3 - 8 Doctoral Researchers
The Faculty of Education and Psychology is seeking for 3-8 Doctoral Researchers starting August 1, 2026 for a maximum of three years (for new doctoral students for a maximum period of one year).
The Doctoral Programme of The Faculty of Education and Psychology offers doctoral education in three specialization options (educational sciences, psychology, cognitive neuroscience). Applicants can graduate as a Doctor of Education, a Doctor of Philosophy or Doctor of Psychology Science.
This application round is aimed at doctoral students already studying at the faculty and also for new doctoral students who are expected to graduate within max four years of starting their doctoral studies and who do not have valid funding through the end of 2026. Please note that if you do not yet have the right to study in the Doctoral Programme in Education and Psychology, you must apply separately by April 30, 2026 at 3:00 EEST according to these instructions.
Who should apply
The tasks of a Doctoral Researcher focus on research aiming at the completion of a doctoral thesis, doctoral studies, assisting teaching tasks, and other related tasks to these. The duties, qualification requirements, and the language skills of Doctoral Researchers are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines (Doctoral Students). A good command of English is required. A trial period of six months will be used in the beginning of the employment.
The eligible candidate has a suitable Master's degree. In addition, the Doctoral Researcher must have the study right in the Doctoral programme in of The Faculty of Education and Psychology.
Benefits
Come to Jyväskylä, Finland, and join our vibrant and inspiring community!
At the University of Jyväskylä, you will be a valued member of our community with a unique opportunity to contribute to international research. You will become part of our international and multidisciplinary community that prioritizes the wellbeing of each individual. Our lively campus provides excellent opportunities for maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle.
Finland, named the world’s happiest country for consecutive years since 2018, offers a high standard of living with free education (also in English), affordable childcare, generous family benefits, and comprehensive healthcare. Work–life balance is highly valued in Finland, and employees enjoy four to six weeks of annual holiday. Jyväskylä is located in central Finland, just three hours by train from the capital Helsinki. Part of the Finnish Lakeland, the city offers easy access to nature and a range of outdoor, sports and exercise activities. As a major centre of education with a large student population, it also features a vibrant cultural scene. For more information about the University of Jyväskylä, the city of Jyväskylä, and living in Finland, see the University's International Staff Guide.
Salaries are based on job demands and employees’ performance following the Finnish University Salary System. The salary for a Doctoral Researcher is determined based on the task-specific demand level 2–4 for teaching and research staff. The starting salary will be approximately 2500 €/month (gross income). A holiday bonus is paid to all employees. With progress of thesis work, the salary will be revised in accordance with the Collective Agreement of Finnish Education Employers. If you are relocating from abroad, we will support your move to Jyväskylä and Finland.
How to apply?
The application documents that should be included in English and in PDF format:
- Cover page: (Please note that the cover page should be uploaded in the 'Cover Letter' section of the application form, and no separate cover letter is required.)
- Name of the applicant
- Applied time in the position of doctoral researcher/Scholarship period applied
- The beginning date of the doctoral studies (month/year)
- Estimated time of completion (month/year)
- Title of the dissertation
- Form of dissertation (monograph or articles)
- The research strength area of the faculty
- Supervisors (Supervisor-in-charge first)
- Member of the follow-up group
- Previous funding, including the funding period and source
- Pending applications of research funding
- 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.
- List of publications (including poster and paper presentations at scientific conferences). The list of publications should be composed according to the guidelines of the Academy of Finland.
- Degree certificate (highest degree).
- Research plan (max 5 pages + references) conforms to the research plan of study application phase, but special emphasis on the following:
- progress of the doctoral studies, manuscripts in preparation, manuscripts which have been submitted or published, the phase of data collection and/or analysis.
- work plan for the applied period (including mobility plan and plan of publishing, when relevant)
Furthermore, supervisor’s statement on the progress of the applicant which is to be send to the Research Coordinator Milla Saajanaho (milla.saajanaho@jyu.fi)
We look forward to receiving your application in our recruitment system by May 10, 2026.
For further information, Research Coordinator Milla Saajanaho (milla.saajanaho@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. We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage qualified applicants to apply for this position.
If the planned dissertation work involves working with minors as referred to in Act 504/2002 on the checking of the criminal background of persons working with children, the person must submit their criminal record extract before taking up the position.
Faculty of Education and Psychology
The Faculty of Education and Psychology is a research and education unit that uses its strong traditions as a foundation for building a sustainable future. The mission of the faculty is Learning and wellbeing in building a sustainable future society. The faculty is among the top units in Finland in teacher education and psychotherapy training.
The strengths of the faculty’s internationally renowned high-quality research are learning, teaching and interaction. The faculty has five focus areas of research: Education, teaching and interventions; The psychological and neurocognitive basis of learning; Interactive and technology-enhanced learning environments; Childhood, family, interaction and wellbeing; and Wellbeing, learning and interaction at work. The faculty coordinates a number of infrastructures and networks, including the Centre for Interdisciplinary Brain Research (CIBR), the Methodology Centre for Human Sciences (IHME), the Psychotherapy Training and Research Centre, Multidisciplinary Research on Children and Families, and the Centre for Research on Learning and Teaching.
The University of Jyväskylä is a human-centred environment of 2,500 experts and 14,500 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.
The application form cannot be saved as a draft. However, you have 6 hours to complete your application before the timeout. After submitting your application, you can return to edit it via the link you receive by email until the application deadline.
