Apply for a Fully Funded PhD in Finland 2027 at the University of Jyväskylä. Study philosophy and Islamic intellectual history with a 4-year contract.
Doctoral Researcher in Philosophy at University of Jyväskylä, Finland
The Doctoral Researcher Philosophy position at the University of Jyväskylä offers an opportunity to conduct doctoral research on the reception of Shihāb al-Dīn al-Suhrawardī’s philosophy in the Islamic world.
The four-year fixed-term position is part of Professor Jari Kaukua’s Research Council of Finland-funded ISHRAQ project, “Illuminationist Philosophy in the Islamic World.” The project examines Suhrawardī’s philosophical legacy from the thirteenth to the seventeenth century CE and includes the development of an online database of Illuminationist texts.
The position is based in the Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Finland Fully Funded PhD in Finland 2027.
Scholarship Overview Fully Funded PhD in Finland 2027
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| University | University of Jyväskylä |
| Country | Finland |
| Position | Doctoral Researcher in Philosophy |
| Department | Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy |
| Project | ISHRAQ – Illuminationist Philosophy in the Islamic World |
| Research Focus | Suhrawardī’s philosophical reception |
| Contract Duration | 4 years |
| Start Date | 4 January 2027 or thereafter |
| Location | Jyväskylä, Finland |
| Salary | Approximately €2,500/month initially |
| Trial Period | 6 months |
| Application Deadline | 11 October 2026 at 23:59 Helsinki time |
| Degree | Fully Funded PhD in Finland 2027 |
| Working Language | English |
The position is specifically intended for doctoral studies and requires the selected researcher to have or obtain permission to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Jyväskylä.
About the ISHRAQ Research Project Fully Funded PhD in Finland 2027
The Doctoral Researcher will join the ISHRAQ project, led by Professor Jari Kaukua and funded by the Research Council of Finland.
The project’s objective is to study the philosophical legacy of Shihāb al-Dīn al-Suhrawardī from the thirteenth through seventeenth centuries CE.
An additional component of the project is the creation of an online database of Illuminationist texts.
The doctoral research will focus more specifically on the reception of Suhrawardī’s philosophy among fourteenth- and/or fifteenth-century philosophical, theological or Sufi authors in the Islamic world.
Research Topic of Fully Funded PhD in Finland 2027
The selected Doctoral Researcher will develop a doctoral dissertation examining how Suhrawardī’s philosophical ideas were received, interpreted and developed by later thinkers.
The research will require engagement with historical primary sources, particularly texts that have not yet been translated.
A sufficient knowledge of classical Arabic is therefore an essential part of the academic profile sought for this position.
Applicants should be prepared to formulate a doctoral research plan that directly connects their proposed research with the ISHRAQ project’s focus on Suhrawardī’s intellectual legacy.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should have a completed Master’s degree in Philosophy or another suitable field.
A particularly important requirement is sufficient knowledge of classical Arabic to enable the applicant to work with untranslated primary sources.
Applicants must also have:
- A strong interest in philosophy and relevant research.
- Ability to work with appropriate primary sources.
- Sufficient classical Arabic for the proposed research.
- Adequate English-language skills.
- A research topic aligned with the ISHRAQ project.
- An academic record suitable for doctoral research.
A strong academic record is considered advantageous.
Doctoral Study Rights
Applicants must have permission to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Jyväskylä.
If an applicant does not already have this right, the selected candidate must apply for postgraduate study rights through a separate application procedure through the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
The university provides additional information through its doctoral education and doctoral study application procedures.
Therefore, applicants should consider both the employment application and the separate doctoral-study requirements when preparing their application Fully Funded PhD in Finland 2027.
Classical Arabic Requirement
Classical Arabic is particularly important for this doctoral position.
The successful candidate will research the reception of Suhrawardī’s philosophy among historical authors and is expected to work with untranslated primary sources.
Applicants should therefore demonstrate sufficient classical Arabic proficiency to conduct the proposed research independently.
This requirement makes the position particularly relevant to candidates whose academic background includes Islamic philosophy, Islamic intellectual history, philosophy, theology, Sufi studies or related fields.
English Language Requirements for
The ability to work adequately in English is essential.
The supplied vacancy does not specify an IELTS, TOEFL or other minimum English test score.
IELTS requirement: Not specified.
Applicants should therefore check the University’s official language requirements if formal English-language documentation is required.
Salary and Employment Benefits
The salary follows the Finnish University Salary System and is determined according to the task-specific demand level for teaching and research staff.
The position is classified within demand levels 2–4.
The starting salary is approximately:
€2,500 per month gross
The salary may be revised as the doctoral thesis progresses in accordance with the applicable collective agreement.
Employees also receive a holiday bonus.
A six-month trial period applies at the beginning of the employment.
For applicants relocating from abroad, the University of Jyväskylä states that it provides support for relocation to Jyväskylä and Finland.
What the University Offers
The University of Jyväskylä describes its research environment as international and multidisciplinary.
Benefits and working conditions mentioned in the vacancy include:
- Supportive academic community.
- International research environment.
- Opportunities for professional development.
- Researcher-focused working conditions.
- Well-being support.
- Relocation support for international employees.
- Four to six weeks of annual holiday under the Finnish employment system.
- Access to Jyväskylä’s cultural, outdoor and recreational environment.
The university also promotes the principles of HR Excellence in Research (HRS4R) and states its commitment to fairness, transparency and responsible researcher evaluation.
Available Research Area
The doctoral position is focused on a specialised area of philosophy and intellectual history.
