Doctoral Researcher, Social and Public Policy
The Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy is seeking to recruit a Doctoral Researcher in Social and Public Policy for a 3-year fixed-term contract. The contract begins on January 2nd, 2026, or earlier if agreed. The fixed-term position is for doctoral studies.
The position is based in Professor Nathan Lillie’s work package Technological Transformation, Migration, and the Reshaping of Work Today which is connected to Aalto University’s Strategic Research Council research project Technological transformation, AI and migrant skills in the Finnish labour market (TAIMI). The TAIMI project’s goals are (1) developing DEI as a workforce skill; (2) leveraging AI tools to improve recruitment and integration outcomes; and (3) applying systems thinking to understand and intervene in complex, dynamic social and technological conditions. Professor Lillie’s work package at JYU examines the complex intersection of technological transformation, migration, and new work forms in Finland, focusing on how these forces interact to reshape labour demand, employment relations, worker identity, and societal notions of skill, inclusion, and worker value. It will generate critical insights into how digitalisation, AI adoption, and robotization interact with platforms and other non-standard work in a labour market influenced or even dominated by migrant workers. It will conduct survey, interview and ethnographic research in two sectors undergoing profound labour market changes due to migration, AI and robotization: the care sector and the on-demand transport industry.
Who we are looking for
We are hiring a Doctoral Researcher, who will write a doctoral dissertation within the project. The Doctoral Researcher should have a completed Master's degree in Social Policy, or in another suitable research field, and the right to postgraduate degree studies at the University of Jyväskylä. The duties, eligibility requirements and language skills of a Doctoral Researcher are defined in the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines.
An orientation to an academic or labour movement career is important. A strong academic record is advantageous.
Experience in any of the following is advantageous but not essential: conducting survey research, qualitative interviewing, and ethnographic research.
The ability to work adequately in English is essential. Finnish language ability is also advantageous, but strong candidates without Finnish will also be considered. Skills in languages prevalent among migrant groups in Finland are also an advantage, though not essential.
The Doctoral Researcher will learn the needed skills and conduct research into labour market policies, trade union strategies, labour negotiations, technological changes, and migrant experiences of the aforementioned. The position involves collecting research data, conducting analyses, and reporting research results independently, as well as in collaboration with other researchers. The candidate will conduct interviews, organise events with stakeholders (unions, migrant groups) and maintain relationships with collaborators. The project is proximate to the EGRUiEN Horizon Europe project and so will also involve collaboration with international partners.
Benefits
You would be part of an international multi-disciplinary team, in which everyone’s well-being is important. We offer the possibility to learn and develop your academic career within JYU and Finland, but also to develop networks, mobility and career opportunities internationally. The project’s goal is to help migrants integrate into the Finnish labour force, and you will have an opportunity to be a part of that. 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 University's International Staff Guide.
The salary for a Doctoral Researcher is determined based on the task-specific demand level 2–4 of the university salary system for teaching and research staff. The starting salary will be approximately 2500 €/month (gross income). With progress of thesis work, the salary will be revised in accordance with the Collective Agreement of Finnish Education Employers.
A trial period of six months will be used in the beginning of the employment.
How to apply?
Please attach the following documents in English in PDF format to the online application form:
- curriculum vitae (CV), composed according to good scientific practice and, as far as possible, considering the template for researcher’s curriculum vitae by The Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity;
- a short free-form motivation/cover letter (about 1 page);
- if you are an author on any publications, a publication list of any scientific or other publications according to the Research Council of Finland format;
- your MA thesis text, and evaluations, if available (attach to ”research plan”);
- a copy of the diploma of your highest degree (i.e MA);
- study transcripts with grade results (attach to “other attachment”).
Applications should be submitted at the latest on December 1st, 2025. Applications sent via email won't be considered.
For further information, please contact Professor Nathan Lillie, +358408054633. You can also ask a further description of the project by email, nathan.a.lillie@jyu.fi.
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. We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage qualified applicants, regardless of background, to apply for this position.
Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy
The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences - a pioneer in research and education. The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Jyväskylä is a multidisciplinary scientific and learning community, with a unique combination of humanities and social science research, education and expertise. Our research is internationally renowned and socially influential, focusing on areas such as culture, languages, communication, social sciences and philosophy. The humanities play a significant role predicting global developmental trends and social changes as well as in meeting societal challenges and managing large masses of information.
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-centered environment of 2,500 experts and 14,500 students. Our goal is to create wisdom and wellbeing for all. JYU's naturally beautiful campus is located in 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 a 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.
