Turku Research Institute for Learning Analytics (TRILA) is currently seeking to recruit

a postdoctoral researcher.

The fixed term position starts on the 1st of January 2027 or upon mutual agreement, and lasts one year at the most.

Job description

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:

1. Teachers’ psychological functioning (e.g., well-being, motivation), digital beliefs/practices and their associations to children’s achievement and motivation.
2. 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). How digital technology relates to teaching and learning.

The duties of the postdoctoral researcher include research and publication activities. In addition, some project coordination and supervision can be included.

Qualifications we are looking for

• Applicants should have a doctoral degree in a relevant field 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.
• 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.

We primarily seek to recruit a Postdoctoral Researcher. However, in well justified cases, applicants who have completed almost all doctoral studies required for a PhD in a relevant field may also be considered. In such cases, the job title at the start of the employment will be a Project Researcher and salary will be in the beginning on average 2 550 –3 200 euros/month, depending on previous experience and skills. A person selected for the post of Project researcher is required to have a higher university degree (master or equivalent), a copy of 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.

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

The postdoctoral 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

The salary is determined in accordance with the university salary system for teaching and research personnel and will depend on the degree and qualifications of the applicant. For a postdoctoral researcher (levels 5-6), the monthly salary will be in the beginning of the employment on average 3700–4600 euros/month, depending on previous experience and skills, and being 3700 € in the beginning of an employment typically. 

A six (6) month 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):

1. 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
2. Curriculum vitae
3. List of publications
4. Copy of PhD degree certificate with translation in English or in Finnish
5. Names and contact information of 1–3 referees
6. Any other documents that may be relevant to the filling of the position (Attach as “Other attachment” in the portal)

Candidates selected for the interviews will be interviewed in December 2026. Decisions regarding postdoctoral researcher will be made in December, 2026.

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.