The Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences is seeking to recruit a Senior Lecturer in Sports Coaching Science starting on 4 January 2027 or as soon as possible after that. The position is in effect until further notice.

Sports coaching science examines various aspects of coaching—such as best practices, factors related to achieving goals, and the interactive relationships that occur in coaching—using both quantitative and qualitative methods.

Education in Sports Coaching Science is integrated into the Finnish coaching competence model and the coach training system. Graduates with a master’s degree are coaching experts who are qualified to work as coaches, coaching instructors, and in management, research, and development roles in sports coaching. Graduates understand the principles and theoretical background of sports coaching, and can generate new knowledge and apply it in practice within evidence-based sports coaching and coaching education.

Who we are looking for

The duties of a Senior Lecturer focus particularly on teaching in the Bachelor’s Degree program, but also in the Master’s Degree program in Sports Coaching Science. The duties include, among other things, organizing and implementing teaching, supervising theses, and conducting research in the field in collaboration with other teachers and researchers in the faculty. The Senior Lecturer is expected to apply for external research funding, conduct and publish high-quality scientific research, and supervise doctoral dissertations in the field of Sports Coaching Science.

The   Sports Coaching Science education is multidisciplinary, including both online and in-person teaching, and offers specializations in sports or wellness coaching. Teaching duties are primarily carried out in Jyväskylä. The Senior Lecturer also participates in joint teaching of sport and health sciences students in the faculty. Duties include planning and developing teaching, tasks related to entrance examinations, providing student guidance, applying for external funding, societal engagement activities, and university administrative duties. The Senior Lecturer is expected to strengthen multidisciplinary teaching and research in Sports Coaching Science in collaboration with closely related disciplines within the faculty.

We require applicants to have a doctoral degree relevant to the position, evidence of scientific research work, and the ability to provide high-quality, research-based teaching and thesis supervision in the field of Sports Coaching Science. We require proficiency in Finnish and English, including the ability to teach and supervise in both languages. We consider the following as advantages for the applicant: teacher education or ongoing teacher training, evidence of high-level research related to sports coaching, evidence of successful applications for research funding, experience in stakeholder cooperation, and familiarity with practical coaching. We are looking for a person who is committed to the long-term development of education in the field of Sports Coaching Science.

The duties and qualification requirements of Senior Lecturer are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines. A trial period of six months will be used at the beginning of 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 Senior Lecturer is determined based on the task-specific demand level 6–7 for teaching and research staff. The salary range will be approximately 4300-5700 €/month (gross income), depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate. A holiday bonus is paid to all employees. If you are relocating from abroad, we will support your move to Jyväskylä and Finland.

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.

How to apply?

To apply, your ORCID profile (https://orcid.org) must be up to date and your publications must be visible to the public (Set visibility: Everyone). 

The application documents that should be included in English and in PDF format:

1. A Curriculum vitae (max. 3 pages), composed according to good scientific practice and considering the template for researcher´s curriculum vitae by The Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity.
2. A short and informal motivation/cover letter (max 2 pages), including your research interests, career goals and previous education, experience and merits in relation to the qualifications for this position.
3. A numbered list of all scientific publications and other publications showing the applicant's ability and merits for the position using the guidelines of the Research Council of Finland.
4. A maximum of five publications, which must be numbered according to the list of publications (as one PDF file) or a PDF file with public links to the 5 chosen publications.
5. Research plan: A short written description (max 3 pages) of the applicant's research merits, leadership in research and experience in obtaining research funding, as well as a plan for how the applicant would advance their research activities and how this would relate to research-based education in Sports Coaching Science as well as to international collaboration.
6. A teaching portfolio prepared according to the guidelines, i.e., a written description of pedagogical training and teaching merits (Instructions on the JYU Work with us website).

We look forward to receiving your application in our recruitment system by 27 September 2026.

For further information, please contact Professor Juha Ahtiainen: juha.ahtiainen@jyu.fi, tel. +358408053740.

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.

Our application process is transparent, professional and international. We communicate openly with the applicants throughout the recruitment process. All appointment decisions are based on careful consideration within the faculty as well as reviews by external experts. We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage qualified applicants, regardless of background, to apply for this position.