Associate Professor, Tenure Track, in literature
The Department of Music, Art and Culture Studies is seeking to recruit an Associate Professor (Tenure Track) in literature starting 2 August 2027, or as soon as possible after that. The position is fixed-term for five years. At the end of the five-year term, an evaluation will be conducted to assess the progress of the Associate Professor and the potential promotion to the next career stage (Full Professor) in accordance with the University of Jyväskylä’s tenure track policy. The goal of the tenure track is to advance to a permanent professorship.
The position of associate professor of Literature is located in the Department of Music, Art and Culture Studies, and its research and teaching contributions are focused particularly on the degree programme in Literature. The research focus areas of the department include Heritage, Environments and Time; Belonging, Crises and Societal Change; Mind, Body and Emotions; Games and Digitality; and Well-being and Art Therapies. Literary studies focus, for example, on ethical and political questions concerning difference, diversity, otherness, and power in culture, as well as on experimental literature. At the University of Jyväskylä, literature is examined in relation to and as part of other arts, media, culture, and society, an approach that is naturally realized through the university’s multi- and interdisciplinary research networks and communities. Research and teaching in literary studies focus on both Finnish and comparative literature, with a particular emphasis on contemporary literature and culture.
Who should apply
The associate professor is responsible for teaching literature at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels, as well as supervising undergraduate and graduate students' studies and theses. The associate professor's duties include curriculum development and participation in administrative tasks.
The primary objective of the associate professor position is to promote high-level scientific research in literature, develop teaching and graduate education through their own scholarly work and to actively seek external research funding to supplement the department’s resources. The associate professor to be appointed to this position is also expected to participate in scholarly discussions in their field, both nationally and internationally.
Successful performance of the duties requires strong theoretical and methodological expertise, national and international networking and experience of working in research projects. An orientation toward comparative literature and experience in societal interaction is considered an advantage in carrying out the duties of the position.
The duties and qualification requirements of an associate professor are stipulated in the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines. Candidates are required to hold a relevant doctoral degree, demonstrate a strong track record in scientific research and the ability to establish international networks, possess the skills to provide high-quality research-based teaching and thesis supervision, and show potential for appointment as a (full) professor. The position requires proficiency in Finnish and English, and the ability to teach in English is considered an asset.
Please see the general requirements for appointing an Associate Professor (tenure track). The qualification requirements should be met before this call for applicants ends. At the beginning of employment there is a trial period of six months.
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.
After signing the employment contract, a personal career plan is prepared for you. The career plan specifies the objectives, intermediate milestones and evaluation criteria of the tenure track period. Your personal career plan helps you clarify your goals, and you will receive regular feedback on your work in the initial and follow-up discussions. You have the opportunity to apply for the Rector’s start-up funding to support the initiation of your research. Application will be assessed and funding is granted on a discretionary basis, see more details on page. We will also support your progress through mentoring, training and other support activities. Progression along the career path is based on an overall assessment of a person’s development. If you are relocating from abroad, we will support your move to Jyväskylä and Finland.
Salaries are based on job demands and employees’ performance following the Finnish University Salary System. The starting gross salary will be between 4900–5700 EUR/month at the associate level depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate. A holiday bonus is paid to all employees.
How to apply?
To apply, your ORCID profile (https://orcid.org) must be up to date and your publications must be visible to the public (Set visibility: Everyone).
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 free-form motivation/cover letter (max 2 pages), including the 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 five publications, which must be numbered according to the list of publications (as one PDF file) or a PDF file with public links to the 5 chosen publications.
Research plan: a short written description (max 4 pages) of the applicant's research merits, leadership in research, and experience in obtaining research funding, as well as a research plan related to the position and a 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).
Evidence of societal interaction (max 2 pages).
Applications should be submitted via the University of Jyväskylä online application form by August 16,2026. Applications sent via email are not considered.
For further information, please contact Professor Sanna Karkulehto: sanna.karkulehto@jyu.fi (+358 40 805 3835). For more information about the recruitment process, please contact HR Partner Marianne Oksanen: marianne.i.oksanen@jyu.fi, (+358 50 591 0819)
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.
Department of Music, Art and Culture Studies
The Department of Music, Art and Culture Studies (MACS) brings together ten disciplines – literature, creative writing, museology, music education, music therapy, musicology, contemporary culture studies, art history, art education, and game studies – into a multidisciplinary and cross-disciplinary unit. The department offers high-quality education in both Finnish- and English-language degree programs.
The department’s research aims to understand music, art, and culture as part of individuals’ lived experiences and as societal phenomena. The department’s research focus areas include Mind, Body, and Emotions; Games and Digitality; Heritage, Environments, and Time; Belonging, Crises, and Societal Change; and Well-being and Arts Therapies. The department also hosts the Research Council of Finland–funded Centre of Excellence in Music, Mind, Body and Brain, in collaboration with the University of Helsinki.
The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences - Our strength is our strong sense of community and an open and diverse academic atmosphere. Come build your career in a faculty that values you as a professional and offers opportunities for growth and international collaboration! More information about the faculty: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (jyu.fi/en)
The University of Jyväskylä is a human-centred environment of 2,500 experts and 14,500 students. 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.
