Director of the Turku Institute for Advanced Studies

Applications are invited for the post of director in the Turku Institute for Advanced Studies (TIAS) at the University of Turku. The position will be filled on a permanent basis beginning on 1 October 2026.

TIAS is a joint collegial body comprising the Faculty of Humanities, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Social Sciences, Faculty of Law and Turku School of Economics at the University of Turku. It thus covers a broad range of academic fields and research topics in the social sciences and humanities (SSH). TIAS promotes interdisciplinary research within its fields of operation at the University of Turku and supports career development via the provision of mentoring and career guidance.

TIAS forms an inspiring research community with excellent researchers. Currently there are 26 researchers contracted at TIAS. TIAS is in charge of two EU MSCA COFUND projects under the name Turku Intersectoral Excellence Scheme (TIES). The projects are jointly funded by the European Union and the University of Turku. The TIES1 programme is running from 2023 till 2028, and TIES2 from 2025 till 2030. In total 16 TIES2 Fellows will be appointed for postdoctoral researcher positions starting in 2026 and 2027.

Further information can be found on the website of TIAS.

Job description

The director is in charge of developing and leading the activities of the Collegium and managing the TIAS practical activities. They carry budgetary responsibility and are expected to seek external funding for TIAS. The director promotes interdisciplinary networking in the social sciences and humanities sector (SSH) both within the University of Turku and nationally and internationally. Together with the research fellows, the director sustains and cultivates the TIAS as a research community and as a part of the faculties. The director works predominantly on site. 

The director is responsible to the Board of TIAS and consults it in matters of strategic importance, such as large funding applications. They prepare proposals for the Board and see to the implementation of the Board’s decisions and other tasks entrusted to them by the Board.

Who we are looking for

The prospective candidate should have

  • doctoral degree in a field covered by TIAS and qualifications of or equivalent to a full professor
  • academic leadership experience
  • solid record of excellence in research and leadership
  • experience of interdisciplinary research cooperation involving the fields covered by TIAS
  • evidence of prior acquisition of research funding.

The working languages of the position are English and Finnish. We expect the prospective candidate to have excellent command of English (oral and written) and good oral and written skills in Finnish or sufficient Finnish skills and a commitment to learn Finnish.

Apply between and

Benefits

The University of Turku offers you responsible and interesting tasks and a professional team to support your work. Please read more about University of Turku as an employer 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.

Salary and trial period

The full-time position will be filled on a permanent basis. The salary is determined by the collective agreement system of Finnish universities for teaching and research personnel. The salary will be determined when drawing up the employment contract. 

The salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience based on the University salary system and will in the beginning of the employment be approximately 6 200 – 7 000 €/month.

The position has a trial period of six months.

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

How to apply

Applications should be submitted through the online system no later than 2 March 2026, at 16.00 (UTC+2).

Applicants should report on the use of AI in preparing their application.

Applications should be accompanied by the following attachments:

1. CV (use template available at https://tenk.fi/en/advice-and-materials/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae)

2. List of publications

3. Academic portfolio (max. 8–10 pages)

4. Motivation letter (max. 2 pages)

For further information about the position, please contact professor Marja-Liisa Helasvuo (mlhelas(at)utu.fi).

With technical questions about the application process, please contact HR Manager Satu Heino, sathei(at)utu.fi and HR Specialist Katja Saarinen, katusaa(at)utu.fi.

 

 

University of Turku

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.

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Director of the Turku Institute for Advanced Studies

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