The Centre for the Social Study of Microbes is pleased to announce a call for the position of an assistant.
Job description
The position is for an assistant supporting the operations at the Centre for the Social Study of Microbes. Work entails supporting the CSSM team with the organisation of a conference in October 2026, assisting with the coordination of the Centre, and doing research-related tasks. These tasks may include e.g. supporting the organising of workshops, seminars, and the annual PhD School; minuting meetings; managing the Centre’s social media presence; and giving practical guidance to our international fellows during their stay. The tasks vary during the academic year, according to the planned activities of the Centre, and require timeliness and independence as well as ability to work collaboratively. The tasks will be instructed by project coordinator Mo Horstmann and performed in collaboration with other members of the CSSM. The position will also include some administrative and data management tasks (e.g. data entry or data cleaning tasks) for specific projects under the CSSM umbrella as and when required.
The CSSM
The CSSM is a hub for researchers and artists working at the intersections of microbes, human and nonhuman animals, and the environment. Microbes are not only biological entities but also shape, and are shaped by, social worlds. The Centre explores the profound challenges that complex and entwined relationships with microbes offer for social theory. Not only is this work theoretically motivated, but it is also critical for developing sustainable methods of planetary co-existence in the Anthropocene.
In recognising that innovative knowledge requires inclusive and egalitarian ways of knowing, the CSSM puts a strong emphasis on decentralised collaborative practices. The Centre hosts international research fellows and organises social theory and methodology workshops, academic seminars, and a yearly PhD School.
Application
Who can apply?
The ideal candidate has a master’s degree in social sciences and comes with past experience in research and project coordination. The candidate should have strong coordination skills and experience in event/conference organisation (possibly in an academic context). Excellent English is necessary. Interest in more-than-human research themes is desired but not essential. Familiarity with the university’s facilities would be beneficial for helping with the organisation of events on campus.
Applications should contain
- a short motivation letter (max. 1 page) that demonstrates how you would contribute to the CSSM aligned with its objectives and ethos,
- a CV with education and previous working experience relevant to the post.
Please send your documents to cssm@helsinki.fi as a single PDF file.
Deadline: September 12, 2025
Interviews with short-listed candidates will be held approximately two weeks after the submission date.
Duration
The position will start in October 2025 (to be negotiated) and ends on 31 December 2026.
Offered by the CSSM
The selected applicant is expected to work mainly onsite at our office in Helsinki, Finland, in order to participate actively in the intellectual and social life of the CSSM. During the position, the assistant will gain access to an office space and other university services like libraries and online resources, as well as occupational health services. The assistant will gain experiences in project management in an interdisciplinary research centre that has a decentralised and collaborative structure.
The position is full-time (100%), salary level 5/16% (see GCA, page 120).
Diverse and inclusive recruitment
We seek to create a diverse team. In line with this policy, eligible applicants can be of any nationality and gender.