Project Researcher (pre- or post-doctoral level)

We are inviting applications for a part-time project researcher position (pre- or postdoctoral level) at the Department of Geographical and Historical Studies, located on the Joensuu Campus of the University of Eastern Finland. The position will begin on 1 October 2026, or as agreed. Read more below and submit your application no later than 30 August 2026.

Position and salary 

The Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies is filling a Project Researcher position (pre- or postdoctoral level) at the Department of Geographical and Historical Studies within the Foods for Future partnership project ALGAMAT. The project aims to develop a seaweed-based vegan burger and includes a multidisciplinary approach spanning from food-chemistry to social scientific assessments on the related economies, politics and socio-cultural aspects of seaweed as a food ingredient. The position at UEF focuses on these social scientific components.

Research focus of the position:

We are looking for a candidate interested in pursuing research within the clearly defined areas of the ALGAMAT project and its goals to assess the socio-cultural and science-policy frameworks that affect seaweed as food in general, and the to-be-developed seaweed burger in particular. The candidate will conduct geographical research to assess spatially variegated consumer acceptance, societal readiness, as well as the market and policy adaptation potential of seaweed-based food/burgers. The particular tasks of the candidate are: 1) A socio-cultural framework assessment conducted by a media discourse analysis on seaweed and competing meat alternatives in chosen EU markets, paired with food-related expert interviews on trends, product acceptance and marketability. 2) A science-policy framework assessment based on a review of EU/national policies on seaweed/alternative food sectors, and on EU-funded project documents related to seaweed products. 3) Preparing and co-authoring a report on the above-mentioned aspects and assembling further input from project partners for this purpose.

We are seeking a motivated candidate with a strong interest in blue economy/seaweed economies, novel food systems and in the socio-spatial processes that guide the same. The candidate should be experienced or skilled in applying qualitative methods to research in economic and policy spheres. This includes the ability and motivation to conduct interviews and to carry out policy, media and science-based document analysis individually and to work in an international, cross-disciplinary research team. Experience in seaweed economies and (food) market analysis and skills in EU project reporting are considered an advantage.

The Project Researcher is physically based at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies on the Joensuu Campus.

The part-time Project Researcher position will be filled as from 1 October 2026, or as agreed, for a fixed term of up to 24 months. The part-time percentage (between 25% and 60%) and the duration of the employment relationship will be decided on a case-by-case basis. The position is filled for a fixed term due to the duration of the ALGAMAT project and its activities. A trial period is applied to new staff members.

The salary of the position is based on the salary system for the teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. The salary consists of a job-related salary element and a personal salary element. In this position, the job-related salary element is based on level 2–5 of the job requirement level chart (EUR 2,331.67 – 3,366.36), and the personal salary element is 6–50% of the job-related salary element.

Our requirements  

• a suitable higher university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) 
• a suitable doctoral degree (completed no more than 5 years previously (excluding statutory leaves) in case of postdoctoral level applicants)
• excellent English language skills
• experience in using qualitative research methods (interviews, document analysis) in economic and policy spheres.

When filling the position, consideration will be given to

• expertise in any of the given topics of seaweed economies, blue economy and policies, and novel food systems
• experience with EU project implementation and reporting
• experience of working in international multidisciplinary research teams
• possible achievements in research related to the topic.

What we can offer you 

• An interesting position in an international, creative, participatory and engaging university community,
• The opportunity for flexible multi-location work, 
• The opportunity for international collaboration as part of a research team,
• Staff benefits of the University of Eastern Finland, including comprehensive occupational health care, versatile staff training opportunities, affordable campus restaurant lunches, and Sykettä sports services. 

Please read more in the Work at UEF section on our website. 

Enjoy your life in Finland! Known for its cleanliness, welfare know-how, modern technology and superb education system, Finland is an exotic and safe country to work in. Please visit the Life in Finland section on our website to learn more. 

How to apply 

Submit your application by using our electronic application form no later than 30 August 2026 by 24:00 (midnight) Finnish time (UTC+3). Application with attachments are to be submitted in English (the diploma/certificate of degree completion may also be submitted in Finnish).

Please note that the application is required to have the following appendices: 

• A CV (Template for CV, TENK website)
• A list of publications (Instructions, Research Council of Finland website)
• A motivation letter of 1 page, including research experience, skills and motivation related to the research focus of the project
• A copy of the degree certificate / diploma and a transcript of academic records that prove the applicant’s eligibility for the position and, potentially, for postgraduate studies. The documents must be in either Finnish or English. For translated documents, only a Diploma Supplement issued by the higher education institution in question and/or other official translations issued by the awarding higher education institution or an authorised translator are accepted.
• Copies of certificates of language proficiency, if not indicated in the academic degree certificates/diplomas

Questions? 

For more information on the position, please contact the project leader Prof. Dr. Moritz Albrecht, [email protected] and the Head of the Department of Geographical and Historical Studies Pieter Dhondt, [email protected].

For further information relating to the application procedure, please contact HR Specialist Airi Leppänen, [email protected].

Projektitutkija

Haemme projektitutkijaa historia- ja maantieteiden laitokselle Joensuun kampukselle (ALGAMAT-hanke). Tehtävä sijoittuu yhteiskuntatieteiden ja kauppatieteiden tiedekuntaan ja tehtävä alkaa 1.10.2026 tai sopimuksen mukaan ja se täytetään enintään kahdeksi vuodeksi.  Tässä tehtävässä tehtäväkohtainen palkanosa on vaativuustasoluokittelussa tasolla 2–5 (2331,6 € - 3366,36,66 €). Lisäksi maksetaan henkilökohtaiseen suoriutumiseen perustuvaa palkanosaa, joka on 6–50 % tehtäväkohtaisesta palkanosasta. Tehtävässä edellytetään erinomaista englannin kielen taitoa.

Lue tarkemmat tiedot tehtävästä ja hakuohjeet yllä olevasta englanninkielisestä ilmoituksesta. Jätäthän hakemuksesi englanniksi. Hakuaika tehtävään päättyy 30.8.2026. 

The Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies operates on two campuses of the University of Eastern Finland – in Joensuu and Kuopio. The faculty trains experts in the fields of history, geography, economics and business administration, law, social sciences, and social and health management. The faculty’s research is closely linked to the research areas identified in the university’s strategy. The faculty has 4,480 Bachelor’s and Master’s degree students and approximately 500 postgraduate students actively pursuing their studies. The faculty has 550 staff members.

The Department of Geographical and Historical Studies carries out research addressing the use of natural resources, environmental changes, well-being and cultural interactions in border and peripheral areas, and their geographical, social and historical dynamics of development. The high level of education provided by the Department of Geographical and Historical Studies is based on the above-mentioned research, serving as a foundation for the development of the students’ analytical and critical skills. The department’s research activities offer its staff a means to actively participate in social debate.

The University of Eastern Finland (UEF) is the most multidisciplinary university in Finland. Our university employs approximately 3,200 employees, and our community includes approximately 17,000 degree students and 16,000 adult education students. Our campuses are located in Joensuu and Kuopio. We represent the world’s cutting edge of research in many fields and produce research-based knowledge, which is made openly available to benefit everyone. Learn more about our university at www.uef.fi/en. Read also about UEF as a working community and employer and the career stories of our employees.