and/or history, as well as experience working with historical texts and archival materials, will be considered an asset. Possible dissertation topics include historical studies of nature, human-animal studies, and ecocritical approaches to pre-modern and early modern literature, with potential scope for transhistorical perspectives. Familiarity with the history of rhetoric or occasional poetry will also be considered an advantage.

The doctoral researchers will be responsible for writing a doctoral dissertation related to the project’s research themes and completing the credits required for the doctoral degree. They will collaborate with the research team in organizing joint events and participating in other academic activities. The appointed researchers will contribute to teaching and administrative duties for up to 5% of their working time.

The selected candidates must apply for and be admitted to Tampere University’s Doctoral Programme in Literary Studies or Doctoral Programme in History during the autumn semester of 2026. The application period for these programmes runs from 1 to 30 October 2026.

We offer

The positions are fixed term for four years (or a shorter period, depending on the stage of the dissertation) and will begin in January 2027 or as agreed. A six-month trial period applies to all new employees at Tampere University.

Salary is based on the University Salary System. Doctoral Researchers are placed on levels 2-4 of the salary scale. In addition to the basic salary, a performance-based salary component is paid according to the appointee’s qualifications and experience. The starting salary is approximately €2,700 per month and will increase as the doctoral studies progress.

The appointees are expected to reside in Finland during their employment at 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 and explore our  Career Stories.

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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 22 and 23 September 2026.

Please attach the following documents to your application: 

1) CV (max. 3 pages, including a list of publications, if applicable, and the contact details of the supervisor of your master’s thesis) 

2) Reference letter from the prospective supervisor of the doctoral dissertation (if external to the research team)

3) Preliminary research proposal (max. 3 pages), including 

1. a description of your previous research experience (e.g., your master’s thesis);
2. a research idea outlining why the project’s themes or approach interest you and how you would position your doctoral research within this context;
3. a timeline for your doctoral studies.

Please be prepared to provide proof of your qualifications upon request. Please do not submit AI-generated research proposals.

Enquiries

For further information about the position, please contact the project PI, Academy Professor Sari Kivistö, sari.kivisto(at)tuni.fi.

Application period starts: 2026-08-17 09:00. Application period ends: 2026-09-11 23:59