About Position/Job
The University of Helsinki invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Indian Colonial Jails, as part of the ERC-funded project “Death, Smoke, and Mirrors: Manipulation of Health Data in Authoritarian and Custodial Institutions” (2025–2030). Led by Dr. Mikhail Nakonechnyi at the Aleksanteri Institute, this full-time, fixed-term position (two years, starting March 2026) focuses on archival and field research in British India and the British Raj. The researcher will analyse official jail records, prisoner memoirs, vernacular newspapers (Hindi essential), and personal papers of reformers such as Florence Nightingale and Mary Carpenter. The role involves collaboration in producing peer-reviewed publications, conducting international archival research, and contributing to team discussions on governance, accountability, and the politics of life and death in historical custodial institutions. Regular presence in Helsinki is required.
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Position/Job Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Researcher
- Institution: University of Helsinki
- Department: Aleksanteri Institute
- Research Field: History, Philosophy, Religious Sciences, Juridical Sciences
- Location: Helsinki, Finland
- Number of posts: 1
- Job Type: Full-time, Postdoc, Fixed-term
- Start Date (Anticipated): March 2026
- Working Hours: Full-time
- Salary Range: €42,000 – €49,000 per annum
- Required Degree/Diploma: PhD
Research Area
- British Indian penal history
- History of custodial institutions
- Archival and field research
- Vernacular and English-language sources
- Historical analysis of governance and health data
- Multidisciplinary approaches (history, criminology, South Asian studies)
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Doctoral degree in History, Criminology, South Asian Studies, or related field
- Research expertise in British Indian penal history and the British Raj
- Fluency in Hindi; additional languages desirable (Urdu, Bengali, Tamil)
- Demonstrated archival research experience
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international team
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with historical newspapers and prisoner memoirs
- Knowledge of research ethics and high-quality scholarly practices
- Willingness to undertake extended archival trips abroad
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct archival research in the British Library (India Office Records) and National Archives of India
- Analyse vernacular and English-language historical records, memoirs, and correspondence
- Produce peer-reviewed articles and participate in collaborative project outputs
- Regularly attend project meetings and contribute to discussions on governance, accountability, and health data manipulation in historical contexts
Application Process
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the University of Helsinki electronic recruitment system. Current employees must use SAP Fiori’s Suffeli portal.
Required Documents
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) and list of publications
- Cover letter (max. 2 pages) describing research experience and motivation
- One writing sample (article or dissertation chapter)
- Names and contact information of two referees
Important Dates
- Application Opens: 4 December 2025
- Deadline: 5 January 2026 (00:00 UTC)
- Interview Date: To be announced
Useful Links
- Institution Website: University of Helsinki – Aleksanteri Institute
- Official Notification Link: click here
- Apply now: click here
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