The University of Jyväskylä, the interdisciplinary JYU.Well School of Wellbeing is currently seeking to recruit

a Senior Researcher in advanced research methodologies to a permanent position, starting 2.1.2025.

At JYU, collaboration between researchers from different faculties representing various approaches to the study of human wellbeing is supported by a unique interdisciplinary structure. The JYU.Well School of Wellbeing aims to integrate diverse disciplinary insights into a holistic understanding of wellbeing-related phenomena. JYU.Well seeks to enhance the capacity of JYU researchers and students by integrating research from different perspectives. This approach cultivates a comprehensive understanding of wellbeing and the ability to identify emerging research questions and address topical issues in a wider society. The position will also be linked to the activities of the university-level research methodology hub, which is currently being planned in order to raise the level of research, promote methodological competence, and consolidate methodological expertise and research infrastructure currently located in different faculties and research centres. JYU aims to enhance interdisciplinary rigour in research and provide a fruitful environment for methodological experts to develop their expertise and careers.

Tasks and qualifications

The Senior Researcher is expected to collaborate with JYU.Well researchers and research groups in conducting high quality research, specifically through fostering the knowledge of advanced statistical methods and data integration (e.g., multi-method, multi-informant). The Senior Researcher is also expected to demonstrate a commitment to promoting the use of AI/machine learning techniques at the university level. Duties include collaborative research, teaching, and development of applied methods. The researcher is also expected to contribute to the acquisition of external funding.

The candidate is required to have a relevant doctoral degree and evidence of independent, scientific research. A strong commitment to the advancement of research methodology in diverse research designs is required. The approaches to methodological development may include, but are not limited to, the combination of statistics and machine learning techniques, and integration of various types of data, such as behavioral measures, traces and logs, digital archives, observations, questionnaires, interviews, and scales, biophysical signals and population assessments. The ability to provide high-quality research-based teaching, demonstration of strong international networks, and ability to acquire external research funding are considered merits.

The duties, qualification requirements and language skills of a Senior Researcher are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines. Excellent command of Finnish or English is required for this position. Training will be offered to support the participants in learning the Finnish language.

What does the University of Jyväskylä offer as an employer?

The position will be located in Jyväskylä, Finland. At the University of Jyväskylä, you are a valued member of our academic community with a unique opportunity to influence the research-based education of students. You become part of our international and multidisciplinary community where the welfare of each individual is important. We offer a great and lively campus area with opportunities to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. To find useful information about the University of Jyväskylä, the City of Jyväskylä and living in Finland, please see the University's Handbook for international staff.

The University is committed to fairness, consistency and transparency in selection decisions, and undertakes the recommendations for the responsible evaluation of a researcher in Finland and Dora Declaration. 

The Senior Researcher’s salary is situated on the job demands levels 5–6 according to the salary system concerning teaching and research staff at universities. The annual salary range will be approximately 40 800 –57 500 EUR (gross income, excluding holiday bonus), depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate.

A trial period of six months will be used at the beginning of the employment.

How to apply?

Following documents must be included in English as PDFs on the online application form:

1. CV composed according to good scientific practice and considering, when possible, the template for researcher´s curriculum vitae of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity (TENK);
2. A short cover letter;
3. A numbered list of all scientific and other publications according to the guidelines of the Research Counsil of Finland;
4. A document including links to maximum of five (5) selected publications, numbered in accordance with the list of publications (please make sure that the links work).
5. Research statement, i.e. short (2–3 pages) explanation of the applicant’s research activities, merits in research methodological work and how the applicant can contribute to the methodological advancement at JYU ("research plan" on the online application form);
6. Teaching portfolio, i.e. short (1–2 pages) explanation of the applicant’s pedagogical training and teaching merits (see: https://www.jyu.fi/en/file-download/download/public/11241)

Applicants are kindly asked to submit their applications using the online application form by September 8, 2024.

For further information, please contact Professor, Dean Mika Lähteenmäki, mika.k.lahteenmaki@jyu.fi, +358 40 805 3206 or

Professor Anna Rönkä, anna.k.ronka@jyu.fi, phone +358 40 805 4891 (JYU.Well, out of office in July)

Research Director Katja Kokko, katja.r.kokko@jyu.fi, phone +358 40 805 3500 (JYU.Well, out of office in July)