Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) in educational sociology
The Finnish Institute for Educational Research is seeking to recruit an Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) in educational sociology, especially the differentiation of learning and learning environments, starting 1st of January 2026 or as soon as possible after that.
The position is for a fixed term of three to five years according to the tenure track model at the university of Jyväskylä. At the conclusion of each fixed-term assignment, there will be an evaluation procedure to assess the employee's qualifications for promotion to the next level.
The position is related to the University of Jyväskylä's research focus area Learning, Teaching and Interaction and to two research areas of the Finnish Institute for Educational Research: Learning environments and evaluation of learning outcomes, and Education, belonging and sustainable society. The position is part of the Understanding Learning Variation (ULearn) profiling area Differentiation of learning environments at the Finnish Institute for Educational Research and the Faculty of Education and Psychology. The Profiling activity aims to provide new understanding of the differentiation of learning and learning environments, paying attention to issues such as regional differences, the impact of societal changes and the future of Finnish education. The tenure track position will strengthen research at the University of Jyväskylä on the differentiation of education and learning and its societal links.
Who we are looking for
The successful candidate will be expected to develop research on learning environments as a multidisciplinary research area. Research may focus on the societal factors in variation in learning outcomes, the effects of differentiation and diversification of learning environments, or uneven regional and demographic development. The task will also include strengthening the research capacity of the research area and seeking complementary national and international funding (e.g. Academy of Finland, ministries, EU funding). It also includes the supervision of theses and dissertations.
The position of Assistant Professor requires an applicable doctoral degree, strong evidence of ability to conduct and publish scientific research, international networking, searching for external funding and teaching. An understanding of learning and learning environments as a social phenomenon is also required.
Familiarity with issues of demographic change and integration, and familiarity with issues of eco-social and economic sustainability will be an asset. A wide range of methodological skills related to research in the area, interdisciplinary cooperation, project management, experience in social interaction and expertise will also be considered an asset.
The duties and qualification requirements of an Assistant Professor are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines. Please see the general requirements for appointing an assistant professor (tenure track). The qualification requirements should be met before the closing time of this call. A trial period of six months will be used in the beginning of the employment.
Benefits
At the University of Jyväskylä, you are a recognized member of our community with a unique opportunity to influence international research. You get to 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 lakeland and has excellent opportunities for different nature, outdoor, and sports activities. The city of Jyväskylä is a major educational center and the city has a large student population. As such 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 Handbook for international staff.
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. Applications will be assessed taking into account the need for start-up funding to ensure the effective launch of the research activity, which must be justified in the application, see more details on page. 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. If you are moving from abroad, we will support your move to Jyväskylä and Finland. With its location among the forests and lakes of Central Finland, Jyväskylä offers a safe environment to live and work. Finnish society offers many benefits to families with children, and as a researcher living in Jyväskylä you will be able to balance work and personal life.
The salary for an Assistant Professor is determined based on the task-specific demand level 6 of the university salary system for teaching and research staff. The salary range will be approximately 4100-4800 EUR/month (gross income), depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate. A holiday bonus is paid to all employees.
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 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 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).
- 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 plan describing the applicant’s vision of how the applicant's current and future work will support the research and international collaboration at the The Finnish Institute for Educational Research.
- 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).
For further information about the position, please contact Research Professor, Director Taina Saarinen, taina.m.saarinen@jyu.fi, +358 4002 47970 and information about the recruitment process HR Partner Sonja Lappalainen, sonja.m.lappalainen@jyu.fi.
Applicants are kindly asked to submit their applications using the online application form by 31 July 2025. Applications sent via email are not considered.
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 institution as well as reviews by external experts. We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage qualified applicants, regardless of background, to apply for this position.
The Finnish Institute for Educational Research
The Finnish Institute for Educational Research (FIER) was established in 1968. FIER operates as an independent institute of the University of Jyväskylä and carries out significant, multidisciplinary educational research in Finland and internationally. FIER has a holistic focus on Finland’s education system and also learning outside the formal education system. FIER cooperates with educational institutions, representatives of educational administration and working life, decision-makers and the media to develop education and enhance the societal impact of research. FIER facilitates advanced researcher training in cooperation with the University faculties. FIER is an international unit, operating bilingually in Finnish and English. The number of personnel is around eighty.
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.
Information for the applicant
The application form cannot be saved as draft. However, after submitting you can return to edit your application via the link you receive by email. The application can be edited until the application deadline.
You have 6 hours to complete your application before the timeout.
