The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences is seeking to recruit two Postdoctoral Researchers in Applied Language Studies starting 3 May 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter for a period of four years.
The fixed-term positions are for a project within the profiling action project “Language, Diversity, and Participation in Technology-Driven Society” (LADiTS) (2027-2031) funded by the Research Council of Finland and hosted by the Centre for Applied Language Studies (CALS) and the Department of Language and Communication Studies. One of the positions is located at CALS and the other one at the Department of Language and Communication Studies.
Position
Applied Language Studies at JYU focus on research into language-related phenomena, needs and challenges in a changing society, with the aim of exploring individual, community and societal language phenomena and developing research-based solutions to contemporary language-related challenges.
The LADiTS project focuses on how language shapes participation, epistemic diversity, and social justice in technology-driven contemporary societies. It develops theoretical and methodological innovation in research in areas such as multilingual education, language policy, and technology-mediated multilingual practices. The project also addresses questions of accessibility and equity in education for second-language users of the national languages. By bringing together perspectives on language, technology, multilingualism and participation, LADiTS aims to understand how changing linguistic environments affect individuals and communities. LADiTS is committed to advanced open science and responsible research practices, and generates knowledge with relevance for society, education and policy for communities in Finland and beyond.
The selected candidate will:
- Conduct responsible, applied research advancing our understanding of language, diversity and participation in a technology-driven society
- Design and carry out research in one or more of the LADiTS thematic areas
- Apply state-of-the art methods to collect and analyse relevant data
- Contribute to interdisciplinary collaborations across areas such as language studies, education, communication, migration studies, and technology
- Communicate research findings in peer-reviewed journals and at academic conferences
- Create social impact through innovative channels
- Engage stakeholders in sharing and co-constructing knowledge
- Participate in education and supervision of students
- Contribute to the development of grant applications and collaborative research initiatives
Who should apply
The successful applicant will meet the following requirements:
- A PhD in applied linguistics, sociolinguistics, languages, linguistics, communication, language education, or other relevant discipline.
- Demonstrated expertise in at least one of the LADiTS core research themes, such as multilingualism in communities and technology-driven societies, epistemic and social justice, multilingual education, or education through the medium of additional language.
- Strong methodological skills for studying language and communication, such as qualitative and discourse-analytical methods, idiodynamic methods, participatory methods, surveys or mixed methods.
- A record of productive and innovative research demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and another language.
- The ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative interdisciplinary research team.
The duties, qualification requirements, and language skills of a Postdoctoral Researcher are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines. The PhD degree required for the position must have been completed before the starting date of the employment. A trial period of six months will be used in the beginning of the employment.
What we offer
Come to Jyväskylä, Finland, and join our vibrant and inspiring community!
At the University of Jyväskylä, you will be a valued member of our community with a unique opportunity to contribute to international research. You will become part of our international and multidisciplinary community that prioritizes the wellbeing of each individual. Our lively campus provides excellent opportunities for maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle.
Finland offers a high standard of living with free education (also in English), affordable childcare, generous family benefits, and comprehensive healthcare. Work–life balance is highly valued in Finland, and employees enjoy four to six weeks of annual holiday. Jyväskylä is located in central Finland, just three hours by train from the capital Helsinki. Part of the Finnish Lakeland, the city offers easy access to nature and a range of outdoor, sports and exercise activities. As a major centre of education with a large student population, it also features a vibrant cultural scene. For more information about the University of Jyväskylä, the city of Jyväskylä, and living in Finland, see the University's International Staff Guide.
Salaries are based on job demands and employees’ performance following the Finnish University Salary System. The salary for this Postdoctoral Researcher is determined based on the task-specific demand level 5 for teaching and research staff. The salary range will be approximately 3700-4000 €/month (gross income), depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate. A holiday bonus is paid to all employees. If you are relocating from abroad, we will support your move to Jyväskylä and Finland.
We offer good working conditions for researchers and promote the principles of HR Excellence in Research, HRS4R. The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) is based on the values of the European Charter for Researchers & The Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (Charter & Code). JYU is committed to fairness, consistency and transparency in selection decisions, and undertakes the recommendations for the responsible evaluation of a researcher in Finland. JYU has signed the DORA Declaration. By signing the agreement, JYU is committed to complying with the CoARA principles.
How to apply?
To apply, your ORCID profile (https://orcid.org) must be up to date and your publications must be visible to the public (set visibility: everyone).
The application documents that should be included in English and in PDF format:
- Curriculum vitae, composed according to good scientific practice and following the template for researcher's curriculum vitae by The Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity.
- Research plan (showing your own interests within the LADiTS project, max. 4 pages).
- Free-form motivation/cover letter (1-2 pages), including your research interests, career goals, and previous experience in addressing research challenges. Highlight your key merits in relation to the qualifications for this position.
- Numbered list of all scientific and other publications indicating 3-5 most important in relation to LADiTS topics. Follow the guidelines of the Research Council of Finland.
- Degree certificate (highest degree).
We consider a human touch in your texts an asset. If you use AI, please provide a detailed report on the ways in which the specified AI tools were used.
We look forward to receiving your application in our recruitment system by 8 December 2026.
For further information, please contact Head of Department (Centre for Applied Language Studies), Senior Lecturer Petteri Laihonen (petteri.laihonen@jyu.fi, +358408053838) or Head of Department (Department of Language and Communication Studies), professor Marko Siitonen (marko.siitonen@jyu.fi, +358405767861).
Our application process is transparent, professional and international. We communicate openly with the applicants throughout the recruitment process. We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage qualified applicants to apply for this position.
