The Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Lapland is looking for a fixed-term Assistant or Associate Professor (Tenure Track, levels 1 and 2) of Social Work specialising in knowledge formation, information systems, and AI in social work.

The position falls under the subject of social work in the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Lapland that offers a multidisciplinary and dynamic work environment. The Faculty of Social Sciences offers nationally prominent major and minor subjects in various areas of social sciences. We provide first-rate social-scientific education in altogether seven majors. In addition to collaboration within the faculty, the subject of social work also strengthens its education and research through active collaboration with the Faculties of Education, Law, and Art and Design within the university.

Your duties include

The position adheres to research-based social work. The research carried out by the associate professor focuses on matters related to knowledge formation, information systems, and artificial intelligence in social work. AI and other digital technologies are significantly transforming professional practices, documentation, knowledge formation, information management, and management by knowledge in social work. They also affect the organisation of social work as part of the social and healthcare service system. This brings forth challenges relating to rights, ethics, and values that call for critical investigation and the strengthening of the research frame of social work in interdisciplinary and international  cooperation. 

The assistant/associate professor is to supervise and lead academic research, follow field-related scientific development, and participate in researcher networks and research-based societal and international interaction. The assistant/associate professor’s duties involve active cooperation with our other faculties, development of field-related international collaboration networks in the areas of education and research, and participation in the teaching, planning and administration of the degree programme.

The position requires regular attendance at the university, and it can be filled according to Tenure Track level 1 or 2, depending on the candidate’s merits and career stage.

We offer

• interesting tasks
• a stable organisation to work in
• modern equipment
• opportunities for professional development
• support from a team of experts
• comprehensive occupational health services
• physical exercise, cultural, and well-being benefits.

We expect

We expect relevant demonstrations of knowledge formation and the use of information systems and artificial intelligence within social work.

In assessing the candidate’s merits, the following are considered: the candidate’s position-related scientific publications and other research results with scientific value; teaching experience and pedagogical training; skill in creating learning materials; achievement in education; performance in a teaching demonstration, where necessary; and supervised theses. In addition, the following are considered: successful acquisition of supplementary research funding; experience in societal interaction; active participation within the research community; and international academic duties and positions.

The position requires a relevant doctoral degree and at least master-level studies in social work. The position also requires proficiency in the English language and either proficiency in Finnish or a strong motivation to learn Finnish. As for a foreign applicant or a Finnish citizen who is not a native speaker, reasonable proficiency in Finnish may be required within five years.

According to Section 30 of the University of Lapland’s Rules of Procedure, the criteria and evaluation procedure for the positions of Assistant Professor and Associate Professor (level 1: Assistant Professor; level 2: Associate Professor) filled through open application are defined in the Tenure Track career path model approved by the Board.

In addition, the following merits are considered:

• university pedagogy studies, teacher’s pedagogical studies, or other pedagogical merits
• evidence of multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary research collaboration in the national or international academic community

Application

The following documentation must be submitted along with the application:

• Curriculum Vitae according to the model of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity (TENK)
• List of publications according to the guidelines of the Research Council of Finland
• Teaching portfolio containing a development plan concerning future activity
• Description of the applicant’s research profile and the development plan’s relation to the field of the position to be filled (social work, especially knowledge formation, information systems, and AI in social work).
• List of up to 10 publications according to the guidelines of the Research Council of Finland through which you demonstrate your merits and eligibility regarding the position. Add links to the publications. If the publications are not available online, add them as separate PDF files.

Further information on the position

Personal level-specific progress criteria are drawn up for an appointee selected according to Tenure Track level 1 or 2. The progress criteria are recorded and they create a basis for the Tenure Track evaluation process and the associated evaluations. The duration of Tenure Track positions is five years. After an evaluation, it is possible to proceed to the next level. There is one evaluation round per each level.

For further information on the position, please contact Associate Professor Anna Nikupeteri at firstname.lastname@ulapland.fi. For information on the recruitment process, please contact Jukka Sankala, head of administration, at firstname.lastname@ulapland.fi.

Workplace address: Yliopistonkatu 8, 96300 ROVANIEMI
Duration of employment: as of 1 August 2026 (or as agreed), a fixed five-year term
Work hours: full-time employment
Trial period: 6 months
Salary: The position adheres to requirement levels 5–7 of the universities’ salary system for teaching and research staff. In addition, a personal performance-based salary component is paid, amounting up to 50% of the task-specific salary component. The starting-level salary is approximately 3900 - 5800€ per month before taxes.