The University of Turku is a world-class multidisciplinary research university, hosting a vibrant community of 25,000 students and employees from over 100 different countries. As one of the leading universities in Finland, University of Turku offers study and research opportunities in eight faculties. The Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering in the Faculty of Technology brings together experts from a wide range of disciplines including mechanical engineering, chemistry, physics and mathematics, as well as computer science, to develop solutions for future technologies and key societal challenges. 

The University of Turku has been rapidly expanding its technological research and education since 2020. As part of this expansion, automation engineering education started in 2023. We are now strengthening this strategic area further by increasing MSc intake and launching a new international MSc programme. We are looking for an innovative university lecturer or university teacher in automation engineering to join us in this next phase. We are ambitious in both research and teaching and offer an encouraging and supportive community where you can challenge yourself and grow and create something new.

We are looking for a university lecturer or university teacher for automation engineering with the specialization in electromechanical systems, electrical powertrains, or embedded / programmable logic controllers. The position is located at the Faculty of Technology's Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, unit of Automation Engineering. The position will be filled at latest starting from 01.01.2027 or upon mutual agreement. The employment could start before the fall semester 2026. The position is valid until further notice. 

Your Role

The position includes duties related to teaching automation engineering subjects (BSc and MSc), guiding students, and scientific research. In this position, we are looking for a teaching person to strengthen the teaching of automation engineering (e.g. lectures, laboratory work, seminars, project work, and practice work).  We invest in pedagogical development and ensure that teaching assistants and technical staff are effectively integrated to support high‑quality, laboratory‑focused education. We are building a versatile team for automation engineering: pedagogical training and experience; research outputs and industrial background related to automation, mechanical, or electrical engineering; multidisciplinary cooperation; and communication are advantages.

 The automation engineering MSc program (including planned courses from 2027 curricula updates) contains:

• Control of Discrete-Event Systems
• Fundamentals of control engineering
• Data Analysis and Machine Learning
• Industrial communications
• Introduction to Robotics Manipulation
• Power Electronics for electric vehicles
• Electrical machine design
• Control of electrical powertrains
• Magnetic Levitation
• Renewable Energy
• Model-based optimal control
• Sensors and actuators

The automation engineering BSc program (including planned courses from 2027 curricula updates) contains:

• Systeemi- ja automaatiotekniikan perusteet
• Elektroniikan perusteet
• Tuotantoautomaatio
• Embedded systems programming
• Fundamentals of Electric Engineering
• Hydraulics and pneumatics
• Industrial Control Systems
• Power Electronics, Electric Drives and Motors
• Signal processing
• Power systems
• Automation systems engineering

The duties of a university lecturer include teaching automation engineering MSc courses and bachelor's courses. In addition, the tasks include supervision and guidance of MSc thesis and participation in guidance of PhD works, development of MSc programs, research, and other tasks set by the employer. The task also includes independent, high-level research, planning and implementation of research projects, and social interaction.

The duties of a university teacher include mainly teaching engineering BSc courses. In addition, the duties include supervision of the work of BSc and guidance of MSc candidates, development of the candidate program and other tasks set by the employer. Research and participation in the social interaction of the subject and the department is also expected.

Who we are looking for

The language of instruction in bachelor's studies is Finnish and at the master's level and in postgraduate studies is English. The position requires good English language skills, both oral and written. Finnish skills are considered an advantage.

In this position, knowledge of the Finnish study system and pedagogical studies are considered a strong advantage. The applicant is expected to show evidence of teaching experience, records of course development, and for the lecturer position track record of scientific research work in related fields.

The qualification requirements of the positions are stated in the University of Turku Rules of Procedure. A person selected for the post of University teacher is required to have an applicable higher university degree and good teaching skills. When assessing the merits of the applicants, extensive competence in the field in question, teacher training, the ability to produce original study materials and the ability to provide multifaceted teaching as well as teaching demonstration will be taken into account. A PhD degree is considered an advantage.

An appropriate doctoral degree and the ability to provide high-quality teaching based on research and to supervise theses are required of person selected for the post of university lecturer. When assessing the merits of the applicants for the post of university lecturer, scholarly work, practical expertise in the field in question, teaching experience and pedagogical training, ability to produce study materials and use various teaching methods in teaching, other teaching merits, and a trial lecture will be taken into account.

When filling a position, one important criterion is how the selected person strengthens the teaching and research profile of automation engineering. 

What We offer

The University of Turku is a multidisciplinary and internationally oriented research university, renowned for its high-quality research and strong industry collaboration. At the University of Turku, we offer you responsible and meaningful tasks and the opportunity to develop your professional skills in a diverse and inspiring working environment. You will be supported by a skilled and collaborative team, and we are committed to your well-being and work–life balance through flexible working arrangements and dedicated well-being services. Please read more about the University of Turku as an employee from our Come work with us! pages.

The European Commission has granted the University of Turku the right to use the HR Excellence in Research logo, recognizing our commitment to continuously improving the working conditions and career development of researchers in line with the European Charter for Researchers.

The university also offers excellent support and orientation for international hires. Learn more about Finnish culture, relocation, and life in Turku:

City of Turku

Welcome visitor

International House of Turku

Working culture: infoFinland.fi

This is Finland

Careers in Southwest Finland

Finland - a superpower of education and innovations | University of Turku (utu.fi)

Salary and trial period

The salary is in accordance with the University salary system for teaching and research personnel levels 4–7. In addition, a personal work performance component will be paid.

For a University Teacher, the salary will be in the beginning of the employment around 3200 - 3900 eur/month, depending on the applicant’s previous experience and skills. For a University Lecturer, the salary will be in the beginning of the employment around 4400-5100 eur/month, depending on the applicant’s previous experience and skills.

The positions are subject to a six-month trial period.

How to apply?

Applications must be submitted by  July 17, 2026 (16.00), using the electronic application form of the University of Turku on the following address: https://www.utu.fi/en/university/come-work-with-us/open-vacancies  The link to the application system is at the beginning of this announcement (Apply for this position). Applications should include:

• a motivation letter (including research positioning),
• curriculum vitae 
• list of publications (including the names and contact details of two professional references),
• teaching and research plan at the University of Turku,
• copy of degree certificate
• and other documents that may affect the selection

Applications are evaluated by an international working group, so we require the application and attachments to be written in English.

Further information

For further information, please contact Head of department Jussi Kantola, jussi.kantola@utu.fi
and Associate Professor rafal.jastrzebski@utu.fi. Questions related to the application process, please contact HR Specialist Sarian Kotka, sjkkot@utu.fi