We are looking for a University Lecturer for the Faculty of Art and Design at the University of Lapland, starting 1 September 2026, for a permanent position.

Within the Faculty’s Visual Arts unit, there are two teaching positions in photography: a University Lecturer and a University Teacher. The teaching focus of the University Lecturer in Photography is photography as an art form.

The Faculty of Art and Design offers degree programmes in Audiovisual Media Culture, Graphic Design, Fashion and Textile Design, Design, and Art Education, as well as Art and Culture Studies (TAKU), which provides studies in visual arts, photography, and art history for all faculty programmes. In addition to the degree programmes, the faculty also offers several Master's programmes designed to meet current educational needs.

The dialogue between science and art is an active part of the studies, research, and artistic work of the Faculty of Art and Design, as well as our collaboration with various sectors of society. The connection between science and art is further strengthened by the faculty’s unique position within a multidisciplinary research university. This offers opportunities for collaboration with the Faculties of Education, Social Sciences, and Law, as well as with the Arctic Centre.

The University of Lapland is a member of the UArctic network, one of the university’s strategic partners. Membership in the UArctic network provides us with Arctic opportunities for education, research, and networking.

Your duties include

The duties of the University Lecturer in Photography include teaching at the basic, intermediate, and advanced levels, and include both lecture‑based and workshop teaching. Teaching is provided for the faculty’s undergraduate students and exchange students. Teaching may also be directed, for example, to the faculty’s joint research studies and artistic research.

Successful performance in the position requires:

• knowledge of the history and theory of photography
• understanding photography as contemporary art and within the context of contemporary art
• proficiency in analog and digital photographic methods
• familiarity with the technical aspects of photography as part of the artistic process

Students are guided through the artistic process, from technical solutions to the completed artwork.

In addition to teaching duties, the position of University Lecturer includes participation in research and development projects funded through external sources, as well as publication activities. Publications may be academic or artistic. The duties also include contributing to the development of the studies and curriculum in the faculty and participating in administrative duties.

We offer 

• engaging and meaningful work tasks within an inspiring and supportive work community
• an opportunity to shape the position according to your strengths and expertise
• diverse collaboration with experts from various higher education institutions
• modern working tools and facilities
• opportunities for professional development
• excellent year-round hiking and outdoor opportunities afforded by the university’s location
• comprehensive occupational health care
• sports, cultural, and well-being benefits

We expect

We require a doctoral degree, the ability to provide high‑quality research‑based teaching and supervision, and practical familiarity with the field.

When assessing the merits of applicants, the following will be taken into account:

• scientific publications and other academic merits
• teaching experience and pedagogical training
• ability to produce learning materials
• other merits achieved in teaching
• a teaching demonstration, if necessary

Practical familiarity with the field may be demonstrated through research and publications as well as distinguished merits in photographic art. The position requires knowledge of photographic art, strong collaboration skills, and experience in project work is considered an asset. The duties require working on campus.

According to the University Decree (770/2009), teaching and research staff at universities are required to have proficiency in the language in which they shall provide instructions.  The language of instruction at the University of Lapland is Finnish, but the university may decide to use another language for instruction and degrees (Universities Act 558/2009, Section 11). In the position of University Lecturer in Photography, the teaching language may be Finnish and/or English. The position also requires proficiency in the English language and either proficiency in Finnish or a strong motivation to learn Finnish. As for a foreign applicant or a Finnish citizen who is not a native speaker, reasonable proficiency in Finnish may be required within five years.

According to Section 28 of The University of Lapland’s Rules of Procedure, completed pedagogical studies are considered an advantage in assessing the teaching merits of candidates applying for the permanent position of university lecturer.

Application 

Please include the following:

• an application letter and a description of merits and activities relevant to the position (1–2 pages)
• a curriculum vitae following the Template for Researcher’s Curriculum Vitae | Finnish National Board on Research Integrity TENK2. Applicants must provide documentary evidence of all items listed in the CV upon request
• a teaching portfolio (instructions on the University of Lapland website)
• a list of publications following the Academy of Finland’s guidelines
• officially certified copies of degrees and employment certificates qualifying you for the position
• other relevant documents, such as a portfolio demonstrating the applicant’s artistic work and practical familiarity with the field

The application letter must include your current position and information on when you would be able to start in the position.

Further information on the position

For inquiries about the position, please contact Professor Jaana Erkkilä-Hill (questions about the content of the position) and Head of Administration Susanna Vuorjoki (questions about the recruitment process), firstname.lastname@ulapland.fi.

Workplace address: Yliopistonkatu 8, 96300 Rovaniemi
Duration of employment: Permanent, starting 1 September 2026
Trial period: 6 months
Salary: The salary for a University Lecturer is based on levels 5–6 of the university salary system for teaching and research staff (3293–3841 €/month). In addition, a personal performance-based salary component of up to 50% of the task-specific salary may be paid. The starting salary level is approximately 3824–4459 €.