Research Director, Research Platforms

Karlstad University; Lappeenranta; Hybrid; EUR 60 000 - 80 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university in Finland is seeking a Research Platform Leader to lead projects focused on Business and Society and Digital Revolution. The ideal candidate will have a doctoral degree, strong networking abilities, and excellent communication skills to engage with global stakeholders. The position offers a hybrid work model and requires presence on campuses in Lahti and Lappeenranta.

Benefits

Meaningful work that makes a difference

Opportunities for travel

Hybrid work style

Qualifications

• Solid understanding of the academic world and research practices.
• Familiarity with major funding instruments and agencies.
• Proficiency in English; knowledge of Finnish or other languages is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead two strategic research platforms focusing on Business and Society and Digital Revolution.
• Build networks for ambitious research projects.
• Connect researchers with funding opportunities and partners.

Skills

Networking

Collaboration

Communication

Project Management

Education

Doctoral degree or equivalent research expertise

Job description

Overview

LUT University has been a pioneering scientific university, bringing together the fields of science and business since 1969.

We are launching four strategic research platforms and you will lead two of them: Business and Society and Digital Revolution. These platforms are engines for collaboration, generating new projects, strengthening international networks, and increasing the visibility and impact of our research both in Finland and internationally.

What your work will be like

Your role is diverse and dynamic. You may be on our Lappeenranta or Lahti campus inviting researchers to brainstorm ideas for new, multidisciplinary projects. You may also travel to other countries to present LUT’s research to international stakeholders, meet sponsors, and seek partners for collaborations.

You will build networks that lead to ambitious, cross-disciplinary research projects and help researchers identify the right partners and funding opportunities, such as EU programmes, Business Finland, or the Academy of Finland. While you will not be writing funding applications yourself, you will enable them by connecting people, linking research groups, and shaping ideas into strong project concepts.

You will have two specialists supporting you. Your role is to see the big picture and communicate it convincingly to internal and external audiences. You will also serve as a bridge between LUT’s research community and international networks, creating opportunities for researchers to meet, generate bold ideas, and take new initiatives forward.

What we expect from you

To succeed in this role, you need a solid understanding of the academic world and how research works. You have a doctoral degree or equivalent research expertise and are familiar with major funding instruments and agencies, such as EU programmes and Business Finland.

You are a network builder and community creator who can connect the right people, inspire collaboration, and engage researchers in cross-disciplinary projects. You have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the confidence to move things forward.

As part of an international research community, you will work primarily in English and collaborate closely with global stakeholders. Proficiency in Finnish or other languages is an advantage for strengthening local partnerships and expanding networks.

We value a curious, proactive mindset and a willingness to explore new opportunities, create knowledge, and support science-based innovations.

What we offer you

At LUT, you will have the opportunity to do meaningful work that makes a difference to society, business, and the world. We have a hybrid, multi-location work style, but presence on our campuses is essential. You can be based in Lahti or Lappeenranta, but you will spend significant time on both campuses to build networks and meet researchers in person.

The university operates a system of 1,612 annual working hours for teaching and research staff, with travel between campuses and to other locations in Finland and Europe. The salary is based on the Finnish salary system for university teaching and research staff, requirement level 7. The starting salary is approximately €6,000–€7,000 per month, depending on experience and qualifications. The position begins with a six-month trial period.

Interested?

Please submit your application and all required documents through the link below by 12 October 2025 at 23:59 (Finnish local time, UTC +3). Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will be filled when a suitable candidate is found.

For more information

For information about the position, call Provost Mari Kallioinen-Mänttäri at [phone] on 24 September between 8:00 and 9:00, 30 September between 8:30 and 9:00, or 9 October between 15:00 and 16:00. You can also email [e-mail].

Clean energy, water, and air are life-giving resources for which LUT University seeks new solutions with our expertise in technology, business, and social sciences. We help society and businesses in their sustainable renewal. Our international community consists of nearly 8,000 members. Our campuses are in Lappeenranta and Lahti, Finland. We are one of the world’s top universities for climate action. lut.fi/en

Technical support for using the recruitment system: [e-mail].