The Department of Psychology is seeking a Doctoral Researcher for the period 18 January 2027–30 September 2029 to join the Planetary Mind research project, funded by the Strategic Research Council (SRC).

The Planetary Mind project examines how Environmental Agency – that is, the capacity to make sustainable choices in everyday life – affects mental health across different age groups. The project has three main objectives: (1) to examine the significance of Environmental Agency for mental health; (2) to generate new knowledge about individual and community Environmental Agency as a psychosocial resource and its effects on participation and well-being; and (3) to develop and evaluate scalable, participatory and digitally supported approaches to strengthening Environmental Agency and mental health in everyday life.

We offer a meaningful Doctoral Researcher position in a multidisciplinary research project that addresses current societal challenges. The role combines high-quality research, scientific publishing, national and international collaboration, and the effective use of research knowledge in society. As this is a consortium project, you will work as part of a multidisciplinary research team and prepare your doctoral dissertation on a topic related to the research themes of the Planetary Mind project.

Who should apply

We are looking for a motivated Doctoral Researcher whose duties include:

• Conducting doctoral research and completing doctoral studies as part of the research project
• Collecting and analysing both quantitative and qualitative research data
• Publishing scientific research and participating in international research collaboration
• Actively collaborating with the project’s research and stakeholder networks
• The duties may include teaching for up to 5 % of annual working time.

We expect you to have:

• A suitable Master’s degree (e.g. in psychology, social sciences or health sciences)
• Readiness to apply for and obtain the right to pursue doctoral studies in the doctoral programme in psychology. Doctoral study right must be applied for separately in spring 2027, in accordance with the application deadlines.
• Competence in quantitative research methods and good basic skills in statistical analysis methods (SPSS, R or Mplus)
• Good interaction and collaboration skills and readiness to work as part of a research team
• The ability to work independently and with perseverance
• Excellent written and spoken English skills
• An interest in research on mental health and behaviour change

We consider the following advantages:

• Fluency in Finnish
• Experience of and interest in qualitative research methods
• Experience in collecting or analysing research data
• Evidence of scientific writing and publishing

The person appointed to the position must meet the eligibility requirements for doctoral studies in the Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme (for details, see the Doctoral Programme in Education and Psychology, Spring 2027, University of Jyväskylä) and must be committed to completing a doctoral degree on topics related to the research themes of the project. The duties, qualification requirements, and the language skills of Doctoral Researchers are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines. A trial period of six months will be used in the beginning of the employment.

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: The job demanding level for a beginning doctoral researcher is OV02. Once the doctoral research has progressed to 50% completion, the job requirement level will be raised to OV03. When the doctoral research has reached 75% completion, the job requirement level will be raised to OV04. If you are relocating from abroad, we will support your move to Jyväskylä and Finland.

We offer a wide range of staff training opportunities to support your continuous professional development. We promote your well-being by providing comprehensive occupational health services as well as excellent sports facilities and benefits. You may use up to two hours of your working time per week for physical exercise. Our campus and its surroundings offer excellent opportunities for maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle. Flexible working hours and the possibility of remote work help support a healthy work-life balance.

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. Informal cover letter (max 2 pages), including a description of your eligibility for doctoral studies, your research interests, and your merits and experience in relation to the requirements of the position.
3. Degree certificate (highest degree).
4. Societal engagement and impact, as well as international activities, through which the applicant wishes to demonstrate their ability to contribute to the societal impact expected of the position.

We look forward to receiving your application in our recruitment system by 18 November 2026.

For further information, please contact the Project Lead of Planetary Mind Project, Katri Savolainen, katri.s.savolainen@jyu.fi / +358 40 805 4854

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.