The Finnish Institute of International Affairs is seeking researchers for two-year fixed-term positions. The positions are in two research programmes, with one vacancy in each programme.
Finland and Northern European Security research programme
The regional focus of the programme is Finland’s immediate security environment, developments in which have direct implications for Finland’s national security. The programme broadly monitors various aspects of Finland’s foreign, security, and defence policy, including Finland’s relations with major powers, its military cooperation, NATO’s activities, and the development of NATO’s defence and deterrence posture (including nuclear deterrence), Nordic cooperation, and Russia’s foreign, security, and defence policy in relation to Finland. The thematic scope of the research also includes Finland’s security of supply, national resilience policy, and issues related to the comprehensive security approach.
We are particularly seeking a candidate with strong expertise in one of the following alternative areas:
a. Finnish defence and security policy and NATO activities, including nuclear deterrence.
b. Hybrid threats and broad-spectrum influence activities, and resilience policy in Finland, the European Union and NATO.
Global Security and Governance research programme
The Global Security and Governance research programme focuses on international political and economic relations and their security implications amid the transformation of the global order. In addition to systemic changes, the programme emphasizes the multidimensional competition between the United States and China for global leadership, as well as challenges related to global governance, particularly climate change policy and technological development. The programme includes the Center on US Politics and Power, The Center on Global Orders and China, and the Center on Climate Politics and Security. During the upcoming programme period, a new research centre focusing on geoeconomics and emerging technologies will also be established.
We are seeking a researcher specialising in emerging technologies and technology policy, with deep expertise in artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, cybersecurity, and issues related to their international governance. We value research expertise on technology as a source of economic power and an instrument of power projection. We are also looking for experience in assessing technological developments, regulatory environments, and their security and geopolitical implications, as well as experience in research and expert work supporting decision-making.
The application deadline is 4 December 2026 at 16:15.
Please see the full job advertisement on the valtiolle.fi website for detailed job descriptions and our expectations of the applicant.
You can explore FIIA’s research activities on our Research page.