5 Postdoctoral Researchers, EDUCA Education of the Future Flagship

The University of Jyvaskyla EDUCA Education of the Future Flagship is currently seeking to recruit candidates to the position of  

five (5) POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHERS for the period 1.8.2024 - 30.4.2028.  

What we expect from you 

Person to be selected to the postdoctoral researcher position is expected to conduct research on the themes of EDUCA Flagship which include learning variation among children and youth, engagement in education, learning processes at the level of communities and individuals, professional development of teachers and educational leaders, and environmental factors, technology enhanced solutions  and interventions supporting optimal learning experiences and wellbeing in early childhood education settings, schools, home contexts and other contexts of growth and education.

EDUCA Flagship generates new knowledge and understanding of recent changes in Finnish education and society, such as mechanisms contributing to decline in learning outcomes, increase in school absence and educational dropout rates, and ways in which technology transforms our teaching and learning in the future. EDUCA investigates the effects and implementation of policy reforms and interventions in the education sector by bringing together actors from educational sciences, psychology, learning analytics, sociology, and economics and by forming an ecosystem platform for the education sector together with stakeholders.​ The research to be implemented will increase our understanding of the variation in individual and social learning processes, as well as policy and other factors explaining differences between schools and regions. In addition, the goal is to create digital solutions for everyday teaching and learning to utilise timely technology in learning contexts where it has been proven pertinent. Comprising distinguished research universities (Jyväskylä, Helsinki, Turku, and Aalto) working together with key stakeholders, such as ministry level bodies and national workforces, EDUCA will be able to generate unprecedented research-based understanding of ways in which educational institutions can better support social and personalized learning processes. In the University of Jyväskylä EDUCA Flagship is based on the close collaboration of the Faculty of Education and Psychology and Finnish Institute for Educational Research (FIER). 

The EDUCA post doc researcher should focus on research related to at least one of the following EDUCA Flagship themes or cross-cutting education policy theme: 

• Assessment of the impacts and enactment of education policy reforms and interventions.  

• Analysis of ways of addressing learning variability in effective learning interactions and adaptive support in various learning contexts.  

• Variability in technology-enhanced learning and scalable digital solutions for learning and teaching.  

• Promotion and analysis of professional competences of teachers and principals needed for effective future learning. 

The duties, qualification requirements and language skills of a postdoctoral researcher are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines.  

In the position a Ph.D. in an applicable field is required (e.g., degree in educational sciences, psychology, or information technology). The Ph.D. degree required for the position must have been completed before starting.  

The task focuses on international high-level scientific research. We expect evidence of research in the focal area of the call and active publishing in alignment with the career stage. The evaluation will emphasize national and international networking, evidence on the activity to apply external research funding, strong methodological skills and development work, and experience of multidisciplinary research or projects. An asset to be considered in evaluation of candidates for this position is methodological expertise, pedagogical training and supervision of theses. 

What does the University of Jyväskylä offer as an employer? 

At the University of Jyväskylä, you are a recognized member of our community with a unique opportunity to influence international research. You get to participate in our multidisciplinary community where the welfare of each individual is important. 

The University is committed to fairness, consistency and transparency in selection decisions, and undertakes the recommendations for the responsible evaluation of a researcher in Finland as well as to the DORA declaration.   

Finland has a high standard of living, with free schooling (also in English), affordable childcare, good family benefits, and healthcare. Jyväskylä is located in central Finland in the Finnish lake area and has excellent opportunities for different nature, outdoor, and sports activities. The city of Jyväskylä is a major educational center and the city has a large student population. To find useful information about the University of Jyväskylä, the City of Jyväskylä and living in Finland, see the University's International Staff Guide. 

At the beginning of the work contract, the monthly salary (gross income, excluding holiday bonus) in this postdoctoral researcher position will be approximately 3.400–4.400 €, depending on the qualifications and prior experience of the candidate. 

A trial period of six months will be used in the beginning of the employment. 

How to apply? 

The following documents shall be attached to the online application in English as PDF files. 

1. A cover / motivation letter   

2. Curriculum vitae, including personal ORCID ID (A template from The Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity is preferred). The CV is strictly limited to four (4) pages.  

3. Numbered list of publications covering the applicant’s the scientific and other publications according to the instructions of the Academy of Finland  

4. A research plan related to the position and a vision of how the applicant’s current and future research will complement those of the EDUCA research themes and its development (total of max 4 pages).  

Applicants are asked to submit their applications using the online application form by 31.05.2024 

For further information please contact:  

Professor Marja-Kristiina Lerkkanen, marja-kristiina.lerkkanen@jyu.fi