The Finnish Institute for Educational Research is seeking to recruit a candidate for the position of
Research Professor or Associate Professor (tenure track) in Higher Education Pedagogy
starting 1st of August 2025 or as soon as possible after that.
Research Professor’s position is in effect until further notice. The position of an Associate Professor is for a fixed term of five years (according to the tenure track model at the university of Jyväskylä).
Higher education pedagogy is one of the main research areas and national tasks of the Finnish Institute for Educational Research (FIER). Research in higher education pedagogy examines teaching, learning and studying in universities and universities of applied sciences. Current research at FIER focuses on issues such as teaching and curriculum development in higher education, as well as the development of learning, agency, wisdom and work-life skills of higher education students. FIER is an international unit, operating bilingually in Finnish and English.
Who we are looking for
Research Professor/Associate Professor leads and promotes research in higher education pedagogy as a multidisciplinary research area and, together with the internal and external stakeholders, promotes the utilization of research knowledge. The task includes strengthening research conditions in the research area, including obtaining supplementary funding from various research funders. In addition, the tasks include supervising doctoral researchers in cooperation with other units of the University, as well as mentoring and supervising post-doctoral researchers in the field of higher education pedagogy. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the research-based development of higher education pedagogy at the University of Jyväskylä.
A successful candidate in both positions is expected to have an applicable doctoral degree, strong evidence of national and international research cooperation, evidence of social interaction and English language skills required in an international research environment.
In the Research Professor position, proof of a high-level scientific excellence in the field, success in acquiring significant research funding, evidence of research leadership and mentoring of doctoral and post-doctoral researchers is required. In the Associate Professor position, a strong research track record, experience in supervising theses, and a track record in obtaining research funding is required.
For both positions, leadership experience and skills, experience in higher education pedagogical development, an understanding of higher education in a nationally and internationally changing environment, and a wide range of methodological skills related to research in the field would be considered an advantage.
The duties and qualification requirements of a Research Professor and Associate Professor are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines. Please see the general requirements for appointing an assistant professor or associate professor (tenure track). The qualification requirements should be met before the closing time of this call.
Benefits
At the University of Jyväskylä, you are a recognized member of our community with a unique opportunity to influence international research. You get to participate in our international and multidisciplinary community where the welfare of each individual is important. At the University of Jyväskylä, we offer a great and lively campus area with opportunities to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.
Finland has a high standard of living, with free schooling (also in English), affordable childcare, good family benefits, and healthcare. Jyväskylä is located in central Finland in the Finnish lakeland and has excellent opportunities for different nature, outdoor, and sports activities. The city of Jyväskylä is a major educational center and the city has a large student population. As such there is a vibrant cultural scene in the city. To find useful information about the University of Jyväskylä, the City of Jyväskylä and living in Finland, see the Handbook for international staff.
Starting grant
New Research Professors and Associate Professors can apply for Rector’s starting grant that supports the effective start of research and research work.
Tenure track career path
We will support your career path success in compliance with the tenure track model: Tenure track at the University of Jyväskylä. If chosen to an Associate Professor position, there will be an evaluation procedure at the end of the fixed-term assignment to assess the employee's qualifications for promotion to the next level.
Salary
The salary for a Research Professor is determined based on the task-specific demand level 8 of the university salary system for teaching and research staff. The salary range will be approximately 5700-6600 €/month (gross income), depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate. The salary for an Associate Professor is determined based on the task-specific demand level 7 of the university salary system for teaching and research staff. The salary range will be approximately 4700-5500 €/month (gross income), depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate. A holiday bonus is paid to all employees. A trial period of six months will be used at the beginning of employment.
How to apply?
The application documents that should be included in English and in PDF format:
- A Curriculum vitae, composed according to good scientific practice and considering the template for researcher´s curriculum vitae by The Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity.
- A short and informal cover letter (max 2 pages), including applicant’s research interests, career goals and previous experience and merits in relation to the qualifications for this position.
- A numbered list of all scientific publications and other publications showing the applicant's ability and merits for the position using the guidelines of the Research Council of Finland.
- A maximum of ten publications (Research Professor), or five publications (Associate Professor) which must be numbered according to the list of publications (as one PDF file) or a PDF file with public links to the chosen publications.
- Research plan: a short written description (max 4 pages) of the applicant's research activities and merits, including experience in obtaining research funding, as well as a plan describing the applicant’s vision of how the applicant's current and future work will support the research and international collaboration at the University of Jyväskylä.
- A teaching portfolio prepared according to the guidelines, i.e., a written description of pedagogical training and teaching merits (Instructions on the JYU Work with us website); the teaching portfolio should include the applicant’s vision and plans for higher education pedagogical development.
- Evidence of societal interaction, including plans of how to promote it in the position (max 2 pages).
For further information about the position, please contact Research Professor, Director Taina Saarinen, taina.m.saarinen@jyu.fi, +358400247970 and information about the recruitment process HR Partner Sonja Lappalainen, sonja.m.lappalainen@jyu.fi.
We offer good working conditions for researchers and promote the principles of HR Excellence in Research, HRS4R. The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) is based on the values of the European Charter for Researchers & The Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (Charter & Code). JYU is committed to fairness, consistency and transparency in selection decisions, and undertakes the recommendations for the responsible evaluation of a researcher in Finland. JYU has signed the DORA Declaration. By signing the agreement, JYU is committed to complying with the CoARA principles.
Our application process is transparent, professional and international. We communicate openly with the applicants throughout the recruitment process. All appointment decisions are based on careful consideration within the institution as well as reviews by external experts. We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage qualified applicants, regardless of background, to apply for this position.
The Finnish Institute for Educational Research
The Finnish Institute for Educational Research (FIER) was established in 1968. FIER operates as an independent institute of the University of Jyväskylä and carries out significant, multidisciplinary educational research in Finland and internationally. FIER has a holistic focus on Finland’s education system and also learning outside the formal education system. FIER cooperates with educational institutions, representatives of educational administration and working life, decision-makers and the media to develop education and enhance the societal impact of research. FIER facilitates advanced researcher training in cooperation with the University faculties.
At the University of Jyväskylä, everyone can find their place in the human-centred environment of 2,600 experts and 14,700 students. Our goal is to create wisdom and wellbeing for us all. It is essential that each member of the community thrives and has opportunities to develop and grow. We cherish openness of thinking as well as the balance between research and education. Our naturally beautiful campus is located at the heart of the city of Jyväskylä. JYU is the third largest employer in Central Finland.
Phone: (014) 260 1211
Email: jy-rekrytointi@jyu.fi
Location: Seminaarinkatu 15
Information for the applicant
The application form cannot be saved as draft. However, after submitting you can return to edit your application via the link you receive by email. The application can be edited until the application deadline.
You have 6 hours to complete your application before the timeout.
