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Doctoral Researcher, Doctoral Programme on Educational Policy, Lifelong Learning and Comparative Education Research (KEVEKO)

  • //applyindex.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/finland.png Finland
  • University/Institute Name University of Turku
  • Attendance Type On Campus (Full Time)
  • Position Funding Type Research Assistantship (RA)
  • Application deadlineSeptember 11, 2025
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Position Details (PhD Research Project)

The position of a doctoral researcher is set to begin on 1 January 2026 at the earliest and for the duration of a maximum of four years (up to until 31 December 2029). When determining the length of the employment contract, prior funding granted for pursuing a doctoral degree, planned schedule and current phase of the research are taken into account. The maximum length for a doctoral researcher position is four years. A person already awarded with a doctoral degree cannot be chosen as a doctoral researcher under an employment contract.

The position of doctoral researcher with employment contract requires working in Finland. A doctoral researcher works in a Department of Education. The place of employment is Turku. The University of Turku offers flexible possibilities for remote work.

Job description

The positions are intended for full-time doctoral dissertation research. Duties other than those related to doctoral dissertation research, such as teaching duties, must be proportioned so as not to compromise the completion of the doctoral dissertation within the planned schedule. As a rule, up to 5% (a maximum of about 80 hrs per academic year) of the annual working time of the doctoral researcher can consist of teaching.

Who we are looking for

Requirements

  • You must have an active right to study for the doctoral degree in the KEVEKO Doctoral Programme. In addition, when acquiring the degree or otherwise, you are required to have demonstrated the ability and motivation to undertake postgraduate studies and the capacity to complete a doctoral degree in accordance with the research plan (University of Turku Rules of Procedure 20.5.2022). If you have not yet been granted a right to study, you must apply for a right to study for a doctoral degree in the KEVEKO Doctoral Programme in the Studyinfo system. The right to study is a prerequisite for being selected for a position of a doctoral researcher;
  • You are planning to pursue or pursuing your first doctoral degree;
  • You have not previously received four years of full-time funding for a doctoral degree.

Evaluation of the applications for the position of doctoral researcher

In addition to the eligibility requirements for doctoral researchers as set out in the University of Turku Rules of Procedure (16.10.2022), the following are taken into account in the selection of doctoral researchers with an employment contract:

  • The quality and feasibility of the research plan within the target timetable;
    • The theoretical level of the research plan; knowledge of the theoretical background and its relevance to the research task.
    • Methodological feasibility of the study; precision and description of the methods in relation to the research task.
    • Consideration of research ethical issues in the research design.
    • Innovation, novelty, scientific and practical impact of the research.
    • Feasibility of the study; realistic time schedule, plan for resourcing and funding of the studies.
    • Clarity of the research plan; the research plan should represent good scientific writing.
  • The motivation of the applicant to carry out the planned research;
  • The applicant’s qualifications, which may include (depending on the applicant) the grade of the Master’s degree or equivalent, the doctoral studies completed, work experience, ability to carry out the planned research successfully, scientific publications and international activities;
  • Research environment, which will be assessed taking into account the commitment of the supervisor and the suitability of the doctoral research theme for the profile of the KEVEKO Doctoral Programme.

The evaluation of applications for the position of doctoral researcher will be carried out as an overall assessment, taking into account the stage of the research career, e.g. completed doctoral studies or scientific publications are not required for applicants at an early stage of their research career. For applicants who have already been awarded a right to study, the progress of their doctoral research and doctoral studies will be assessed.

The position of doctoral researcher is intended to cover the four-year financial needs of the doctoral degree. Other funding received by the doctoral researcher for the doctoral studies will be taken into account when determining the length of the position of doctoral researcher.

Benefits

We offer you responsible and interesting tasks and the opportunity to develop your professional skills in a versatile operating environment. You get a professional and inspiring team to support your work. We take care of your well-being at work and the functionality of your everyday life, e.g. with the help of flexible working hours and our well-being services.

Please read more about University of Turku as an employee from our Come work with us! pages.

The European Commission has awarded the University of Turku the right to use the HR Excellence in Research quality label. The label is a token of the University’s commitment to continuous development of the position and working conditions of researchers according to the guidelines set forth in the European Charter for Researchers. 

The university offers good support and orientation for international hires. Please learn more about the Finnish culture and relocation to Finland:

The University of Turku is among the top of the world’s universities in most rankings and among the best universities in the world in certain fields. Our high-quality basic research, a multidisciplinary research profile and close cooperation in research infrastructures creates the basis for international top research. Read more about University of Turku in international university rankings.

