PhD in Or Project Researcher, Educational Psychology or Learning Analytics

University of Turku; Turku; On-site; EUR 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working hours

Well-being services

Professional supervision and network

Job summary

University of Turku seeks a Doctoral Researcher/Project Researcher for the TRILA project on teachers and digital environments. The role involves conducting independent doctoral research, completing required courses, and contributing to a Finland-based, international research program.

The position is fixed-term for two years, with a starting date of January 1, 2027, subject to mutual agreement. Candidates should hold a master degree in a relevant field and have strong English skills.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or near graduation in a relevant field (Psychology, Education, Cognitive Science, Learning Analytics, Linguistics, Social Sciences, CS/IT, Math/Stats)
• Ability to conduct doctoral research and complete doctoral courses
• Experience with data management and statistical analysis is advantageous
• Proficiency in English is required

Responsibilities

• Conduct your own doctoral research within the project framework
• Complete doctoral courses as part of UTUGS and Doctoral Programs
• Contribute to research on teachers, motivation, wellbeing, and digital learning environments
• Engage with interdisciplinary teams and international collaborators
• Publish and present findings as part of the doctoral training

Skills

English proficiency

Data management

Statistical analysis

Education

Master's degree in Psychology/ Education/ Cognitive Science/ Learning Analytics

Tools

SPSS

Mplus

Job description

Job description

Turku Research Institute for Learning Analytics (TRILA) is currently seeking to recruit The fixed term position starts on the 1st of January 2027 or upon mutual agreement, and lasts two years at the most. In the case the selected candidate does not yet have the right to study for a doctoral degree at the University of Turku, the title of Project Researcher will be used at first, and the study right for a doctoral degree should be applied in the next possible call (during 2027): University of Turku Graduate School (UTUGS) and Doctoral Programs.

Job describtion

The vacancy is a part of the Academy Project “Teachers and digital environments: Interrelations between teachers’ motivation, wellbeing and children’s learning project (1.9.2026-1.8.2030)”, funded by the Research Council of Finland (PI Silinskas).

Research focus

The position will focus on either of the following research themes / objectives:

• Teachers’ psychological functioning (e.g., well-being, motivation), digital beliefs/practices and their associations to children’s achievement and motivation.
• Technological/digital aspects of teaching and learning. For example, the digital trace data and the psychological and educational aspects and learning strategies they may reflect (e.g., rehearsal, task persistence, inaccuracy, spontaneity).

The duties of the doctoral researcher include conducting his/her own doctoral research and completing doctoral courses.

Qualifications we are looking for

• The candidates must hold a master degree in a field relevant to the research topics (Psychology, Education, Cognitive Science, Learning Analytics, Linguistics, Social Sciences, Computer Science / Information Technology, Mathematics and Statistics, or in a other relevant field) or will graduate soon. Additionally, applicants must have completed a higher education degree or otherwise demonstrated the ability to pursue postgraduate studies and complete a doctoral degree according to the research plan.
• Previous experience in managing data and statistical analysis methods (e.g., multilevel modelling, using SPSS or Mplus statistical programs) is an advantage.
• Experience in research/development work related to educational psychology and digital learning environments is an advantage.
• The candidates are expected to have good English skills.

The qualification requirements of the position state in the University of Turku’s Rules of Procedure: https://www.utu.fi/en/university/organisation. The eligibility requirements for doctoral researchers are specified in the University of Turku's regulations (How to Apply for Doctoral Training | University of Turku).

In the case the selected candidate does not yet have the right to study for a doctoral degree at the University of Turku, the title of Project Researcher will used at first, and the study right for a doctoral degree should be applied in the next possible call (spring 2027): University of Turku Graduate School (UTUGS) and Doctoral Programs.

If the candidate is close to graduation (MSc or equivalent), an employment contract is initially made under the title of a research assistant and the right to study for a doctoral degree is applied for after graduation in the next possible call (in a year 2027).

We primarily seek to recruit Doctoral Researcher / Project Researcher. However, in well justified cases, applicants who have completed almost all master studies required for a master in a relevant field may also be considered. In such cases, the job title at the start of the employment will be Research Assistant and salary will be in the beginning on average 2 300 –2 450 euros/month, depending on previous experience and skills.

A person selected for the post of Researcher assistant is required to have a copy of transcript of study records, which must be attached as an annex to the application.

When assessing the merits of the applicants, special emphasis will be placed on competence and practical expertise in the field in question.

The doctoral researcher position requires residence in Finland. Work language is English.

Our workplace values equality and diversity, and therefore, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for our open position.

We offer

We offer We offer you responsible and interesting tasks and the opportunity to develop your skills in a dynamic and international environment. You will be supported by a professional and inspiring team and a group of experienced supervisors. In your work, you will become part of a wide network of doctoral researchers, researchers, and supervisors within the TRILA and EDUCA Flagship Project. We care about your well-being and the functionality of your everyday life through flexible working hours and our well-being services.

The European Commission has granted the University of Turku the right to use the HR Excellence in Research logo as a sign of the university's commitment to continuously improving the status and working conditions of researchers in line with the goals of the European Charter for Researchers.

Salary and Trial Period

Salary will be determined in a contract. Salary will be determined through University of Turku system for research and teaching personnel and for a doctoral researcher / project researcher will be in levels 2-4 and personal performance will be added to task-specific salary. The salary will commensurate with qualifications and experience and basis on the University salary system and will in the beginning of the employment be approximately 2 550 –3 200 € / month. A six (6) months trial period applies to the position.