Assistant or Associate Professor (tenure track) in Evolutionary Language Sciences

The Faculty of Humanities at the University of Turku invites applications for an Assistant or an Associate Professor (tenure track) of Evolutionary Language Sciences. The aim of the professorship is to strengthen the multidisciplinary research, teaching and societal interaction within our Human Diversity research consortium, funded by the Profi7 program of the Research Council of Finland. The central questions of the consortium are how human contacts and communication networks have produced the past and current human diversity, and what it will be like in the future. See more: University of Turku recruits for multidisciplinary Human Diversity research entity | University of Turku (utu.fi)

The position is located at the School of Languages and Translation Studies within the Department of Finnish and Finno-Ugric Languages.

Employment begins upon agreement.

Job Description

A professor conducts and supervises scientific research, provides teaching based on it, and supervises theses and postdoctoral researchers. He/she follows the development of science and participates in societal interaction and international cooperation in his/her field. A professor is expected to form and lead an independent research group, collaborate with other research groups, and obtain domestic and international research funding. In addition, he/she is expected to participate in the university administration tasks assigned to him/her.

As part of the Human Diversity research consortium, the Professor participates in research on past, current and future human diversity and communication and contact networks, enabling openings, comparisons and consolidation between different disciplines. She/ he develops digital materials at the University of Turku especially in the research fields represented by the Human Diversity Consortium, such as evolutionary biology, demography, health science, disease history, linguistics, human genetics, history and archaeology. In his or her own field, the professor is also responsible for the promotion of the interdisciplinary use of the data.

The Professor conducts research on the evolution of language diversity and works in seamless cooperation with professors in the fields of archaeogenomics and evolutionary health, studying linguistic diversity of Finland and North Eurasia in particular. This research in evolutionary language sciences is unique in the Finnish university field. Research in the evolution of linguistic diversity focuses on how linguistic and extra-linguistic factors have shaped the past and present distribution and forms of human languages. In line with the focus area of the Human Diversity Consortium, research focuses especially on how language diversity has evolved in response to human social and communicative networks. In addition to research, the selected candidate will participate in basic and postgraduate degree teaching and their development.

Previously submitted applications will be taken into account, but the application period is extended until May 31, 2024.

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Who we are looking for

Who we are looking for

The person appointed to the position is required to meet the eligibility requirements laid down in the University of Turku Rules of Procedure (section 31) and she/he is especially required to have

  • strong expertise in evolutionary language sciences and interdisciplinary research including collaboration with historians, archaeologists, geographers and/or biologists
  • strong evidence of research in the quantitative study of the history of Finnish or other Finno-Ugric languages
  • experience in quantitative and hypothesis-driven linguistic research and demonstrated capability in producing quantitative data
  • experience, relative to career stage, in leading research groups, fostering collaboration between research groups, and coordinating research efforts.
  • proficient English language skills.
  • if the applicant does not speak Finnish, she/he is expected to acquire sufficient proficiency in the Finnish language.

Experience in obtaining research funding, training and leading researchers and influencing society, as well as leadership experience and readiness to participate in leadership training are considered an advantage.

Tenure Track System and Academic Merits

The successful applicant may be appointed to a fixed-term associate or assistant professorship (tenure track) depending on his/ her previous academic merits in research, teaching, and academic leadership and societal interaction.

  • For the position of Associate Professor, we emphasize a proven international track record of scientific research, teaching and supervisory experience and societal interaction. In addition to these, we value evidence of obtaining research funding.
  • For the position of Assistant Professor, we seek proactive researchers and teachers beyond their post doc phase yet still at their early academic career, and who already have a proven track record of scientific research.

The position is located within the Faculty of Humanities, but the applicant's academic qualifications will be evaluated in the manner described above, similarly to other assistant/associate professor positions within the Human Diversity research consortium.

The tenure track system of the University of Turku visit Guidelines for the tenure track system at the UTU.

We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage qualified applicants, regardless of background, to apply for our open positions.

Benefits

We offer you responsible and interesting tasks, as well as the opportunity to develop your professional expertise in a versatile working environment. Together, we will create a plan for your career progression. You will have the support of both a skilled mentor and a multidisciplinary work community. We take care of your well-being through our well-being services and provide access to occupational health services.

Please read more about University of Turku as an employee from our Come work with us! pages.

The European Commission has awarded the University of Turku the right to use the HR Excellence in Research logo. The logo is a token of the University's commitment to continuous development of the position and working conditions of researchers according to the guidelines set forth in the European Charter for Researchers. 

The university offers good support and orientation for international hires. Please learn more about the Finnish culture and relocation to Finland:

Salary and trial period

The salary for the post is determined in accordance with the university salary system for teaching and research personnel. The salary is determined when the employment contract is made.

The position has a six-month trial period.

How to apply

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is 31.5.2024 at 16.00 (EEST GMT+2 / at 14:00 UTC).

Applications must include:

  1. an authenticated curriculum vitae in accordance with the practice of Finnish National Board on Research Integrity (TENK)
  2. a list of publications  in accordance with Research Council of Finland
  3. an academic portfolio in accordance with university practice.
  4. a list of those publications and other work which the applicant wishes to be submitted to the experts in connection with the application; (numbered, the maximum number of publications is 10). The applicant’s contribution to the joint publications should be described.
  5.  the publications listed above; primarily in the eRekry online application system 
  6.  a written statement of not more than two typed pages, setting out the applicant’s vision for the future development of research and teaching in the discipline.

Documents 1–3 and 6 are to be delivered in English. Only one enclosure can be added in each enclosure segment in the eRekry online application system. The file formats to be used can be found in the info file of each enclosure. Regarding the publications, it should be noted that the system only allows a compressed file format (.zip). The zip-folder may include multiple documents.

Applicants should state how they can be contacted during the selection process for the appointment, and the e-mail address and the postal address to which written communications should be sent.

General eligibility requirements and the recruitment process for the position of Professor and Assistant or Associate Professor (tenure track).

Further information

For further information about the position, please contact Director of the Human Diversity research consortium, Professor Virpi Lummaa. With questions about the application process, please contact the Head of Faculty Administration Mari Husu, Faculty of Humanities, University of Turku. 

School of Languages and Translation Studies

The School of Languages and Translation Studies (SLT) is an international teaching and research centre that trains various types of experts in languages, cultures and communication. Our research focuses on different phenomena in languages and cultures, such as multilingualism and language contacts during different times and eras, interaction and variation, language and cognition, translation, as well as literary studies.

The Faculty of Humanities at the University of Turku aims to develop its surrounding society by training experienced, open-minded and critical experts for the societal needs of both Finland and the world. Our task is to act as the maintainers and promoters of civilisation. The Faculty operates in two locations, in Turku and Pori.

The University of Turku is an inspiring and international academic community of 25,000 students and staff in Southwest Finland. We build a sustainable future with multidisciplinary research, education, and collaboration. With us, your work will have a significant impact and relevance in the changing world.

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Email: marihusu@utu.fi
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Assistant or Associate Professor (tenure track) in Evolutionary Language Sciences

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