Assistant/Associate Professor of Educational Sciences
University of Helsinki
Finland

Faculty: Faculty of Educational Sciences
Start Date: 1 January 2027
Application Deadline: 30 April 2026

The Faculty of Educational Sciences invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor / Associate Professor or Professor of Chemistry and Physics Education.

The appointee may be appointed to a fixed-term tenure-track assistant or associate professorship or permanent full professorship, depending on their qualifications and career stage. Further information on the University of Helsinki's tenure track system is available on the University website.

Job Overview

The appointee will undertake research and development in chemistry and physics teaching, learning, and teacher education. Responsibilities include:

• Teaching in the Bachelor’s and Master’s Programmes in Educational Sciences, within the class and subject teacher study tracks, and in other relevant degree programmes.
• Supervising theses and leading research in both national and international networks.
• Collaborating with the University’s teacher training schools and subject faculties.
• Administrative duties and public engagement.

The appointee will teach primarily in Finnish, with some courses possibly in English.

The successful candidate will have extensive research experience in chemistry education, physics education, or both, especially relating to teaching and learning, as well as experience with a broad range of research methods and the ability to develop them.

Qualification Requirements and Appointment Criteria

Assistant / Associate Professors (Tenure Track):

• Doctoral degree in the relevant field.
• Capable of independent scholarly work and teaching.
• Ability to develop teaching, learning, and research in the field.
• Track record of publications, securing external research funding, and participation in domestic and international research projects.

Full Professors:

• Doctoral degree and advanced academic qualifications.
• Experience leading scholarly research and securing external research funding.
• International collaboration in research and evidence of research-based teaching.
• Academic leadership skills.

Additional Qualifications:

• Chemistry and physics teaching experience at the basic education level is an advantage.
• 60 credits in pedagogical studies for teachers or comparable studies outside Finland are considered beneficial.
• Strong scholarly, teaching, leadership, and interaction skills.
• Active contribution to the academic community and public engagement.

The assessment of applicants will consider career stage, scholarly qualifications, teaching qualifications, leadership, and vision for research and teaching development. The University of Helsinki applies the principles of the DORA Declaration in academic merit assessment.

Language Requirements:

• Proficiency in Finnish (language of instruction).
• Satisfactory skills in Swedish (may be exempted for applicants educated outside Finland).
• Good English skills; language support will be provided.

The chosen applicant is expected to reside in Finland.

What We Offer

• A dynamic, inspiring, and international working environment with state-of-the-art research and teaching infrastructure.
• Salary based on Finnish university scales:Six-month probationary period.
  • Assistant / Associate Professor: €55,000 – €69,000 gross per year.
  • Full Professor: €66,000 – €99,000 gross per year.
  • Additional performance-based salary component.
• Support from administrative and technical staff, occupational health services, professional development opportunities, research and teaching environment, and conditions for international cooperation.
• Relocation services, international staff support, UniBuddy program, and spouse support (HEI LIFE Spouse Network).

Application Instructions

Applications must be submitted through the University of Helsinki recruitment system. Current employees use the SAP Fiori portal.

Required Documents (all in English, as a single PDF named lastname_professor_fyke):

1. Motivation letter or written application
2. Researcher’s CV (max. 10 pages)
3. Numbered list of publications (10 most relevant in bold)
4. Plan for advancing research and teaching (max. 2 pages)
5. Report on research activities (1–3 pages)
6. Teaching qualifications report via e-form

Applicants may be requested to submit up to 10 publications for external evaluation. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview and teaching demonstration.

All necessary qualifications must be attained by the end of the application period.

Further Information

• Dean: Professor Markku Jahnukainen – markku.jahnukainen(at)helsinki.fi
• Vice Dean: Professor Kalle Juuti – kalle.juuti(at)helsinki.fi
• HR Specialist: Hector Nystedt – hector.nystedt(at)helsinki.fi
• Technical support: rekrytointi(at)helsinki.fi

More on careers and tenure track: University website.
Read more about working at the University of Helsinki and support for international employees.

Why Finland

Finland offers high-quality childcare, free schooling and tertiary education, excellent family benefits and healthcare, and is highly ranked for expat families and overall happiness.

About the Faculty of Educational Sciences

• Finland’s leading unit of research and teaching in Educational Sciences and Teacher Education.
• Research spans human development, learning, professional life, and ageing.
• Focus on education’s role in society, social justice, and wellbeing.
• Provides undergraduate, postgraduate, and continuing education, including pedagogical studies for teacher qualification.

Employee Login for Application:
Applicants with a helsinki.fi username and valid employment/research contract: log in through the University recruitment system.