Associate Professor (Tenure Track) in Sport Sciences (Vuokatti)
Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences is seeking to recruit an Associate Professor (Tenure Track) in Sport Sciences starting 4 January 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is placed to Sports technology unit in Vuokatti. The associate professor position is a fixed term appointment for five years. At the end of the term, an evaluation will be conducted to assess the candidate’s qualifications for promotion to a full professor. Please find more information about the tenure track model at the University of Jyväskylä in our website.
Sports Technology Unit (JYU-Vuokatti) is part of the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences at the University of Jyväskylä. The Sports Technology Unit specializes in multidisciplinary and applied research in exercise sciences as well as in Master’s and doctoral education in sport sciences. Establisehd in Vuokatti in 2003, the unit operates in world-class facilities located at the Snowpolis Technology Center in Vuokatti, Sotkamo. In research, the unit has a particular focus on applied and technology-driven research in Nordic skiing disciplines, while also conducting broader research related to physical activity and well-being. Research activities are carried out in collaboration with national and international partners and are supported by external funding (e.g., ESF, ERDF, Ministry of Education and Culture, Business Finland, foundations, EU). The unit has well-developed service operations, including the commercialisation of the Coachtech system, ski testing, and commissioned research for companies. In addition to commissioned projects, companies also participate in co-funding research projects. JYU-Vuokatti is a strong regional actor, co-funded by the municipality of Sotkamo.
Who should apply
The Associate Professor is expected to qualify for a professorship and lead the operations of JYU-Vuokatti. They are expected to acquire external research funding, lead research activities conducted by themselves and within the unit, supervise theses, and provide research-based teaching. They are expected to engage in educational collaboration with other disciplines within the Faculty of Sport Sciences and other relevant higher education institutions. They are expected to develop and strengthen collaboration with physical activity and sports organizations and companies both nationally and internationally. The sports technology education at Vuokatti focuses on the fields of biomechanics, exercise physiology, and sports coaching science. Research covers, for example, measurement technology solutions for sports and physical activity, neurophysiology and environmental physiology related to the performance of elite athletes, and individual and biological factors affecting performance and health.
The successful candidate is expected to possess a wide range of expertise in exercise biology that can be applied to education, research, and social interaction at JYU-Vuokatti. An understanding of the demands of elite sports and a track record of collaboration with the elite sports sector are considered an asset. The Associate Professor serving as the director of JYU-Vuokatti is required to demonstrate a track record of applying for and securing research project funding from various sources. Previous leadership experience and training are considered an asset.
The qualification requirements for the position include a relevant doctoral degree, a strong track record in scientific research, securing funding and international networking. In addition, the candidate is to have a demonstrated ability to provide high-quality, research-based teaching and to supervise theses. The duties and qualification requirements of an Associate Professor are stipulated in the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines. 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 the 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 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 your 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).
We look forward to receiving your application in our recruitment system by 2 September 2026.
For further information, please contact Professor, Vice Dean Taija Juutinen: taija.m.juutinen@jyu.fi, tel. +358405566582. For more information about the recruitment process, please contact HR Partner Kia Nabb: kia.e.nabb@jyu.fi, tel. +358408055123.
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.
A personal security clearance may be conducted on the selected candidate with their consent (Security Clearance Act 726/2014). More information about the security clearance process and the rights of the subject can be found here.
Sports Technology Unit Vuokatti
The Sports Technology Unit (JYU-Vuokatti) is part of the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences at the University of Jyväskylä (JYU). In Kainuu, as elsewhere at JYU, our goal is to promote competent and well-being individuals. In addition to the diverse sports and outdoor opportunities offered by Vuokatti, our strength lies in our multicultural and international community, which values every individual and provides an inspiring environment.
JYU-Vuokatti specializes in multidisciplinary and applied research in exercise biology, as well as in master’s and doctoral education in sports technology. Our operations in Vuokatti began in 2003, and today our facilities are located in the Snowpolis technology centre, surrounded by stunning fell landscapes.
JYU-Vuokatti has a unique national and international profile, with key strengths including strong societal impact, research and development related to winter sports—particularly Nordic skiing disciplines—and robust project-based activities. Our unit plays a significant role in increasing the visibility, attractiveness, and retention of the Kainuu region.
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.
