Open, transparent and merit-based recruitment of researchers – policy (OTM-R)

General principles of staff recruitment 
- HR Excellence

(Open, Transparent and Merit-based Recruitment – OTM-R)

The University of Jyväskylä is committed to the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research principles and to promoting open, transparent, and merit-based recruitment (OTM-R).

These principles support the University of Jyväskylä’s goal of promoting open, transparent, and high-quality recruitment. Operating in accordance with the HR Excellence principles and the OTM-R model strengthens the well-being of the research community, the quality of research, and the university’s international competitiveness.

Open and accessible recruitment

Recruitment at the University of Jyväskylä is internationally open and accessible. Job advertisements are published in both Finnish and English, which supports a multilingual and equitable application process. The electronic recruitment system enables a smooth and GDPR-compliant application process.

International recruitment channels, such as Euraxess, LinkedIn, and Nature Jobs, broaden the applicant pool and strengthen JYU’s global visibility.

Transparent and equitable evaluation and selection principles

Evaluation and selection are based on predefined criteria that are relevant to the position. Qualitative and quantitative criteria are balanced in accordance with the principles of responsible research evaluation, and the University of Jyväskylä’s Open Science Center supports the evaluation process with modern tools.

The composition of selection panels is clearly defined and takes into account diversity and gender balance.

The University of Jyväskylä is committed to a positive and clear applicant experience

Applicants are provided with sufficient guidance, the administrative burden is kept low, and progress in the process is actively communicated.

Applicants receive feedback, which increases the transparency of the recruitment process and supports
applicants’ development.

Recruitment quality and continuous improvement

The implementation of the OTM-R principles is monitored systematically.

Recruitment processes are evaluated using KPIs and external audits.

Employee surveys and the HR Excellence self-assessment support continuous improvement.

Feedback systems enable the transparent development of the recruitment process from the perspectives of both applicants and staff.