Postdoctoral Researcher

Yhteiset toiminnot; Helsinki; On-site; EUR 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of the Arts Helsinki invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position for 3 years starting October 2026. Candidates should hold a relevant doctoral degree and possess a track record of independent research outcomes.

This role involves researching human-centred technologies and collaborating with various units within the university. Responsibilities include conducting research, developing methodologies, and applying for funding to sustain research.

Excellent communication skills and the ability to engage actively in research networks are essential. Application deadline is 16 August 2026.

Qualifications

• Suitable doctoral degree acquired within the previous five years.
• Demonstrated record of independent research outcomes and publications.
• Excellent communication and interaction skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct own research in human-centred technologies.
• Contribute to research methodologies and theoretical development.
• Prepare funding applications to secure continued funding.

Skills

Communication skills

Collaboration

Independent research

Education

Doctoral degree in a relevant field

Job description

The Research Institute of the University of the Arts Helsinki (Uniarts Helsinki) invites applications for a full‑time, fixed‑term

Postdoctoral Researcher

position for a period of 3 years. The appointment is set to commence in October 2026, or as soon thereafter as mutually agreed.

Working environment

University of the Arts Helsinki (Uniarts Helsinki), a merger of three academies, Academy of Fine Arts, Sibelius Academy and Theatre Academy, constitutes an internationally esteemed multidisciplinary community of artists and researchers. This postdoctoral researcher position is situated within the University of the Arts Research Institute, which is a joint unit tasked with developing the university’s research and promoting cross‑artistic and interdisciplinary research projects. As a researcher, you will work at the Research Institute as part of this collaborative and research‑intensive environment. The Institute serves the research conducted at the Institute and the University’s Academies. Uniarts Helsinki has established research of artist pedagogy and artistic thinking, educational research in the arts, artistic research and historical research of the arts and artistic life at the core of its research profile. The Institute’s thematic research networks advance interdisciplinary research within these research focus areas.

Field of research and tasks

The research areas of this position are the emerging human‑centred technologies within digital, extended, live and multispecies environments in the creative practices of the arts. As a researcher, you will collaborate with the staff of the Research Institute as well as with colleagues at the three academies. Your duties will focus on conducting your own research in the above‑mentioned thematic area in accordance with a research plan fine‑tuned in liaison with the Head of the Research Institute. You are expected to contribute to the development of research methodologies and theories in collaboration with other researchers in this field. Anticipated research outcomes include peer‑reviewed research publications and artistic outputs.

In addition to individual research and publication activities, your tasks will include research development activities within Uniarts Helsinki. You will be actively involved in university community activities, including the planning and coordination of joint research‑related events. During the employment period, you will also be expected to prepare a funding application to secure continued funding for your research. Your tasks may also include some teaching that is agreed upon in negotiation with the other units of the university.

You will have access to Uniarts’ research environment and limited support for research publications and conference attendance. Resources for larger artistic production require the application of external funds.

Qualification requirements and selection criteria

We expect you to have:

• a suitable doctoral degree from a recognised academic institution acquired within the previous five years the reference date being the deadline of the call
• a demonstrated record of independent research outcomes, such as peer‑reviewed publications, membership of research groups, authored research funding applications, positions of trust
• a demonstrated record of artistic practice and artistic responsibilities
• excellent communication and interaction skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively with practitioners in research projects and to engage actively in local and international research networks
• the capacity and willingness to contribute to the research community at the Research Institute and the Uniarts Helsinki

The post follows the total working time system, where the annual workload is 1,612 hours, as defined in the collective agreement. The position requires working in Finland for the duration of the employment relationship. Thus, the assignment requires the Postdoctoral Researcher to live or reside officially in Finland for the duration of the employment relationship.

Please submit your application through our electronic recruitment system by 16 August 2026 at 23.59 (UTC+3) at the latest. Please include in your application the following documents in English and in PDF form:

The application consists of

• A motivation letter (1–2 pages, a cover letter in the recruitment system)
• A research plan for a 3‑year project including a schedule and publication plan (max. 5 pages including references)
• Concise artistic portfolio (max. 5 pages with max. 3 examples of audiovisual material, max. 5 minutes each)

The written documents must be prepared using Times New Roman font, font size 12, and 1.5 line spacing.

The short‑listed candidates’ interviews will be held online on 8 September 2026.

Further information

For more information on the position, please contact the Head of the Research Institute, Professor Leena Rouhiainen. For questions regarding the recruitment system or the recruitment process, please contact HR representative Anne Kilpeläinen, tel. [phone]. Our email addresses follow the format [e-mail].