University of Jyväskylä is currently seeking to recruit

1)     POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER 1

for a fixed-term period from August 1, 2021 until December 31, 2022.

2)     POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER 2 (4 positions)

for a fixed-term period from January 1, 2022 until December 31, 2022.

All positions are connected to the university’s profiling area Multiliteracies for social participation and learning across the life span, MultiLEAP. MultiLEAP is a multidisciplinary research community that examines themes related to multiliteracy. The concept of multiliteracy refers to the wide array of skills needed to process, understand and produce knowledge and to communicate in society, in studies, in working life, at home and at the intersection of these areas in the mediatized and digitalized world of the 21st century. Critical thinking is also inherently connected to the concept. The focus areas of research are multiliteracies in expertise building and multiliteracies in civic engagement and community involvement.

Post-doctoral Researcher (1) is allocated to any of the departments in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, depending on the research topic of the applicant.

Post-doctoral Researcher (2) positions  are allocated to any of the departments in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (3 positions) or to the Department of Teacher Education in the Faculty of Education and Psychology (1 position), depending on the research topic of the applicant.

Tasks and qualifications

The Postdoctoral Researchers are expected to conduct internationally high quality research in a multidisciplinary team on the focus areas of the profiling area. The successful candidates are expected to have a doctoral degree in one of the following fields: language studies, social sciences, media studies, cultural studies, educational studies or other relevant discipline. The successful candidates should have strong evidence of research in the research area, related to the length of the research career.

In addition, teaching merits and networking in the area as well as profound methodological expertise and experience in multidisciplinary research are regarded as a merit. Completion of the doctoral degree less than four years ago is regarded as an asset.

The duties and qualification requirements for the position of the Postdoctoral Researcher are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations, Rector’s decision on personnel matters and language skills guidelines. The qualification requirements should be met by the closing of the application time. An excellent command of Finnish or English is required.

What does the University of Jyväskylä offer as an employer?

At the University of Jyväskylä you are a valued member of our academic community with a unique opportunity to influence the research based education of students. You become part of our international and multi-science community where the welfare of each individual is important. At Jyväskylä we offer a great and lively campus area with opportunities to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.  To find useful information about the University of Jyväskylä, the City of Jyväskylä and living in Finland, see the University's International Staff Guide.

The annual salary range will be approximately 38.800 – 55.700 EUR (gross income, including holiday bonus), depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate.

Six months trial period is applied to the filling of the positions.

How to apply?


Please submit your application at the latest on May 25th 2021 using the online application form.

Following documents must be included in English to the electronic recruiting system:

1. Motivation letter,
2. A CV composed according to good scientific practice and considering, when possible, the template for researcher´s curriculum vitae of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity (TENK);
3. A numbered list of publications covering the applicant’s the scientific and other publications according to the instructions of the Academy of Finland;
4. Teaching portfolio (max. 5 pages);
5. Research plan (max. 2-3 pages);

For more information, please contact

-        Professor Anne Pitkänen-Huhta, e-mail: anne.pitkanen-huhta@jyu.fi, tel. +358 50 4285276 (Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences)

-        Professor Tarja Nikula-Jäntti, e-mail: tarja.nikula@jyu.fi, tel. +358 40 556 5877 (Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences)

-        Professor Mirja Tarnanen, e-mail: mirja.tarnanen@jyu.fi, tel. +358 40 805 3011 (Faculty of Education and Psychology)

At the University of Jyväskylä, everyone can find their place in the human-centred environment of 2,500 experts and 14,500 students. Our goal is to create wisdom and wellbeing for us all. It is essential that each member of the community thrives and has opportunities to develop and grow. We cherish openness of thinking as well as the balance between research and education. Our naturally beautiful campus is located at the heart of the city of Jyväskylä. JYU is the third largest employer in Central Finland.