Research Assistant, Philosophy
The Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy is seeking to recruit a Research Assistant (part-time, 50 %) for a 5-year fixed-term contract. The contract begins on August 3rd, 2026, or thereafter, depending on mutual agreement.
The fixed-term position is for Professor Jari Kaukua’s research project Illuminationist Philosophy in the Islamic World (ISHRAQ), which is funded by the Research Council of Finland. ISHRAQ’s goal is to study Shihāb al-Dīn al-Suhrawardī’s philosophical legacy from the thirteenth to the seventeenth century CE, and to create an online database of Illuminationist texts.
The main tasks of the Research Assistant
- Assistance in building and maintaining the online database of Illuminationist texts, including the preparation of the digital texts.
- Assistance with the organisation of the project’s activities, including travel and accommodation arrangements.
- Assistance with establishing and maintaining a homepage for the project.
- Assistance with other practicalities involved in running the project.
The Research Assistant must have sufficient knowledge of classical Arabic to enable work with the database. Prior experience in academic research assistance or tertiary teaching administration is considered an asset. The Research Assistant should have a master’s degree or be a master’s degree student. The ability to communicate adequately in English is essential.
What does the University of Jyväskylä offer as an employer?
At the University of Jyväskylä, you will become a member of our international and multi-science community, where the welfare of each individual is important. We provide you with the opportunity to thrive and advance in your academic career. We offer a great and lively campus area with opportunities to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.
In this part-time (50 %) position the Research Assistant’s salary will be approximately 1200 EUR/month, depending on the qualifications and previous experience of the candidate.
A trial period of six months will be used at the beginning of the employment.
How to apply?
Please attach the following documents in English as PDF files to your online application:
- CV
- Motivation letter ("cover letter" on the online application form)
- Degree certificate ("other attachment"; certificate of highest degree or transcript of records if you don’t have a Bachelor’s/Master’s degree yet)
Apply between 22 May 2026 and 7 June 2026 23:59 (Europe/Helsinki). Applications sent via email won’t be considered.
For further information, please contact Project Leader, Professor Jari Kaukua, jari.kaukua@jyu.fi.
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-centred environment of 2,500 experts and 14,500 students. Our goal is to create wisdom and wellbeing for us all. It is essential that each member of the community thrives and has opportunities to develop and grow. We cherish openness of thinking as well as the balance between research and education. Our naturally beautiful campus is located at the heart of the city of Jyväskylä. JYU is the third largest employer in Central Finland.
The application form cannot be saved as a draft. However, you have 6 hours to complete your application before the timeout. After submitting your application, you can return to edit it via the link you receive by email until the application deadline.
