Postdoctoral Researcher, Environmental Social Sciences and Digital Infrastructures

The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary, international research university, with about 4000 employees who produce new knowledge based on high-standards research and provide research based education to build a more sustainable, smarter, and more humane world. The University of Oulu community has about 19,000 people in total. Our northern scientific community operates globally and creates conditions for the emergence of innovations. The University of Oulu is ranked in the top 3% of the world’s universities. All our research, education, and community activities are guided by our university’s values and ethical principles.

We are now looking for

a Postdoctoral Researcher

to join us in the General Education Research unit at the Faculty of Education and Psychology. The unit brings together interdisciplinary research, including research on human-environment relations and more-than-human perspectives. The successful candidate will work in the Research Council of Finland-funded DATAVOID project and will have opportunities to collaborate with researchers across the University of Oulu as well as with the project’s international research partners.

From a Void to the Cloud? Data Centres in the Afterlives of Arctic Industries (DATAVOID) is a four-year research project exploring data centres emerging in post-industrial northern communities. Across northern regions, data centres are increasingly being built or planned in places shaped by earlier industries. Former industrial sites, abundant energy and existing infrastructure can make these locations attractive for new digital investments. Data centres are often presented as opportunities for economic renewal – but what happens when a new industry arrives in a place already transformed by previous waves of industrial development?

DATAVOID explores this question through research in Finland and Canada, complemented by comparative cases in the Nordic countries. It examines how data centres interact with the physical and social legacies of earlier industries and how local communities, companies and other actors imagine the futures associated with them.

Funded by the Research Council of Finland (2026–2030), DATAVOID is led by Dr Anna Niia Varfolomeeva at the University of Oulu and combines ethnographic and archival research with artistic collaboration. Working across different northern locations allows us to examine both common patterns and important local differences.

Further information about the project is available on the DATAVOID website.

About the job

The Postdoctoral Researcher will contribute to DATAVOID by developing a comparative strand of research on data centre development and industrial transformation in the Arctic. The position is expected to focus primarily on Canada, while contributing to the project's broader comparative work across northern regions.

The position is based at the University of Oulu and requires periods of residence and active participation in the research environment in Oulu. At the same time, the position includes extended periods of fieldwork and research stays in Canada. The timing and duration of these periods will be planned together with the successful candidate, taking into account the needs of the research project.

The position is primarily research-focused, with a small proportion of working time allocated to teaching and supervision (approximately 5%). These activities will be aligned, where possible, with the successful candidate's expertise.

• As a Postdoctoral Researcher, you will design and conduct qualitative research on data centre development in northern communities in Canada, with Alberta and Saskatchewan among the potential areas of focus.
• You will conduct fieldwork using qualitative methods, which may include interviews, ethnographic observation, archival research, and analysis of media and policy materials.
• You will develop your own research within the broader framework of DATAVOID and produce high-quality peer-reviewed publications, both independently and in collaboration with the PI and other project members.
• You will contribute to comparative analysis across the project’s case studies and participate in project meetings, workshops and other collaborative activities.
• You will collaborate with DATAVOID’s research partners in Canada and with relevant researchers and research communities at the University of Oulu.
• You will contribute to research communication, stakeholder and community engagement, and other outreach activities related to the project.

What we offer

• The opportunity to join a new international research project and work closely with the PI and DATAVOID’s collaborators in Finland, Canada, and other Northern regions, while developing your own research profile within the project.
• An interdisciplinary research environment, with opportunities to engage with DATAVOID’s international research network and collaborate with research groups at the University of Oulu working on environmental social sciences, more-than-human research, and transdisciplinary approaches.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture, and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits here.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and your close ones in settling into Oulu.
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• We have an HR Excellence in Research -quality label, which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers.
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, an excellent education system, and a competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Who are you?

In order to succeed and enjoy the position, we require from you:

• A doctoral degree in environmental social sciences, anthropology, human geography, science and technology studies (STS), sociology, or another relevant field. The doctoral degree must be completed before the employment begins and must have been obtained no more than 10 years before the closing date for applications.
• A research profile relevant to the themes of the project, such as infrastructures, industrial transformations, digitalisation, energy and resource development, human-environment relations, or northern and Arctic studies.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent qualitative research, using methods such as interviews, ethnographic research, archival research, or qualitative document and media analysis.
• Ability to produce high-quality scientific publications independently and in collaboration with others.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Readiness to conduct fieldwork in Canada, with the possibility of extended research stays.
• Good communication, collaboration, and organisational skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of an international research team.

We also appreciate

• Previous research experience or knowledge of Canadian contexts, particularly northern or Arctic regions.
• Experience with community-engaged or participatory research, citizen science, co-creation, stakeholder engagement, or organising research-related community events.
• Expertise related to digital infrastructures, industrial or post-industrial communities, or infrastructure transitions more broadly.
• Experience working in interdisciplinary and/or international research environments.

When assessing the candidate’s merits for the position of Postdoctoral Researcher, attention will be paid to scientific excellence, such as research outputs, international scientific activities and collaboration, supervision of undergraduate students, pedagogical competence, societal relevance, impact and potential of scientific activities, and services for the academic community.

Salary

The position is fixed-term for 3 years as of 1 March, 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The salary will be based on the levels 5-6 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (a maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). The starting gross salary will be approx. 3700-4300€ per month (before taxes).

A trial period of 6 months is applied to the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 26.11.2026 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

The application should be written in English and include the following:

1. Letter of motivation (max. 1 page) summarising your relevant research experience and expertise and explaining your motivation for applying for the position.
2. Research statement (max. 2 pages, references do not count towards this limit) outlining the proposed postdoctoral research, including its focus, research questions, methods, and how it would contribute to the aims of DATAVOID.
3. CV, following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
4. List of publications, following the guidelines of the Research Council of Finland
5. One writing sample, such as a peer-reviewed article, unpublished manuscript, or thesis chapter, preferably one that demonstrates the applicant’s independent research and writing.
6. Contact details of two referees who may be contacted at the final stages of the selection process.

The eligible applicants whose qualifications and experience best match the requirements of the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. Interviews are provisionally scheduled for 14-17 December 2026. The shortlisted candidates will also be asked to submit their diplomas, and their references will be contacted. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including people of different ages, genders, languages, cultures, and minority communities.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact Dr. Anna Niia Varfolomeeva: anna.varfolomeeva@oulu.fi

Type of employment: Temporary position
Contract type: Full time
First day of employment: 2027-03-01
Number of positions: 1
Full-time equivalent: 100%
City: Oulu
County: Pohjois-Pohjanmaa
Country: Finland
Reference number: 2026/604
Contact: Anna Varfolomeeva, anna.varfolomeeva@oulu.fi
Published: 2026-10-26
Last application date: 2026-11-26