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We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to work in the Program in the Study of Mysticism (PRISM) in the Faculty of Social Sciences. The position involves conducting desk and field research under supervision for an embedded study on Mysticism and Human Flourishing, publishing articles and joining in on publishing a co-authored volume, attending relevant conferences and presenting research, assisting in organizing project meetings and conferences and communicating about the study, as well as assisting in some coordination tasks related to PRISM.

The position requires close collaboration with the PRISM team, led by Sociology Professor Ali Qadir in Tampere University, Finland. PRISM is a five-year program supported by the global philanthropy, Templeton Religion Trust, to galvanize the study of mysticism by making sub-grants to universities worldwide to develop the field, coordinating program activities like new conceptualization and communication, and conducting research in the embedded study.

The main topic of research in this embedded study will be to help develop a theory of mystical consciousness that can explain the ways in which mystics are embedded in society. The project will involve historical case studies of mystics as well as field research on and around recent or contemporary mystics, mapping how they affect various dimensions of human flourishing in their social environments. The position is from March 1, 2025 through December 31, 2029, and the exact research dimensions and outputs will be established collaboratively in the PRISM team.

PRISM is part of the Tampere research group on Religion & Society (TRELIS) in the Unit of Social Research at the Faculty of Social Sciences at Tampere University. The group comprises doctoral and postdoctoral researchers with an abiding interest in studying and theorizing the role of religion in modern society. TRELIS also organizes a course in English on Modern Religion and Society at the Faculty, and the position will require teaching occasional lectures in that course.

Job description

Main duties include:

• High-level academic research and publication activities (70%)
• Communication activities (10%)
• Organizing events and conferences (15%)
• Teaching assistance in related courses (5%)
• Please see also the detailed descriptions above

Requirements

The position is open for candidates with a doctoral degree and at least three years of relevant research in the social scientific study of religion. Sound knowledge of qualitative research methods and social theories of religion are essential, as is a strong command over academic English. Previous research on or related to the topic of mysticism is also preferrable, as is basic knowledge of the field. Good communication skills and demonstrable skills in teamwork will be considered an advantage.

The chosen applicant is expected to reside in Finland while employed by Tampere University.

Assessment criteria

This is a position primarily focused on research. The assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject. Research publications, especially in the field of mysticism studies, will be assessed carefully for the ability to design and conduct high quality research independently and to publish in scientific venues. Candidates for this position are expected to have a strong background in social scientific studies in religion, preferably in mysticism studies, and a keen interest in the topic. Other qualifications include good communication and teamwork skills, strong knowledge productivity tools like MS office, referencing applications, and qualitative analysis software, as well as some teaching experience in religious studies. 

Consideration will also be given to how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen the PRISM team, and how they stand to contribute to its future development. 

We offer

The position is a fixed-term contract from March 1, 2025 through December 31, 2029. A trial period of six (6) months applies to all our new employees.  

The salary will be based on both the job requirements and the employee's personal performance in accordance with the Salary system of Finnish universities. The position of a Postdoctoral Researcher is placed on the job requirement level 5 (teaching and research staff). A typical starting salary of Postdoctoral Researcher is around 3600–4200 EUR/month, depending on the previous work experience. 

We offer a wide range of staff benefits, such as occupational health care, flexible working hours, excellent sports facilities on campus and several restaurants and cafés on campus with staff discounts. Please read more about working at Tampere University. You can also find more information about us and working and living Tampere by watching our video: Tampere Higher Education Community - our academic playground.  

How to apply 

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is 21.2.2025 (23:59 EET / UTC +2).  The closing date for applications has been extended until 28.2.2025 (23:59 EET / UTC +2).

Attach the following documents to your application in PDF format: 

• Curriculum Vitae 
• List of publications 
• A letter of motivation

For more information, please contact:  Professor Ali Qadir, ali.qadir@tuni.fi

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Tampereen yliopisto ja Tampereen ammattikorkeakoulu muodostavat yhdessä Suomen toiseksi suurimman monitieteisen, innostavan ja vaikuttavan tutkimus- ja oppimisyhteisön. Korkeakouluyhteisömme osaamiskärjet ovat tekniikka, terveys ja yhteiskunta. Lue lisää: www.tuni.fi

Tampereen yliopistossa on haettavana tutkijatohtorin (mystiikan tutkimus) tehtävä.

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Lue tarkemmat tiedot tehtävästä ja hakuohjeet yllä olevasta englanninkielisestä ilmoituksesta.

Jätäthän hakemuksesi yliopiston sähköisellä hakulomakkeella (linkki löytyy tämän ilmoituksen alta). Hakuaika tehtävään päättyy 21.2.2025, klo 23:59. Hakuaikaa on jatkettu 28.2.2025, klo 23.59 asti.