The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences is seeking to recruit two Doctoral Researchers in Applied Language Studies starting 3 May 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter for a period of three years. The fixed-term position is for completing doctoral studies.
The positions focus on doctoral studies and research 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. The positions are located primarily at CALS.
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 researchers will work closely with the LADiTS research team and contribute to data collection and analysis across multiple settings. The Doctoral Researchers will be expected to conduct responsible and systematic research using state-of-the art methods, disseminate findings in relevant peer-reviewed journals, and complete the doctoral studies required for the PhD degree.
Who should apply
We expect the following from you:
- A master’s degree in applied linguistics, sociolinguistics, languages, linguistics, communication, language education, or other relevant discipline.
- Familiarity with methods for studying language and communication, such as linguistic ethnography, discourse analysis, interactional and multimodal analysis, idiodynamic methods, participatory methods, surveys or mix-methods approaches.
- Good communication skills and ability to produce solid academic writing in English and other language(s).
- Motivation for doctoral studies and commitment to complete dissertation research in an interdisciplinary research environment.
- Ability to conduct independent research combined with strong collaborative skills.
- Commitment to work as part of an international and interdisciplinary research team.
The following qualifications are considered significant advantages:
- Experience with more than one research method.
- Versatile competence in research methods and data management.
- Advanced understanding of responsible research ethics.
- Prior research experience related to LADiTS topics.
The positions are located in Jyväskylä.
The tasks of a Doctoral Researcher focus on research aiming at the completion of a doctoral thesis, doctoral studies, assisting teaching tasks (max 5 % of the working time), and other tasks related to these. The duties, qualification requirements, and the language skills of Doctoral Researchers are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines. A good command of English is required. Knowledge of Finnish and/or Swedish is considered an asset for this position. A trial period of six months will be used in the beginning of the employment.
The eligible candidate must have a suitable Master's degree before the start of employment. In addition, after selection, the selected person must apply for postgraduate study rights through a separate application procedure from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. The study right must be obtained during the 6-month trial period.
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 a Doctoral Researcher is determined based on the task-specific demand level 2–4 for teaching and research staff. The starting salary will be approximately EUR 2500 per month (gross income). A holiday bonus is paid to all employees. With progress of thesis work, the salary will be revised in accordance with the Collective Agreement of Finnish Education Employers. 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?
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. Please list your possible publications in the CV.
- Research plan that shows your own interests within the LADiTS project (use Faculty's research plan template), max 2500 words.
- 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.
- Your MA thesis text, and evaluations, if available (to "list of publications" on the application form).
- Copy of the diploma of your highest degree.
- Study transcripts with grade results (to “other attachment” on the application form).
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, Senior Lecturer Petteri Laihonen (petteri.laihonen@jyu.fi, +358408053838) or Vice-Head of Department, Senior Lecturer Mari Honko (mari.h.honko@jyu.fi, +358408053165).
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.
