Tenure track at the University of Jyväskylä

Join us at the dynamic University of Jyväskylä! 

The University of Jyväskylä is a university with societal impact. Our central values in research are fostering creativity, academic freedom and the renewal of science. The University of Jyväskylä is a nationally and internationally significant research university with expertise in education and a focus on human and natural sciences. The University is Finland’s leading expert in teacher training and adult education, as well as a major exporter of education. The Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences is the only one of its kind in the country. The University is strengthening its position amongst research universities.

At the University of Jyväskylä, you can progress to the position of professor along the tenure track career path. An open, transparent and international recruitment process combined with a customized standardization model promotes cutting-edge research in our multidisciplinary university. The University of Jyväskylä has about 175 professors and 83 assistant/associate professors.

Tenure track model of the University of Jyväskylä  consists of three stages:

Step 1 Assistant Professor

Step 2 Associate Professor

Step 3 Professor

Entry to the first step takes place through an open international recruitment procedure. When the Assistant Professor duties end, the person can, if the criteria have been met and after an external review, proceed to the following step of Associate Professor. A person may also reach step 2 through an international recruitment procedure. After the Associate Professor period, the person may, if the criteria have been met and after an external review, proceed on the tenure track to a full professorship (valid until further notice) or to a research professorship (Finnish Institute for Educational Research and Kokkola University Consortium Chydenius). Career path progression is based on an overall assessment of a person's progress. The professor's duties at the University of Jyväskylä, which are valid for the time being, will be based on the tenure track.

Tenure Track criteria

The criteria below are applied to the transition from one step to the next on the tenure track or when recruiting a professor through a public application procedure or when recruiting a professor directly (e.g. a researcher with an ERC Grant). The level of the position must be considered when weighting the criteria. The tenure track preparation group ensures that the criteria are suitable for the discipline and the position.

Merits are weighted as follows:

• scientific merits 60–70 %
• teaching merits 20–30 % (10-20 % Independent institutes)
• impact on society and community 10 % (10-20 % Independent institutes)

What does the tenure track at JYU offer?

• An opportunity to proceed in an academic research career
• A tenure track from associate professor to full professor
• A reliable and attractive academic career
• Support in acquiring and coordinating resources for research
• Education to enhance pedagogical and management skills

What does the tenure track at JYU require?

• Applicable doctoral degree
• Proof of scientific research
• International cooperation
• Exceptional skills in research-based teaching and ability to supervise the thesis process

Tenure Track selection process

In recruitment, we follow the Code of Conduct and Recommendations for the Recruitment of Researchers as defined in the European Charter for Researchers European Charter for Researchers. The University of Jyväskylä is committed to fairness, consistency and transparency in selection decisions, and undertakes the recommendations for the responsible evaluation of a researcher in Finland and DORA-declaration.

The 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.