Research Director, Research Platforms

LUT-yliopisto; Lappeenranta; Hybrid; EUR 60 000 - 80 000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent Finnish university is seeking a Research Director to enhance research visibility and impact internationally. The role involves building cross-disciplinary networks and supporting researchers in securing funding. It offers a competitive salary of €6,000-€7,000 monthly with a hybrid work model primarily on campuses in Lahti or Lappeenranta.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Opportunities for travel

Dynamic research environment

Qualifications

• Solid understanding of how research works in academia.
• Familiarity with funding instruments such as EU programmes.
• Excellent ability to inspire collaboration among researchers.
• Fluency in English; proficiency in Finnish is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Build networks for ambitious, cross-disciplinary projects.
• Connect research groups and shape strong project concepts.
• Serve as a bridge between the research community and international networks.
• Coordinate with specialists to maintain a big-picture view.

Skills

Network-building

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Proactivity

Education

Doctoral degree

Job description

Overview

Do you want to be part of building LUT University's next research success story? We are seeking a research director who is passionate about creating networks, discovering new opportunities, and supporting researchers. In this role, you will bring people together, initiate new research projects, and elevate the visibility and impact of our research - both in Finland and internationally.

Strategic platforms

We are launching four strategic research platforms that combine cutting-edge research from multiple disciplines. You will lead two of them: Business and Society and Digital Revolution. These platforms are engines for collaboration: they generate new projects, strengthen international networks, and make our research more visible and impactful than ever before. They are more than just project groups - they are meeting places where experts from different fields come together, exchange ideas, and create new knowledge.

What your work will be like

Your role is diverse and dynamic. One day, you might be on our Lappeenranta or Lahti campus, inviting researchers to brainstorm ideas for new, multidisciplinary projects. The next, you could be in another country altogether, presenting LUT's research to international stakeholders, meeting sponsors, and seeking partners for upcoming collaborations.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Ensure funding concepts are developed by connecting people, linking research groups, and shaping ideas into strong project concepts (you will not be writing funding applications yourself).
• Coordinate with two specialists supporting you, maintaining the big-picture view, and communicating it convincingly to internal and external audiences.
• Serve as a bridge between LUT's research community and international networks, creating opportunities for researchers to meet, generate bold ideas, and launch new initiatives.

What we expect from you

• Solid understanding of the academic world and how research works; doctoral degree or equivalent research expertise; familiarity with major funding instruments and agencies such as EU programmes and Business Finland.
• Strong network-building and community-creating abilities; capability to connect the right people, inspire collaboration, and engage researchers in cross-disciplinary projects.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to move things forward.
• As part of an international research community, work primarily in English; proficiency in Finnish or other languages is an advantage.
• A curious, proactive mindset and willingness to explore new opportunities, create knowledge, and support science-based innovations.

What we offer you

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

We operate a system of 1,612 annual working hours for teaching and research staff, giving you the freedom to plan your schedule. The role also involves travel between our campuses and to other locations in Finland and Europe.

The salary for this position is based on the Finnish university salary system (requirement level 7). The starting salary is approximately €6,000-€7,000 per month, depending on experience and qualifications. The role will start with a six-month trial period.

If you are excited about playing a key role in strengthening LUT's research visibility, impact, and international networks, please apply. Submit your application and all required documents through the link below by 12 October 2025 at 23:59 (Finnish local time, UTC +3). We will review applications on a rolling basis, and the position will be filled once a suitable candidate is found.

More information

For more information about the position, please contact Provost Mari Kallioinen-Mänttäri at the phone number [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].

Read more about LUT as an employer.

Information for international staff.

Clean energy, water, and air are life-giving resources for which we at LUT University seek 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].

Application period starts: 2025-09-16 08:00

Application period ends: 2025-10-12 23:59