University of Jyväskylä is seeking to recruit a Research Funding Advisor or Senior Specialist starting December 1st, 2026, or as agreed until further notice.

At the University of Jyväskylä, our excellence in research rests on a strong ethical basis, extensive methodological expertise, the ability to utilize networks, and significant scientific and societal impact. High-quality research services and research infrastructure support the implementation of national and international research projects and new innovative initiatives in multidisciplinary research.  We promote responsible science practices and open science.  

The open position is in Research and Innovation Services (RIS). RIS assists researchers in applying for external funding, supports the utilisation and commercialisation of research results, and develops the conditions for the University's research activities. 

What we would like you to contribute 

The position may be filled at either Research Funding Advisor or Senior Specialist level. As a Research Funding Advisor, you support researchers in applying for funding for world-leading research. Your role focuses on supporting ERC funding applications, but may also include other support tasks related to international and national research funding. You support proposal preparation by contributing to the writing process, coaching and training researchers, and ensuring the application process runs smoothly. You also actively develop the support process. 

As a Senior Specialist, you are also responsible for the broad development of research funding support services and for supporting the Director of Research Services and the University’s Rectorate in your area of expertise, including by contributing to the preparation of university-level applications. The Senio Specialist role also includes networking with internal and external stakeholders and contributing to EU advocacy through the FUNIBRU network.

Who should apply

We are looking for a service-oriented Research Funding Advisor or Senior Specialist with experience of working at a higher education institution or research organisation and of applying for external funding for world-leading research. 

You are good at seeing the big picture and can add value while keeping researchers’ needs at the centre. You are a skilled writer, have experience of multidisciplinary research and/or are able to read and comment on texts from a range of disciplines. You have a development-oriented approach, work well as part of a team, and are able to work independently and manage your own work. 

For the Research Funding Advisor position, we expect: 

• experience with ERC applications 
• a master’s degree 
• good communication, collaboration and interpersonal skills 
• excellent spoken and written English and good proficiency in Finnish 

For the Senior Specialist position, we additionally expect: 

• previous experience of supporting ERC applications 
• an interest in broad development responsibilities 
• excellent spoken and written Finnish 

For the Research Funding Advisor position, the following are considered an advantage: 

• doctoral training and research experience 
• grant-writing skills and experience 
• experience of research support duties 
• training skills and the ability to provide presentation coaching 
• experience of evaluating funding applications 

For the Senior Specialist position, the following are additionally considered an advantage: 

• experience of writing organisation-level applications 
• experience of development work 

What we offer

Join our inspiring and welcoming community! Around 1,000 members of our staff work in a wide range of expert and support service roles. Together, we enable our community to succeed in world-leading international research and in providing high-quality academic education. You will have the opportunity to apply and develop your skills and expertise in the best possible way while working as part of a large expert organisation and a multidisciplinary university with a broad educational mission. 
 
The wellbeing of every member of our community is important to us. We offer comprehensive occupational healthcare and excellent sports services and benefits. You may use two hours of working time each week for exercise. The campus and its surroundings provide excellent facilities for an active and healthy lifestyle. Flexible working hours and flexible remote-working opportunities support a good work–life balance. 

The task-specific salary component is determined in accordance with demand levels MV09 (Research Funding Advisor, 3700-4300 €/month)–MV10 (Senior Specialist, 4300-4900 €/month) for other expert and support staff under the salary system for Finnish universities. Depending on the successful candidate’s previous expertise and experience. A six-month trial period will apply. 

How to apply?

The following documents must be attached to the application in PDF format: 

• Your curriculum vitae (CV). 
• A short and informal motivation/cover letter (max. 2 pages). 

For further information, please contact Director of Research Services Leena Sivula, leena.sivula@jyu.fi or tel. +358 40 805 5116. 

We look forward to receiving your application in our recruitment system by November 15, 2026. 
 
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.