Relevant research themes include:
- Islamic philosophy
- Illuminationist philosophy
- Suhrawardī studies
- Medieval Islamic intellectual history
- Philosophy and theology in the Islamic world
- Sufi intellectual traditions
- Metaphysics
- Epistemology
- History of philosophy
- Classical Arabic philosophical texts
The proposed doctoral research must address the reception of Suhrawardī’s philosophy in fourteenth- and/or fifteenth-century CE authors.
Required Application Documents
Applicants for Fully Funded PhD in Finland 2027 must submit their documents in English and PDF format through the University’s online application system.
The application should include:
1. Curriculum Vitae
Prepare a CV according to good scientific practice and the template for researchers’ CVs recommended by the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity (TENK).
2. Motivation/Cover Letter
Submit a short and informal motivation or cover letter of approximately one page.
It should describe:
- Research interests
- Career goals
- Previous research experience
- Academic merits
- Suitability for the position
3. Publication List
Applicants who have publications should provide a publication list following the Research Council of Finland format.
4. Research Plan
A concise 2–3 page research plan is required.
The proposed plan should focus on studying Suhrawardī’s impact on fourteenth- and/or fifteenth-century CE authors.
5. Degree Certificate and Transcripts
Applicants should provide for Fully Funded PhD in Finland 2027:
- Copy of the diploma for their highest degree.
- Study transcripts showing grades.
6. Master’s Thesis
Applicants should attach their Master’s thesis and evaluations, if available.
These can be submitted under the “other attachment” section.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is:
11 October 2026 at 23:59 Helsinki time
The vacancy states that the position begins on 4 January 2027 or thereafter, depending on mutual agreement.
Applicants should submit their complete application before the stated deadline.
How to Apply in Fully Funded PhD in Finland 2027
Applications should be submitted through the University of Jyväskylä’s online recruitment system.
Before opening the application form, applicants should prepare all required documents because the application system cannot save an unfinished application as a draft.
The vacancy states that applicants have six hours to complete the application before the system times out.
After submission, applicants can return to edit their application using the link they receive by email. Editing remains possible until the application deadline.
Recommended Application Steps
- Confirm that you have a relevant Master’s degree.
- Assess your classical Arabic skills.
- Develop a research topic aligned with the ISHRAQ project.
- Prepare a 2–3 page research plan.
- Prepare your one-page motivation letter.
- Update your academic CV.
- Prepare your publication list if applicable.
- Add your degree certificate and transcripts.
- Attach your Master’s thesis and evaluation if available.
- Submit the complete application through the University of Jyväskylä recruitment system before the deadline.
Important Tips for Applicants
The research plan is an important part of this application because the position is designed around a specific historical-philosophical research theme.
Applicants should clearly explain how their proposed dissertation will contribute to understanding Suhrawardī’s reception among fourteenth- and/or fifteenth-century authors.
The research plan should also demonstrate:
- Familiarity with the relevant philosophical literature.
- Ability to formulate a focused research question.
- Appropriate use of primary sources.
- Sufficient classical Arabic preparation.
- A realistic doctoral research methodology.
- Connection between the proposed dissertation and the ISHRAQ project.
Applicants should also make their relevant academic preparation and previous research experience easy to identify in the CV and motivation letter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Doctoral Researcher Philosophy position?
It is a four-year fixed-term doctoral position at the University of Jyväskylä focused on the reception of Suhrawardī’s philosophy in the Islamic world.
Which university is offering this Fully Funded PhD in Finland 2027?
The position is offered by the University of Jyväskylä in Finland.
What is the research topic?
The doctoral dissertation will address the reception of Suhrawardī’s philosophy among fourteenth- and/or fifteenth-century philosophical, theological or Sufi authors.
What Master’s degree is required?
Applicants should have a completed Master’s degree in Philosophy or another suitable field.
Is knowledge of Arabic required?
Yes. Applicants need sufficient knowledge of classical Arabic to work with untranslated primary sources.
Is IELTS required?
The vacancy states that adequate English skills are essential but does not specify an IELTS or other minimum test score.
IELTS requirement: Not specified.
What is the salary?
The starting salary is approximately €2,500 per month gross. The exact salary is determined according to the Finnish University Salary System and the applicable demand level.
How long is the contract?
The position is a four-year fixed-term contract for doctoral studies.
When does the position start?
The contract begins on 4 January 2027 or thereafter, depending on mutual agreement.
Do I need doctoral study rights before applying?
The selected Doctoral Researcher must have permission for postgraduate studies at the University of Jyväskylä. If the selected applicant does not yet have this right, they must apply through the separate postgraduate study-right procedure.
What documents are required?
Applicants need a CV, one-page motivation letter, publication list if applicable, 2–3 page research plan, highest-degree diploma and transcripts, and Master’s thesis and evaluations if available.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is 11 October 2026 at 23:59 Helsinki time.
Can international students apply?
The vacancy does not specify a nationality restriction. Applicants should meet the academic, language, doctoral-study and other requirements stated by the University of Jyväskylä.
Conclusion
The Doctoral Researcher Philosophy position at the University of Jyväskylä is a specialised Fully Funded PhD in Finland 2027 opportunity for researchers interested in Islamic philosophy, intellectual history and the reception of Suhrawardī’s philosophical thought.
The successful researcher will join the ISHRAQ project, funded by the Research Council of Finland, and develop a doctoral dissertation focused on fourteenth- and/or fifteenth-century philosophical, theological or Sufi authors in the Islamic world.
A relevant Master’s degree, sufficient classical Arabic for working with untranslated primary sources, strong research interests and adequate English skills are central to the position.
The starting salary is approximately €2,500 per month gross, and the contract is for four years. The application deadline is 11 October 2026 at 23:59 Helsinki time.
Candidates should prepare their research plan carefully and demonstrate a clear connection between their proposed dissertation and the ISHRAQ project’s research objectives.