Director of Advanced Studies - Interdisciplinary Research

Helsingin normaalilyseo - Helsinki Normal Lyceum; Helsinki; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Helsinki Collegium for Advanced Studies (HCAS) invites applications for the role of Director. The appointee will provide strategic vision and lead interdisciplinary research initiatives across faculties, strengthening collaborations and promoting internationalisation of the University of Helsinki.

The Director is expected to develop a long-term plan, manage a diverse, financially accountable unit, and work closely with the Board and senior leadership to advance bold new approaches in

Qualifications

• Experience leading interdisciplinary research and collaboration across faculties.
• Proven track record in research management and securing funding.
• Strong people management and leadership skills.
• Ability to foster international partnerships and stakeholder relations.

Responsibilities

• Provide long-term strategic vision for the Collegium and promote internationalisation.
• Develop a plan to strengthen collaborations across campuses and faculties.
• Lead and represent the Collegium in University leadership and governance.

Skills

Interdisciplinary experience

Research management

Leadership & people management

Fundraising experience

Negotiation skills

Education

Doctoral degree

Job description

The Helsinki Collegium for Advanced Studies (HCAS) is an independent institute of advanced study within the University of Helsinki. It provides a top-class, international research environment for scholars in the humanities and social sciences. The Collegium promotes innovative interdisciplinary cooperation, both within the Collegium and at the University of Helsinki.

The Collegium strives to be a flagship for the humanities and social sciences at the University of Helsinki and to promote the development of bold new approaches to collaborative interdisciplinary research. Each year, the Collegium offers circa 20 fellowships across the range of focus areas. Collegium fellows are recruited through a highly competitive fellowship call to work on their research projects. The Fellows participate actively in the University’s research education and are encouraged to be engaged across the wider University. Learn more about our community: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRN7LoQ-eKs

We are now looking for a

Director of the Helsinki Collegium for Advanced Studies

to be appointed to a five-year fixed-term position from 1 January 2027 or as agreed to lead and develop the Helsinki Collegium for Advanced Studies.

The Director of the Helsinki Collegium for Advanced Studies must have a strategic and future-oriented vision for the development of the Collegium and its role in promoting the research strategy and internationalisation of the University of Helsinki. The appointee must have experience in international state-of-the-art research in a scientific field relevant to the Collegium’s activities and a solid background in management and leadership in a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary environment. The appointee is expected to provide a long-term plan of how to develop the activities of the Collegium, respecting its diversity of disciplinary fields, how to foster active and multifaceted collaborations with the Faculties on all four campuses, the University community including the University’s senior leadership, and stakeholders.

To Succeed In This Role, You Must Have

• Experience in interdisciplinary work, research management, and the acquisition of research funding.
• Evidence of success in diverse and demanding management and leadership positions, the management of a financially accountable unit, and organisational development.
• Solid people management skills.
• An interactive and networked approach to management and good cooperation and negotiation skills.
  
  

The position requires a doctoral degree in one of the fields relevant to the Collegium mission. To successfully attend to the duties of the position, the appointee must have good English skills. Proficiency in Finnish or Swedish is useful, but not necessary.

The Helsinki Collegium for Advanced Studies is an active, long-term venture where we offer you an inspiring position in a multidisciplinary research environment of the highest standards. The Collegium is well integrated into the academic life of the Faculties of Educational Sciences, Humanities, Law, Social Sciences and Theology. The new Director is expected to strengthen the existing collaborations. Collegium Fellows represent all career stages and are selected on the basis of scientific and academic merit, covering a wide range of academic fields. The Director is together with the Board responsible for appointing the Fellows and safeguarding this core diversity. The Director is a member of the University’s extended management group.

Further information and applying

Please submit your application through the University’s electronic recruitment system by 25 September 2026 by clicking on the link below. Current employees of the University of Helsinki can submit their applications through the SAP Fiori system.

Applicants are requested to enclose the following documents with their applications:

• An application letter
• A curriculum vitae
• A list of publications
• A description of the applicant’s leadership experience and leadership principles (max. 2 pages)
• A vision for the future development of HCAS’s activities (max. 2 pages)
  
  

We ask applicants to note that, as the University is an institution under public law, its recruitment processes are public.

Further information about the position can be obtained from Vice-Rector Hanna Snellman (contact via Executive Assistant Sari Sarka, [e-mail] or [phone]) and Head of Human Resources Hanna Lotti ([e-mail] or [phone]).

A diverse and equitable study and work culture is important to us. That is why we do our best to promote an inclusive university community. We encourage all qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply for our positions.

Click this link to read about accessibility and inclusivity at our University.

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