University Researcher(s) in the study of Ancient Near East

• The Faculty of Humanities at the University of Helsinki is hiring 1–2 fixed-term University Researcher(s) in the study of the Ancient Near East for a 12–14 month contract starting between 1 November 2026 and 1 January 2027.
• Applicants must hold a doctoral degree and show recent active publications, independent research activity, and potential for research leadership and funding acquisition.
• The role involves carrying out a concise original research project within the ANEE+ interdisciplinary network, with about 5% of working time for teaching or supervision, and requires residency in Finland.
• The annual gross salary is €54,000–67,000 (salary level 6–7 plus a personal performance component) for the appointment, which includes a six-month trial period and university employment benefits.

The Faculty of Humanities invites applications for

1-2 UNIVERSITY RESEARCHER  POSITION(S) IN THE STUDY OF ANCIENT NEAR EAST

for a fixed term of 12-14-month employment contract starting between 1st of November 2026 and 1st of January 2027.

We are looking for an employee with a background in the study of ancient Near East, in e.g. Assyriology, Egyptology, History, Theology, Archaeology, or similar applicable field of science. The position offers an opportunity for the candidate to carry out original research in the form of a concise research project in the study of ancient Near East. Additionally, circa 5% of working time should be allocated to teaching and/or supervision duties, to be negotiated with the selected candidate(s).

The research is conducted at University of Helsinki as part of the activities of the ANEE+ research community (www.helsinki.fi/aneeplus). In the ANEE+ Interdisciplinary Research Network, we foster research that geographically focuses on Eastern Mediterranean and Western Asia, and temporally reaches from prehistory to late antiquity. We are looking for project proposals that fit the network goals and particularly proposals connecting different fields of science.

Requirements for the position and assessment of qualifications

According to the regulations of the University of Helsinki, an appointee to the position of university researcher

• shall hold a doctoral degree
• evidence of active publication in recent years
• demonstration of other scholarly activity, such as evidence of independent research activity,
• the ability to lead a research group, activities in Finnish or international
• research groups or networks, and experience in the acquisition of research funding
• Teaching skills required for the position
  
  

The research project must be carried out at the University of Helsinki. Employment requires residency in Finland for the duration of the employment contract.

Other requirements include the ability and motivation, as demonstrated in previous degree studies and otherwise, to conduct an independent research project according to the research proposal.

When assessing applicants’ qualifications, attention will be paid to the applicant’s previous scientific achievements and knowledge of the study of ancient Near East. 

What we offer

The selected candidate will receive a full salary for 12-14 months. The salary for the position will be based on level 6-7 of the job requirement scheme for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities. In addition, the appointee will be paid a salary component based on personal performance. The annual gross salary is €54000-67000. The position is filled with a six-month trial period.

In Finnish universities, the teaching and research staff have a special system regarding the free time equivalent to holiday. They belong to the 1,612 annual working hour system, in which the annual amount of paid holiday is app. 5-6 weeks on average per year.

The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development. The University provides support for internationally recruited employees with their transition to work and life in Finland. For more on the University of Helsinki as an employer, please see https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers.

The selected candidate will also have access to limited travel funding, to be negotiated separately.

The city of Helsinki is the capital city of Finland, with a population of ca. 1.3 million. It has been consistently ranked amongst the top cities in the world for quality of living. Founded in 1640, the University of Helsinki is an international academic community of 40,000 students and staff members. It operates on four campuses in Helsinki and at 15 other locations.

How to apply

The application must be accompanied by the following documents in PDF format:

• A curriculum vitae (including à list of publications);
• Names of two people who can provide a reference
• A short 1-2 page research plan outlining the scope and aims of the proposed project as well as the applicant’s expertise relevant to carrying out the research plan
• Certificate of a Doctoral degree

Other attachments, including letters of recommendation, are not required at this point.

Applications must be submitted through the University of Helsinki electronic recruitment system by clicking on the link below. Current employees of the University of Helsinki must submit their applications through SAP Fiori’s Suffeli recruitment portal.

The closing date for applications is 27th September 2026 (23:59PM)

Further information

Further information about the position can be obtained from Professor of Ancient Near Eastern Studies, Saana Svärd (saana.svard@helsinki.fi). Further information about the recruitment process can be obtained from HR Specialist Harri Hamara (hr-humtdk(at)helsinki.fi).