Assistant/Associate Professor, Tenure Track, in art research
The department of Music, Art and Culture Studies is seeking to recruit an Associate Professor (Tenure Track) in art research 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 advancement to a permanent, full professorship.
The position of associate professor of Art Research is located in the Department of Music, Art and Culture Studies, and its research and teaching are focused particularly on the degree programme in Art History and Art Education. At the University of Jyväskylä, art history research and education cover a wide range of historical phenomena in art, contemporary art and visual culture, and themes in the cultural environment. Issues in art history are examined in their cultural contexts and as part of interconnected social, ideological, religious, philosophical, economic and political structures of meaning. Research and education emphasise both basic research in art history and multidisciplinary research linked to the university's research networks and communities. Research and education in art education focus on questions of art theory and contemporary aesthetics, art as an activity in different contexts, aesthetic practices in art, everyday life and environment, questions of art pedagogy and arts-based methods. Ambitious theoretical openings feed on the study of topical cultural phenomena, aiming at novel understanding of the significance of the arts and aesthetic values for a good life and society. The multidisciplinary field has strong networks both within and outside the university.
Who we are looking for
The academic expertise of the candidate selected for the position of associate professor in Art Research must be in the field of art history or art education. The position emphasizes active international research in art history or art education, as well as initiation and implementation of research projects. The duties of the associate professor include teaching assignments within the degree program, as well as supervising studies and theses at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The associate professor is expected to participate in curriculum development and administrative tasks.
The primary objective of the associate professor position is to promote high-quality academic research in art history or art education. An essential part of developing the field is acquiring additional funding. An associate professor is expected to develop the field of art history or art education to meet the needs of research and society, and to participate in scholarly discussions in their field both nationally and internationally.
Successful performance of the duties requires strong theoretical and methodological expertise in art historical or art educational research, national and international networking, and experience of working in research projects. The associate professor is expected to contribute their expertise to the development of the arts and culture field. A broad range of interests and experience in societal interaction are seen as an asset.
The duties and qualification requirements of an associate professor are stipulated in the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines. Candidates must have a relevant doctoral degree, a strong record in scientific research, experience of international networks and the development of teaching, excellent skills of high-quality teaching in higher education, and the potential for a full professorship. The position requires proficiency in Finnish and English.
Please see the general requirements for appointing an Associate Professor (tenure track). The qualification requirements should be met before this call ends. At the beginning of the employment, there is a trial period of six months.
Benefits
At the University of Jyväskylä, you are a recognized member of our community with a unique opportunity to influence international research. You can 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 lake area and has excellent opportunities for different nature, outdoor, and sports activities. The city of Jyväskylä is a major educational centre and the city has a large student population. 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 University's International Staff Guide.
After signing the employment contract, a personal career plan is made 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. JYU's starting grant for new tenure track -professors enables a smooth start. New Associate Professors can be awarded a starting grant based on an application. We will also support your progress through mentoring, training and other support activities needed. Career path progression is based on an overall assessment of a person's progress.
Salaries are based on job demands and employees’ performance following the Finnish University Salary System. A vacation bonus is paid to all employees. The starting gross salary is between 4900–5700 EUR/month at the associate level depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate.
How to apply?
Please make sure that your ORCID-profile (https://orcid.org) works: your publications are listed and public (Set visibility: Everyone). You cannot apply to this job without an ORCID profile.
The following 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 CV by The Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity.
A short and free-form motivation/cover letter (max 2 pages), including 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, 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 your 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 your 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 Tuuli Lähdesmäki: tuuli.lahdesmaki@jyu.fi, (+358 40 805 3839) or Professor Pauline von Bonsdorff: pauline.v.bonsdorff@jyu.fi, (+ 358 50 376 1196). 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. All appointment decisions are based on careful consideration within the faculty as well as reviews by external experts. 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.
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