The University of Helsinki is seeking 1–2 full-time Postdoctoral Researchers in the study of the Ancient Near East in Helsinki, Finland. The positions are offered on fixed-term contracts of 12–14 months, with employment starting between November 2026 and January 2027. Based in the Faculty of Humanities, the roles require the successful candidates to reside in Finland for the duration of their appointment.
The main focus of the positions is an original research project on the Ancient Near East. Applicants may have a background in Assyriology, Egyptology, History, Theology, Archaeology or a related field. Their proposed research should fit the aims of the ANEE+ research community, particularly through approaches that bring together different fields to examine the Eastern Mediterranean and Western Asia.
Alongside developing their research project, the selected researchers will contribute around 5% of their working time to teaching and/or supervision. These duties will be agreed with the successful candidate(s), allowing the main part of the appointment to remain focused on independent postdoctoral research at the University of Helsinki.
This work will take place within ANEE+, an interdisciplinary research network covering the Eastern Mediterranean and Western Asia from prehistory to late antiquity. The network provides an interdisciplinary research environment for studying the Ancient Near East across different fields and periods.
Position Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Researcher(s) in the Study of the Ancient Near East
- Official Reference number: ID 5189
- Institution: University of Helsinki, Finland
- Department: Department of Cultures, Faculty of Humanities
- Research Discipline(s): Assyriology, Egyptology, History, Theology, Archaeology or a similar applicable field of science.
- Location: Helsinki, Finland
- Job Type: Postdoctoral Researcher
- Contract Duration: 12–14 months
- Start Date: Between November 2026 and January 2027
- Working Hours: Full-time
- Salary/Funding: €43,200–€50,400 gross per year
- Required Qualification: Doctoral degree
Research Areas
The research may relate to the following areas, depending on the proposed project:
- Ancient Near East
- Assyriology
- Egyptology
- Archaeology
- History
- Theology
- Eastern Mediterranean
- Western Asia
- Prehistory
- Late antiquity
- Interdisciplinary research
Eligibility and Qualifications
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Hold a doctoral degree in accordance with the regulations of the University of Helsinki.
- Have an academic background in the study of the Ancient Near East, including Assyriology, Egyptology, History, Theology, Archaeology or a similar applicable field of science.
- Demonstrate the ability and motivation to conduct an independent postdoctoral research project according to the research proposal.
- Demonstrate relevant previous scientific achievements and knowledge of the study of the Ancient Near East.
- Be prepared to reside in Finland for the duration of the employment contract.
The proposed research project must be conducted at the University of Helsinki and should align with the goals of the ANEE+ research community.
Salary and Benefits
The annual gross salary is €43,200–€50,400, based on level 5 of the Finnish university salary system, with a personal performance component.
Benefits and working conditions include:
- Occupational healthcare and health insurance.
- Sports facilities and professional development opportunities.
- Approximately 5–6 weeks of paid holiday on average, under the 1,612-hour annual working-time system.
- Support for internationally recruited employees transitioning to work and life in Finland.
- Limited travel funding, subject to separate agreement.
- A six-month trial period.
Key Responsibilities
The Postdoctoral Researcher will be responsible for:
- Conducting an independent postdoctoral research project according to the research proposal.
- Developing original research on the study of the Ancient Near East.
- Carrying out the research project at the University of Helsinki as part of the ANEE+ research community.
- Contributing approximately 5% of working time to teaching and/or supervision.
- Engaging with research that relates to the Eastern Mediterranean and Western Asia, from prehistory to late antiquity.
- Contributing to interdisciplinary research within the ANEE+ research community.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through the University of Helsinki’s electronic recruitment system. Applicants should prepare the following documents in PDF format:
- Curriculum vitae, including a publication list.
- Names of two referees.
- A short research plan of 1–2 pages outlining the scope and aims of the proposed research and the applicant’s expertise relevant to the project.
- A copy of the doctoral degree certificate.
Letters of recommendation and other additional documents are not required at this stage. Current University of Helsinki employees should apply through the Suffeli recruitment portal in SAP Fiori.
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 3 September 2026
- Application Deadline: 27 September 2026, 23:59 Europe/Helsinki time
- Expected Start Date: Between November 2026 and January 2027
Eligible candidates should submit their application through the official University of Helsinki recruitment system before the stated deadline.
Related Academic Opportunities
- Ancient studies research jobs
- Archaeology academic positions
- European academic research opportunities
- Egyptology research positions
- International postdoctoral research opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the position?
The University of Helsinki is recruiting 1–2 Postdoctoral Researchers in the study of the Ancient Near East.
What fields are eligible?
Relevant fields include Assyriology, Egyptology, History, Theology, Archaeology and similar applicable fields of science.
What qualification is required?
Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in accordance with University of Helsinki regulations.
Where is it based?
The position is based in Helsinki, Finland, and requires residency in Finland during the contract.
How long is the contract?
The fixed-term contract lasts 12–14 months, starting between November 2026 and January 2027.
What documents are required?
Applicants must submit a CV with a publication list, two referees’ names, a 1–2-page research plan and a doctoral degree certificate.
Institutional Overview
The University of Helsinki is an international academic community based in Helsinki, Finland, with approximately 40,000 students and staff members. Founded in 1640, it operates across four campuses in Helsinki and at 15 other locations. The university hosts research and teaching across a broad range of disciplines, including the humanities. This position is based in the Faculty of Humanities and is connected to the ANEE+ research community. The network brings together interdisciplinary research focused geographically on the Eastern Mediterranean and Western Asia and chronologically from prehistory to late antiquity. The university also provides professional development, occupational healthcare and support for internationally recruited employees.
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