Postdoctoral Researcher (Spatial Practises)

The Academy of Fine Arts of the University of the Arts Helsinki is recruiting

Postdoctoral Researcher

in the thematic area of spatial practices for a three-year fixed-term employment contract from 1st May, 2026 (or as agreed).

Fields of research and tasks

The duties of the Postdoctoral Researcher will focus on conducting their own research in the thematic area of spatial practices in/ through artistic research.

The Academy of Fine Arts has a long tradition in professional artist education and research related to contemporary art practices, theory and curating. The current four focus areas of the Academy's research activities are image research, spatial practices, contemporary art research and artist pedagogy. The Academy endorses methodological pluralism and a wide variety of research projects from artistic research to scholarly approaches. A merger of three academies (Academy of Fine Arts, Sibelius Academy, Theatre Academy), Uniarts Helsinki constitutes an internationally esteemed multidisciplinary community of artists and researchers.

In the thematic area of spatial practices, the Academy has interest in hosting and developing research that engages with spatial concepts and processes, public spaces, cities and rural environment, and their social and political frameworks and implications. The thematic area of spatial practices is understood in a broad sense entailing features of e.g. site and situation sensitive practices of art, and the art and research of curating, exhibiting and mediating art.

The Postdoctoral Researcher will be situated in the Academy of Fine Arts' research unit and will collaborate with other artists, researchers and academic staff within the university.

The main part (ca. 60%) of Postdoctoral Researcher’s working time is allocated to their own research with the expectation of research outcomes, such as peer-reviewed publications. Other working tasks include teaching, supervising, publication activities, and research development work on behalf of the university, including contributing to seminar teaching on the theme Contested Sites, delivered as an art‑theory workshop throughout the academic year 2026–2027.

Eligibility requirements

We expect you to have the following:

• a suitable doctoral degree from a Finnish or an internationally recognized university, granted within the last five years (reference date: deadline of the call)
• university level experience in teaching and research and/or art practice in the thematic area of spatial practices
• a demonstrated record of independent research outcomes, such as peer-reviewed publications
• good communication and interaction skills
• the ability to connect to communities, networks and operators relevant to the thematic area of spatial practices
• the capacity and willingness to participate in the research-based education of fine art students on all degree levels
• experience of planning and coordinating research related events
  
  

Language skills

The languages of instruction at Uniarts Helsinki are Finnish, Swedish, and English. For this position, an excellent command of English is required.

Working time and salary

The salary for the position will be based on level 5 of the demands level chart for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities. Monthly gross salary at the beginning of employment will be approximately €3600-€3900, depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications and professional experience.

The Postdoctoral Researcher is eligible for applying project funding up to 2000 euros/year within the university.

The post follows the total working time system, where the annual workload is 1,612 hours, as defined in the collective agreement. The position requires working in Finland for the duration of the employment relationship. Thus, the assignment requires the Postdoctoral Researcher to reside officially in Finland for the duration of the employment relationship.

How to apply

The applications should be submitted through our electronic recruitment system by 22 February 2026 at 23.59 (EEST) at the latest. You will receive an automatic reply from the system (check the spam folder if you can’t find the email with your username information in your inbox). Please save your application materials in English and in PDF form.

The application consists of

• A motivation letter (1–2 pages)
• Curriculum vitae (in accordance with TENK’s instructions), including a list of publications
• A concise artistic/research portfolio in digital form
• A research plan for a 3-year project including a publication plan, project budget and funding plan (maximum 5 pages including references)

Short-listed candidates’ interviews will be held online.

Further information

For more information on the position please contact Vice Dean for Research Mika Elo and on the recruitment process HR Specialist Minna Immonen, our e-mail addresses are in the form firstname.lastname@uniarts.fi.