The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences is currently seeking to recruit 5-25 Doctoral Researchers for a fixed term of maximum three years (for new doctoral students for a maximum period of one year), starting on 4 January 2027 or according to a separate agreement later in 2027. The fixed-term position is for completing doctoral studies.

Tasks and qualifications 

The duties of a Doctoral Researcher will focus on postgraduate studies. Positions are situated at the doctoral education of the Faculty. Both new and continuing Doctoral Researchers can apply for this position.

A Doctoral Researcher must have a Master’s degree or a corresponding level of higher education, and a right to pursue doctoral studies at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

The duties, eligibility requirements and language skills of a Doctoral Researcher are defined in the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines. Good English skills are required.

In this recruitment process, we will not be conducting interviews; instead, the selection will be based on the application materials and the department’s evaluation of the applicant’s research plan and/or progress of the doctoral thesis. The selection criteria for the position include the quality of the research plan and connection to the Faculty’s core research fields and the feasibility of the postgraduate study plan with regard to the goal of completing the doctoral degree within 3–4 years of full-time study. For those who have received doctoral study rights before the year 2026, the criteria also include the progress of doctoral studies in line with the research plan.

What we offer 

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.

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.

How to apply? 

Please attach the following documents in English and in PDF format to your online application:

1. Curriculum vitae written in compliance with the responsible conduct of research and, when possible, considering the template for researcher’s curriculum vitae by the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity (TENK);
2. Short and informal cover letter / motivation letter;
3. Research plan (max. 3 pages);
4. Transcript of records of doctoral studies at JYU, “other attachment” on the application form (instructions on how to download the transcript of records);
5. Degree certificate (highest degree only);
6. Potential list of publications.

We look forward to receiving your application in our recruitment system at the latest on 31 October 2026 (11:59 PM).

For further information, please contact Vice Dean, Professor Terhi-Anna Wilska, terhi-anna.wilska@jyu.fi, +358408054201.

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.