Professor of Education, especially comparative education research and education policy research, fixed-term employment relationship for 1.1.2026-31.12.2029

Applications are hereby invited for the fixed-term post of Professor of Education, especially comparative education research and education policy research, at the Faculty of Education, University of Turku. The post is filled for time period 1.1.2026-31.12.2029 (substitute) and it is positioned at the Department of Education.

The research carried out at the Department of Education covers all levels of the education system as well as adult education and lifelong learning. Research focuses particularly on the following areas: sociology of education, comparative education research, education policy research, higher education research, adult education, special education, youth studies, gender studies and educational history.

The Department of Education administrates The Centre for Research on Lifelong Learning and Education CELE. Committed to the principles of inclusivity and equality, CELE houses research projects designed to understand how global and social forces shape educational policy and practice at the national and local levels. Research Themes that define the scope of CELE’s work include:

  • Policy and Governance of Education
  • Equality, Inclusivity, Sustainability and Social Justice in Education
  • Transitions, Trajectories and Lifelong Learning
  • Global and Social Transformations in relation to Education

The Department of Education is giving research-based education (Bachelor and Master´s Degree) and doctoral training. The main subjects offered by the Department are education, adult education and special education. Supervision of doctoral researchers is conducted in the Doctoral Programme on Educational Policy, Lifelong Learning and Comparative Education Research (KEVEKO) in the Graduate school at the University of Turku.

More information about the department and about the research centre is provided at:

https://www.utu.fi/en/university/faculty-of-education/department-of-education

https://www.utu.fi/en/university/faculty-of-education/department-of-education/CELE

Job description

The Professor conducts and supervises scientific research, gives research-based education, follows developments in science and arts, and participates in societal interaction and international cooperation in their field.

The task of the Professor of Education, especially comparative education research and education policy research, is to conduct research and give education related to the field of the professorship in accordance with the profile of the department and the research centre CELE. The Professor is expected to participate in applying for complementary research funding, in the leading and implementation of research projects, and in international research cooperation. In addition, the professor supervises doctoral dissertations and master's theses and participates in the development of undergraduate and postgraduate degree education. The duties also include expert tasks in their own field as well as administrative tasks.

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Who we are looking for

The person selected for the position is required to have both scientific and teaching merits in the field of the position applied for. Scientific merits include scientific publications and other research results that have scientific value, success in obtaining external research funding, and experience in leading research groups and international research collaboration. Teaching merits include teaching experience and pedagogical training, the ability to produce learning materials, other merits achieved in the teaching sector and, if necessary, a teaching demonstration, and participation in doctoral training. In addition, the applicant's leadership experience and activity in the scientific community will be taken into account.

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).

The person selected for the post is required to have good spoken and written skills in English and good spoken and written skills in Finnish or commitment to learning Finnish language.

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.

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 is determined by the collective agreement system of Finnish universities for teaching and research personnel. The salary shall be determined when drawing up the employment contract.

The position is subject to a six-month trial period.

How to apply

Applications should be submitted through the online system no later than March 25th, 2025 at:16.00 (UTC+2).

More information about Qualification Requirements, Instructions for Applying and Recruitment Process: Instructions for Applying for a professor or associate professor or assistant professor position (Tenure Track) and the Recruitment process

Please attach the attachments mentioned in the Instructions for Applying (page 2) to your application.

Further information

Further information about the position, please contact Head of Department, Professor Ulpukka Isopahkala-Bouret, ulpukka.isopahkala-bouret@utu.fi, puh. +358 50 501 7306.

Further information concerning the appointment procedure can be obtained from the Head of Administration Ulla Kiviaho, ulla.kiviaho@utu.fi, puh. +358 50 339 8126.

Department of education

The Department of Education is home to high-quality, internationally oriented, free and critical educational research, and this research also forms the basis for the Department’s teaching and doctoral training activities. The disciplines offered by the Department are education, adult education and special education.

The Faculty of Education is a respected community engaged in research and education and a strong influencer in the education and training sector. The Faculty consists of the Department of Education in Turku, the Department of Teacher Education in Turku and in Rauma, and teacher training schools in both locations.

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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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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Professor of Education, especially comparative education research and education policy research, fixed-term employment relationship for 1.1.2026-31.12.2029

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