Here's the situation that I am in and I would like some thoughts about how to act accordingly:

I've been working for in a big company in a scandinavian country for a bit more than a year, hired as a junior in my position (data scientist). During that period the team expanded and several positions were filled, mostly in senior level. I was explained at the time that my profile fitted an entry-level position because of my lack of experience (I've been in academia before, so I had "officially" one year of experience in industry), in particular with respect to the others being hired.

During the first year I put a lot of effort to be productive and take ownership of my projects and to my knowledge management is 100% satisfied with my performance and attitude. I am very dedicated to my craft and I work hard outside working hours to improve my skills, and that has a significative impact on my contributions on my team.

The only thing that bothers me is that **in my honest opinion**, I have been outperforming some of my senior colleagues in all aspects of the job. Sure, I am probably biased and I might be overestimating the outcomes of what I do... but I am constantly demonstrating the quality of my job and "pushing the bar higher" (said by management), while many of the seniors are just coasting behind unproductive and delayed projects.

Based on that, I decided to tell management during my 1:1's that I would be happy to "apply for a senior position" this year if any was available. I was explained then that I couldn't do it because in my position promotions happen "in the job" (as a career progression). In the meantime, one senior position opened and they decided to hire a temp that has been working in another project for 2 years (and never offered a different contract), way less skilled than I am and with a less technical background for the job. This made me extremely frustrated, so I raised my concerns to my team lead, who said that she needed to see consistency in my output during more time in order to recommend me to a promotion... I said I wouldn't bring this topic to discussion again, so I kept my head down and kept demonstrating that I deserved a better position. Now, 6 months after the incident, two new senior positions were open again and "no love for our boy here".

Given this situation, my questions are:

1. How can I reset the discussion about promotion and make it more constructive from now on?
2. Is there a way to nicely point out that you deserve a position more than some of those who have it right now? Besides, am I a jerk to put a lot of thought on it instead of be happy with the job I have?
3. I understand that year of experience can be an important factor when hiring someone externally, but there are many other factors that can make an employee better than someone with more seniority. In situations like this (not saying it is mine), how can one achieve "balance" fast?

Thanks!