The Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences is seeking to recruit a Research Director for Sports and Exercise Laboratory. The position starts on 1 April 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter and is in effect until further notice. 

The Sports and Exercise Laboratory of the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences is an internationally significant research environment that supports the faculty’s leading research fields. The laboratory forms a broad and versatile research infrastructure, also in collaboration with other disciplines. The laboratory includes, among others, laboratories and facilities for biomechanics, biochemistry, physical therapy, exercise physiology, functional capacity, coaching science, imaging, and cell and molecular biology. In addition, the new Sports and Exercise Laboratory planned for Ylistönrinne will further strengthen the faculty’s research environment, interdisciplinary approach, and international competitiveness in research.  

Who should apply

The Research Director is responsible for leading and developing the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences’ Sports and Exercise Laboratory, which comprises laboratories and facilities for biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, and the measurement of human performance and functional capacity, as well as a technical workshop supporting research activities. The Research Director serves as a supervisor for the laboratory and technical staff and, in this role, leads a team of more than ten experts. 

The Research Director leads and develops research and education in the fields of Sport and Exercise Sciences and/or Health Sciences. In addition, the Research Director is expected to secure external research funding and promote multidisciplinary laboratory-based collaboration at both the national and international levels. The duties also include expert responsibilities and engagement with societal interactions. The Research Director contributes as an expert to faculty decision-making on matters related to the development of laboratory operations and research infrastructures. The Research Director is also expected to participate in teaching within the faculty and to supervise theses and dissertations. 

The Research Director will play a central role in planning and designing the new laboratory and bringing it into operation. The position requires a strategic vision for the development of research infrastructure, the management of laboratory operations, and the long-term advancement of research activities. The Research Director is also responsible for developing the safety, quality management, and operational conditions of the research environment, and for supporting the acquisition of external funding for laboratory-based research within the faculty. 

The successful candidate must hold an appropriate doctoral degree, possess academic qualifications equivalent to at least the docent level, and demonstrate an active and internationally recognized track record of high-quality research. In addition, the position requires experience in securing competitive research funding, developing research environments, and strong leadership and people management skills. The Research Director is expected to build and maintain extensive national and international collaboration networks and to play an active role in advancing the faculty’s research activities. 

The appointment of Research Director is based on qualifications required for a professorship. The duties and qualification requirements are stipulated in the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines (see 27§). At the beginning of the employment there is a trial period of six months.

What we offer

Come to Jyväskylä, Finland, and join our vibrant and inspiring community!

At the University of Jyväskylä, you will be a valued member of our community with a unique opportunity to contribute to international research. You will become part of our international and multidisciplinary community that prioritizes the wellbeing of each individual. Our lively campus provides excellent opportunities for maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle. 

Finland, named the world’s happiest country for consecutive years since 2018, offers a high standard of living with free education (also in English), affordable childcare, generous family benefits, and comprehensive healthcare. Work–life balance is highly valued in Finland, and employees enjoy four to six weeks of annual holiday. Jyväskylä is located in central Finland, just three hours by train from the capital Helsinki. Part of the Finnish Lakeland, the city offers easy access to nature and a range of outdoor, sports and exercise activities. As a major centre of education with a large student population, it also features a vibrant cultural scene. For more information about the University of Jyväskylä, the city of Jyväskylä, and living in Finland, see the University's International Staff Guide. 

Salaries are based on job demands and employees’ performance following the Finnish University Salary System. The salary of a Research Director is determined based on the task-specific demand level 8-9, and the gross salary will be approximately EUR 6000-7800€ per month. A holiday bonus is paid to all employees. 

We offer good working conditions for researchers and promote the principles of HR Excellence in Research, HRS4R. The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) is based on the values of the European Charter for Researchers & The Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (Charter & Code). JYU is committed to fairness, consistency and transparency in selection decisions, and undertakes the recommendations for the responsible evaluation of a researcher in Finland. JYU has signed the DORA Declaration. By signing the agreement, JYU is committed to complying with the CoARA principles.

How to apply?

To apply, your ORCID profile (https://orcid.org) must be up to date and your publications must be visible to the public (Set visibility: Everyone). 

The application documents that should be included in English and in PDF format: 

1. A Curriculum vitae, composed according to good scientific practice and considering the template for researcher´s curriculum vitae by The Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity. 
2. A short and free-form motivation/cover letter (max 2 pages), explaining why you are the ideal candidate for the position of Research Director. 
3. A numbered list of all scientific publications and other publications showing the applicant's ability and merits for the position using the guidelines of the Research Council of Finland. 
4. A maximum of five publications, which must be numbered according to the list of publications (as one PDF file) or a PDF file with public links to the 5 chosen publications. 
5. Research Plan: A short written description of the applicant’s research achievements, experience in research and personnel leadership, track record in applying for research funding and a description of how the applicant’s current and future activities support the research conducted at the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences and promote national and international collaboration (maximum 3 pages) as well as a vision for the strategic leadership of the Sports and Exercise Laboratory (maximum 1 page). 
6. A teaching portfolio prepared according to the guidelines, i.e., a written description of pedagogical training and teaching merits (Instructions on the JYU Work with us website). 
7. Evidence of societal interaction (max 2 pages). 

We look forward to receiving your application in our recruitment system by 24 November 2026. 

For further information, please contact Dean Vesa Linnamo: vesa.linnamo@jyu.fi, tel. +358405044800.

Our application process is transparent, professional and international. We communicate openly with the applicants throughout the recruitment process. We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage qualified applicants to apply for this position.

A personal security clearance may be conducted on the selected candidate with their consent (Security Clearance Act 726/2014). More information about the security clearance process and the rights of the subject can be found here.