Two Project Researchers or Doctoral Researchers

The Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Turku invites applications for two Project Researcher / Doctoral Researcher positions for a fixed-term from 1 September 2025 to 31 December 2026. The positions start on 1 September 2025 or by agreement.

The positions are part of the project ESS European Social Survey, funded by the Academy of Finland. The ESS European Social Survey is part of the European-wide ESS ERIC research infrastructure, which collects comparable survey data. The ESS maps the values, attitudes, and behaviours of populations in European countries, and the changes taking place in them.

Job description

The positions are filled as either a Project Researcher or a Doctoral Researcher.

The tasks of a Project Researcher / Doctoral Researcher include participating in tasks related to the collection of ESS data and the preparation of the data, and assisting in the processing of the collected data for archiving purposes. In addition, the Project Researcher / Doctoral Researcher is required to participate in the analysis of the data and the production of research publications.

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Who we are looking for

The positions are intended for a researcher in the early stages of his/her research career who has not yet completed a doctoral degree.

The qualification requirements for a Project Researcher and a Doctoral Researcher are defined in the University of Turku Rules of Procedure.

Requirements

The selected candidates are required to have a suitable higher university degree, such as a Master’s degree in social policy or sociology. The degree must be completed by the end of the application period.

A person selected for the position of doctoral researcher is required to have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Turku and a research plan for a doctoral thesis suitable to the topic of the project.

In addition, the persons selected are required

  • basic knowledge on conducting comparative surveys
  • knowledge of quantitative research methods
  • good English language skills
  • teamwork skills

The primary work location is Turku, and the persons chosen for the positions must live in Finland for the duration of the employment.

Considered a benefit

  • previous research experience
  • publications in the field of international comparative research
  • Swedish language skills
  • Finnish language skills

We value collegiality and promote equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We encourage all qualified applicants with different backgrounds to apply for our open positions.

Benefits

We offer you responsible and interesting tasks and the opportunity to develop your professional skills in a versatile operating environment. You get a professional and inspiring team to support your work. We take care of your well-being at work and the functionality of your everyday life, e.g. with the help of flexible working hours and our well-being services.

lease 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 quality label. The label 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:

The University of Turku is among the top of the world’s universities in most rankings and among the best universities in the world in certain fields. Our high-quality basic research, a multidisciplinary research profile and close cooperation in research infrastructures creates the basis for international top research. Read more about University of Turku in international university rankings.

The University of Turku has several high-quality research infrastructures required for cutting-edge research. Learn more about the roadmap of research infrastructures and how the research infrastructure and expert teams offer tailored solutions for businesses and organizations.

Salary and trial period

The salary is determined in accordance with the University salary system for teaching and research personnel. The salary will be based on demand levels 2-4. In addition, a personal work performance component will be paid. The salary will be in the beginning of employment approximately 2450 – 3200 €/month, depending on previous experience and skills.

A trial period of six months will apply.

How to apply

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is 6 August 2025 at 16.00 (Europe/Helsinki).

Applicants should enclose with their application:

  • motivation letter
  • CV
  • list of publications

Instructions for preparing the CV and the list of publications are available on the Faculty of Social Sciences web site: https://www.utu.fi/en/university/faculty-of-social-sciences/career.  

Further information

For further information about the position, please contact: Professor Heikki Ervasti, heierv@utu.fi

With questions about the application process, please contact: HR Specialist Marja Andersson, marja.andersson@utu.fi (out of office from 2 July to 5 August)

Department of Social Research

Social Policy, Social Work, Sociology and Economic Sociology form the Department of Social Research. Areas of expertise profiling the departments teaching and research include social divisions and well-being, policy and politics, and cultural phenomena.  

The Faculty of Social Sciences is a vibrant scientific community of two thousand academic individuals. The faculty's disciplines provide a diverse and complementary picture of society. In the core is society and analysis of its functioning. 

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.

See our open vacancies

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Phone: +358 29 450 4756
Email: marja.andersson@utu.fi
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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.

Instructions for submitting a job application

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Two Project Researchers or Doctoral Researchers

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