Faculty of Education and Psychology, Teachers, Teaching and Educational Communities

The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary, international research university, with about 3,600 employees who produce new knowledge based on high-standards research and provide research based education to build a more sustainable, smarter, and more humane world. The University of Oulu community has about 17,000 people in total. Our northern scientific community operates globally and creates conditions for the emergence of innovations.  

We are now looking for a

Doctoral Researcher

to join the Multilingualism and Migration research group (https://www.oulu.fi/en/research-groups/multilingualism-and-migration) and the Academy of Finland-funded research project, Linguistic distance, language learning, and educational attainment: investigating multilingual students’ attainment in Finland and Germany. The project is located in the Teachers, Teaching, and Educational Communities (TTEC) research unit at the Faculty of Education and Psychology.

About the job

You will be working on the Academy of Finland-funded research project Linguistic distance, language learning, and educational attainment: investigating multilingual students’ attainment in Finland and Germany. You will work in an international, interdisciplinary team investigating the role of linguistic distance for foreign and second language learning as well as other educational outcomes. You will be analyzing existing quantitative data, collecting new data, and working on publications that aim to push beyond the binary status of “native” versus “non-native/immigrant” in educational research.

As a Doctoral researcher in our project, you will

  • support in-school data collection in Finland.
  • communicate with local schools.
  • develop your skills as a researcher.
  • develop your skills in quantitative statistics and analyzing secondary quantitative datasets.
  • be actively engaged in publications and conference presentations.

What do we offer?

  • A dynamic and enthusiastic team of researchers, including experts in applied linguistics, education, psychology, and medicine.
  • The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
  • Development and career options.
  • Additional holiday bonus in the summer.
  • University´s wide variety of support services are available, allowing you to focus on your research. You will be provided free occupational health care through the university. In addition to modern research facilities, we offer personnel benefits such as sports services, social activities organized by the university, and opportunities to develop your skills and competencies.
  • Wellness benefits ePassi, covering sport, culture, and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits here.
  • Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.

Who are you?

You have a master’s or equivalent degree in applied linguistics, language education, educational sciences, or related fields. You are enthusiastic about foreign and second language education and diversity and equity in education. We are looking for a well-organized, good communicator who thinks independently and creatively.

We expect from you:

  • Willingness and interest in developing expertise in quantitative research methods.
  • Developing expertise in second language acquisition and/or language pedagogy
  • Fluent in written and spoken English.
  • IT skills, communication skills etc.

We also appreciate:

  • Finnish and other language skills are beneficial, but not required.
  • Experience with individual student assessment is a plus.
  • Experience with statistical software (e.g., SPSS, or R)
  • Experience in school-based assessments

You will carry out your doctoral studies in the Education and Psychology Doctoral Program of the University of Oulu Graduate School, and you must meet the minimal requirements to receive doctoral study rights as defined in UniOGS.

Salary

The position is fixed term, 80% position for 3 years as of 01.10.2023 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The salary will be based on levels 2-4 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. The initial starting level will be 2. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (a maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). The starting gross salary will be approx. 1800-2000€ per month (before taxes). A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

How to apply?

If you are interested, please apply by 01.08.2023 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

The application should be written in English and include the following:

  1. Application/Motivation letter describing prior knowledge, research interests, and career plans (1-2 pages max.)
  2. Complete CV. A recommended CV template can be found on the webpage of Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity (http://www.tenk.fi/en/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae).
  3. Master’s diploma
  4. Please provide an academic reference (title, name, contact details, professional relationship)
  5. Optional:
    1. List of publications
    2. Certificates

The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.

We welcome applicants from different backgrounds, such as people of different genders and members of different language, cultural or minority groups. Diversity is a core value of our team, and we are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working environment.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact Associate Professor Nils Jaekel, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Teachers, Teaching and Educational Communities (TTEC) research unit, nils.jaekel@oulu.fi

Please note that there may be some delay in responding to emails because of the summer holiday during 26.06.2023-10.07.2023.

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Part-time
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 80 %
City Oulu
County Pohjois-Pohjanmaa
Country Finland
Reference number 2023/281
Published 13.Jun.2023
Last application date 01.Aug.2023

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