Turku Research Institute for Learning Analytics (TRILA) is currently seeking to recruit
a doctoral researcher / a project researcher.
The fixed term position starts on the 1st of January 2027 or upon mutual agreement, and lasts two years at the most. In the case the selected candidate does not yet have the right to study for a doctoral degree at the University of Turku, the title of Project Researcher will be used at first, and the study right for a doctoral degree should be applied in the next possible call (during 2027): University of Turku Graduate School (UTUGS) and Doctoral Programs.
Job describtion
The vacancy is a part of the Academy Project “Teachers and digital environments: Interrelations between teachers’ motivation, wellbeing and children’s learning project (1.9.2026-1.8.2030)”, funded by the Research Council of Finland (PI Silinskas).
The position will focus on either of the following research themes / objectives:
- Teachers’ psychological functioning (e.g., well-being, motivation), digital beliefs/practices and their associations to children’s achievement and motivation.
- Technological/digital aspects of teaching and learning. For example, the digital trace data and the psychological and educational aspects and learning strategies they may reflect (e.g., rehearsal, task persistence, inaccuracy, spontaneity).
The duties of the doctoral researcher include conducting his/her own doctoral research and completing doctoral courses.
Qualifications we are looking for
• The candidates must hold a master degree in a field relevant to the research topics (Psychology, Education, Cognitive Science, Learning Analytics, Linguistics, Social Sciences, Computer Science / Information Technology, Mathematics and Statistics, or in a other relevant field) or will graduate soon. Additionally, applicants must have completed a higher education degree or otherwise demonstrated the ability to pursue postgraduate studies and complete a doctoral degree according to the research plan.
• Previous experience in managing data and statistical analysis methods (e.g., multilevel modelling, using SPSS or Mplus statistical programs) is an advantage.
• Experience in research/development work related to educational psychology and digital learning environments is an advantage.
• The candidates are expected to have good English skills.
The qualification requirements of the position state in the University of Turku’s Rules of Procedure: https://www.utu.fi/en/university/organisation. The eligibility requirements for doctoral researchers are specified in the University of Turku's regulations (How to Apply for Doctoral Training | University of Turku). In the case the selected candidate does not yet have the right to study for a doctoral degree at the University of Turku, the title of Project Researcher will used at first, and the study right for a doctoral degree should be applied in the next possible call (spring 2027): University of Turku Graduate School (UTUGS) and Doctoral Programs. If the candidate is close to graduation (MSc or equivalent), an employment contract is initially made under the title of a research assistant and the right to study for a doctoral degree is applied for after graduation in the next possible call (in a year 2027).
We primarily seek to recruit Doctoral Researcher / Project Researcher. However, in well justified cases, applicants who have completed almost all master studies required for a master in a relevant field may also be considered. In such cases, the job title at the start of the employment will be Research Assistant and salary will be in the beginning on average 2 300 –2 450 euros/month, depending on previous experience and skills. A person selected for the post of Researcher assistant is required to have a copy of transcript of study records, which must be attached as an annex to the application. When assessing the merits of the applicants, special emphasis will be placed on competence and practical expertise in the field in question.
The doctoral researcher position requires residence in Finland. Work language is English. Our workplace values equality and diversity, and therefore, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for our open position.
The doctoral researcher position requires residence in Finland. Work language is English. Our workplace values equality and diversity, and therefore, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for our open position.
We offer
We offer you responsible and interesting tasks and the opportunity to develop your skills in a dynamic and international environment. You will be supported by a professional and inspiring team and a group of experienced supervisors. In your work, you will become part of a wide network of doctoral researchers, researchers, and supervisors within the TRILA and EDUCA Flagship Project. We care about your well-being and the functionality of your everyday life through flexible working hours and our well-being services.
Please read more about University of Turku as an employee from our Come work with us! pages.
The university offers good support and orientation for international hires. Please learn more about the Finnish culture and relocation to Finland:
• City of Turku,
• Welcome visitor ,
• Career in Southwest Finland,
• International House of Turku
• Working culture: infoFinland.fi
• This is Finland
• Careers in Southwest Finland
• Finland - a superpower of education and innovations | University of Turku (utu.fi)
Read more about us on the website Come Work with Us!, where you can find additional information about what the university offers its employees.
The European Commission has granted the University of Turku the right to use the HR Excellence in Research logo as a sign of the university's commitment to continuously improving the status and working conditions of researchers in line with the goals of the European Charter for Researchers.
Salary and Trial Period
Salary will be determined in a contract. Salary will be determined through University of Turku system for research and teaching personnel and for a doctoral researcher / project researcher will be in levels 2-4 and personal performance will be added to task-specific salary. The salary will commensurate with qualifications and experience and basis on the University salary system and will in the beginning of the employment be approximately 2 550 –3 200 € / month.
A six (6) months trial period applies to the position.
How to apply
Applicants are kindly asked to submit their applications using the online application form by November 30, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. local time in Finland (Europe/Helsinki). Applications sent via email are not considered. The application link can be found on the university's website at the beginning of the advertisement ("Apply for this job").
The application documents that should be included in English and in PDF format (note that the application form does not specify the attachments):
- A short and free-form motivation/cover letter (max 2 pages), including your research interests, previous experience and merits in relation to the qualifications for this position
- Curriculum vitae
- List of publications
- Copy of Master degree certificate with an official translation in English, in Finnish or in Swedish
- Names and contact information of 1–3 referees
- Any other documents relevant to fulfilling the requirements of the position:
Candidates selected for the interviews will be interviewed in December 2026. Decisions regarding doctoral researcher will be made in December, 2026.
For Further Information
For more information about the position, please contact Senior Research Fellow Gintas Silinskas (gintautas.silinskas@utu.fi)
If you have any questions about the application process, please contact HR Specialist Susanna Virtanen (susanna.virtanen@utu.fi).
Edited October 29: The end date of the call for applications was postpone from the 10th November to the 30th of October. and the interviews will be aligned with this new deadline.
