Postdoctoral Researcher, Project Researcher and Research Assistant for the research of lawmaking (Projects Lawpol and Lakitutka)

The Faculty of Law of the University of Turku has 1–2 positions open, one of them for a postdoctoral researcher or a project researcher, and the other one for a project researcher or a research assistant. The position(s) last until 31.1.2026, but it is possible that they will be extended further. The appointment will start on 1.2.2025 or as agreed.

The research assistant’s position is planned to be part-time. Part-time work is also possible in the postdoctoral researcher’s and project researcher’s position, if agreed so with the candidate.

The Lawpol project and the related project Lakitutka are seeking to recruit a postdoctoral researcher or project researcher(s), and a research assistant for the following tasks:

  • Implementation of the research project "Lakitutka and Participation in the Lawmaking Process";
  • Development of research tools for the Lawpol project.

In the Lawpol-project, digital research tools are being developed, such as Lakitutka that allows an unprecedented access to law-drafting materials. In the research project about participation, we examine how people use Lakitutka and other sources as they search for information about ongoing law-drafting projects.

We aim to recruit new colleagues with different sets of skills, matching the needs of our projects as a team.

The work may be full-time or part-time, depending on the preferences of the candidate and the area of their expertise.

Job description

The research project "Lakitutka and Participation in the Lawmaking Process" will primarily make use of legislative drafting process data and the Lakitutka search log. These data will be combined to find out at what stage people search for information on legislative projects. In addition, the project will improve the user experience of Lakitutka through developing voluntary user surveys. The address of the Lakitutka service is: https://lakitutka.fi/.

Lawpol is developing a research infrastructure for law and politics. Digital tools for the research of law and politics are being offered to researchers, journalists, and to ever wider audiences. The work involves designing and testing new features for the research infrastructure and implementing data extensions. More information about the project: https://lawpol.fi/en/.

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Who we are looking for

A person selected for the position of postdoctoral researcher is required to have a doctoral degree, the ability for independent scientific research and the teaching competence necessary for the task. A person selected for the post of project researcher is required to have a higher university degree. The position of the research assistant does not require a university degree. When assessing the merits of the applicants, special emphasis will be placed on competence and practical expertise in the field in question. The qualification requirements of the position are described in the rules of procedure of the University of Turku (sections 37 and 39).

Characteristics that are useful for our projects are listed below. At least elementary skills in written Finnish are required from all candidates, besides at least one of the following four characteristics are required:  

  • Knowledge of law-drafting and policy-making processes and experience in quantitative research of similar phenomena.
  • Knowledge of some data analysis software (e.g. Excel, SPSS) and languages (e.g. R, Python).
  • Ability to manage sub-projects, and experience in science communication and in engagement with stakeholders. 
  • Appropriate technical skills. Knowledge of the Python programming language and experience in software interfaces would be a particular advantage. 

Additional merits include

  • Ability to work in a creative team. 
  • Own ideas for developing the Lawpol infrastructure.  
  • Fluency in written Finnish.
  • Swedish language skills.
  • Other language skills.
  • Previous experience in similar work.

We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage qualified applicants, regardless of background, to apply for our open positions.

Benefits

  • The opportunity to develop ground-breaking tools for legal and policy research and to explore their real relevance in society. 
  • A supportive and inspiring working environment. 
  • Varying working methods. 
  • Very flexible working hours.
  • We make many forms of teleworking possible.
  • Support for continuous professional development.

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 in accordance with the university salary system for teaching and research personnel. The role of a postdoctoral researcher is graded from 4 to 6 and that of project researcher from 2 to 4, plus a performance-related component. Depending on previous experience and skills, the starting salary (in a full-time position) will be around €3 500–3 700 per month for a postdoctoral researcher and €2 500–3 000 per month for a project researcher. The salary of a research assistant is determined on the basis of previous competence and stage of studies and is approximately €2 100–2 300.

The post is subject to a three (3) months trial period.

How to apply

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is 13.1.2025 at 16.00 (Europe/Helsinki).

Applications will be processed during the application period, but all applications received by the closing date will be considered.

Applicants should enclose with their application:

  1. a curriculum vitae (maximum two pages),
  2. a letter of motivation (maximum one page),
  3. a list of publications, if any,
  4. copie(s) of degree certificate(s) (if degree(s) are not completed at the University of Turku)
  5. contact details of any referee,
  6. other documents related to the applicant’s competence and qualifications.

Further information

Further information about the position(s) may be requested from István Rytkönen, e-mail: istvan.j.rytkonen(a)utu.fi. For practical matters concerning the application process and electronic application system, please contact Head of Faculty Administration Noora Kedonperä, nokake(a)utu.fi.

Faculty of Law

The Faculty of Law is a modern research and educational community. It is an encouraging and innovative academic community in which the interaction between students, teachers, researchers and administrative staff is easy and uncomplicated. The production of the new research information and the training of the new experts are core tasks of the Faculty.

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.

See our open vacancies

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Postdoctoral Researcher, Project Researcher and Research Assistant for the research of lawmaking (Projects Lawpol and Lakitutka)

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