Department of Psychology is seeking to recruit 1-2 Doctoral Researchers in the Doctoral programme in Psychology and Cognitive neuroscience starting January, 1, 2027 for a maximum of four years. The fixed-term position is for completing doctoral studies. 

The positions are open to those who have received their study right in the programmes in 2026 or earlier. Eligible are those students in the Doctoral Program in Cognitive Neuroscience who are supervised by staff from the Department of Psychology.

Who should apply

The tasks of a Doctoral Researcher focus on research aiming at the completion of a doctoral thesis, doctoral studies, assisting teaching tasks, and other related tasks to these. The duties, qualification requirements, and the language skills of Doctoral Researchers are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines (Doctoral Students). A good command of English is required. A trial period of six months will be used in the beginning of the employment.

The eligible candidate has a suitable Master's degree. In addition, the Doctoral Researcher must have the study right in the Doctoral school of Faculty of Education and Psychology at the University of Jyväskylä in the Doctoral programme in Psychology or in Cognitive Neuroscience. 

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 for a Doctoral Researcher is determined based on the task-specific demand level 2–4 for teaching and research staff. The starting salary will be approximately EUR 2700 per month (gross income). A holiday bonus is paid to all employees. With progress of thesis work, the salary will be revised in accordance with the Collective Agreement of Finnish Education Employers. 

How to apply?

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. Cover letter: 

- Name of the applicant

- Applied time in the position of doctoral researcher/Scholarship period applied

- The beginning date of the doctoral studies (month/year)

- Estimated time of completion (month/year)

- Title of the dissertation

- Form of dissertation (monograph or articles)

- The research strength area of the faculty

- Supervisors (Supervisor-in-charge first)

- Member of the follow-up group

- Previous funding, including the funding period and source

- Pending applications of research funding

3. List of publications (including poster and paper presentations at scientific conferences). The list of publications should be composed according to the guidelines of the Academy of Finland.

4. Research plan (max 5 pages + references) conforms to the research plan of study application phase, but special emphasis on the following:

- progress of the doctoral studies, manuscripts in preparation, manuscripts which have been submitted or published, the phase of data collection and/or analysis.

- work plan for the applied period (including mobility plan and plan of publishing, when relevant)

5. Degree certificate (highest degree).

Furthermore, supervisor’s statement on the progress of the applicant which is to be send to the HR Partner: Elina Korhonen (elina.a.korhonen@jyu.fi)

Applicants are kindly asked to submit their applications using the online application form by November, 20, 2026. Applications sent via emails are not considered.

For further information, please contact Head of the department of Psychology, Professor Jarmo Hämäläinen (jarmo.a.hamalainen@jyu.fi, +358408053490)

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.

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.