The University of Turku has several high-quality research infrastructures required for cutting-edge research. Learn more about the roadmap of research infrastructures and how the research infrastructure and expert teams offer tailored solutions for businesses and organizations.

Salary and trial period

The salary is based on the salary system of the University’s teaching and research staff. Salaries will consist of a task-specific salary component and a personal performance salary component. The task-specific salary component of a doctoral researcher varies between levels 2 to 4, depending on the stage of the doctoral degree. In addition, a personal performance salary component is paid. The salary of a doctoral researcher varies between € 2 400 and € 3 300, depending on the progress of the doctoral research and the experience and skills of the person concerned.

The probationary period of 6 months applies.

How to apply

To apply for a doctoral researcher position with an employment contract, fill in the electronic application form (select “Apply for this position” in the upper right corner) and submit the required attachments. The application form will open on 29 August 2025 and close on 12 September 2025 at 4 pm (local time in Finland).

To be eligible for the position of a doctoral researcher, applicant must have an active right to study for a doctoral degree in KEVEKO Doctoral Programme. If you have not yet been granted a study right for a doctoral degree, you must apply for a right to study from KEVEKO Doctoral Programme in the Studyinfo system.

Attachments to the application

Fill in the electronic application form. Unless otherwise instructed, the attachments listed below are to be submitted as part of the electronic application form in the Talentti system. Please ensure that all attachments are good-quality, easy to read, full colour scans or photographs of the complete document required. Attachments should be submitted in pdf format. Attachments that do not meet these requirements may be rejected.

  1. Curriculum Vitae (in Finnish or in English)

A list of publications is required to be included in the CV. We recommend that you prepare your CV based on the TENK researcher CV template: Link to the template for reseracher’s Curriculum Vitae.

  1. Research plan

The research plan must be up-to-date.

Link to the research plan guidelines of doctoral programme on the Faculty’s website.

The research plan must be written in accordance with the principles of responsible conduct of research (link to TENK’s guidelines). The research plan can be checked using Turnitin’s OriginalityCheck plagiarism detection system. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the research plan should be clearly stated in the application.

  1. Motivation letter

A motivation letter is a one-page-long freeform document, in which you are expected to describe your motivation in pursuing doctoral studies and in conducting research.

  1. Description of the progress of the doctoral research and studies

If you already have a right to study for a doctoral degree in KEVEKO Doctoral Programme, you must attach a freeform document maximum 2 pages to your application describing the progress of your doctoral research and studies and presenting a realistic plan for the completion of your research and degree.

       5.  Degree certificate and transcript of study records of previous degree

Further information

Link to the website of KEVEKO (www.utu.fi/keveko)

Doctoral Programme Coordinator Sanna Niukko, [email protected].

Contact information of the Faculty: [email protected], Chief Academic Officer Anne Niemimäki, Faculty of Education, Educarium, Assistentinkatu 5, 20014 University of Turku.

 

Doctoral Programme on Educational Policy, Lifelong Learning and Comparative Education Research (KEVEKO)

The University of Turku Graduate School (UTUGS) consists of doctoral programmes which cover all disciplines and the approximately 2,000 doctoral researchers of the University. 

The aim of the Graduate School is to provide systematic and high quality doctoral training for the doctoral researchers of the University of Turku. Each doctoral researcher has a personal supervisor and the progress of the doctoral dissertation is followed regularly. The aim of doctoral training is to train highly qualified experts with the skills required for both professional career in research and other positions of expertise.

​Researchers at the Doctoral Programme on Educational Policy, Lifelong Learning and Comparative Education Research (KEVEKO) conducts research on multi-disciplinary aspects in a culturally diversified environment. KEVEKO provides high quality and comprehensive doctoral education under the guidance of distinguished professors and supervisors. Research support and various funding opportunities to internationalize various researches form the pillar of KEVEKO for a knowledge based professional programme.

The University of Turku is an inspiring and international academic community of 25,000 students and staff in Southwest Finland. We build a sustainable future with multidisciplinary research, education, and collaboration. With us, your work will have a significant impact and relevance in the changing world.

See our open vacancies

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Phone:
+358 29 450 5000
Email:
[email protected]

Location: 20014 Turun yliopisto

Information for the applicant

The application form cannot be saved as a draft. However, after submitting you can return to edit your application via the link you receive by email. The application can be edited until the application deadline.

You have 6 hours to complete your application before the timeout.

Instructions for submitting a job application

Research Areas & Fields of Study involved in the position

Position Start Date

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