Senior Research Fellow, Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Science - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

We are now looking for a

Senior Research Fellow in pure or applied mathematics

to join us in the Research unit of Mathematical Sciences at the Faculty of Science.

The Research unit of Mathematical Sciences conducts research in pure mathematics, applied mathematics, and data science. In mathematics, the focus areas include mathematical analysis, with a strong emphasis on fractal geometry, geometric measure theory, dynamical systems, and related fields. In applied mathematics, inverse problems and their applications are a prominent focus area.

About the job

As a Senior Research Fellow, you will contribute to high-level mathematical research in the focus areas of the research unit, lead and carry out research projects, and supervise degree students and doctoral researchers. The position also involves teaching courses in the Finnish-language degree program in Mathematical Sciences.

What we offer

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic research community, where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture, and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits.
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• We have an HR Excellence in Research -quality label, which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close-ones in settling into Oulu.
•  Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, an excellent education system, and a competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu. 

What we expect from you?

To succeed and enjoy the position, we expect from you: 

• a Doctoral degree in Mathematics and adequate post-doctoral experience.
• Experience and evidence-based merit in mathematical research pertaining to the research areas of the Research Unit.
• Ability to lead a research group.
• Necessary teaching skills to conduct high‑level teaching in the Finnish‑language Mathematical Sciences degree program. Ability to teach in Finnish is expected. An outstanding candidate who does not yet speak Finnish may be selected if they are committed to achieving the required level of Finnish language proficiency within the first 24 months of employment.

When assessing the applicant’s merits, the following will be considered:

• Scientific excellence: Research outputs, such as publications, methods, scientific quality and independence, openness, scientific renewal and impact.
• Research activities: Acquisition of competitive research funding, presentations, workshops and seminars; awards and recognitions.
• International scientific activities and networks.
• Working in more than one research institute during a career, especially scientific work abroad and evidence of international cooperation.
• Teaching activities: Supervision and mentoring of degree students and doctoral researchers, as well as pedagogical competence.
• Leadership skills and services to the academic community: Such as peer review, editorial work, academic expert and administrative duties.

Teaching skills may also be evaluated through a demonstration lecture, if the recruitment committee considers this necessary.

Salary

The position is for a fixed term of five years, starting on August 1st, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The salary will be based on levels 6–7 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff at Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal performance will be paid (up to a maximum of 50% of the job-specific component). At the beginning of the employment, the gross salary will be approximately 4400–5300€ per month. A trial period of six months will apply to the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If so, please apply by 15.5.2026 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

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

1. Cover letter.
2. CV following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity.
3. List of publications following the guidelines of the Research Council of Finland (with at most ten most important ones marked).
4. Copy of the marked most important publications.
5. A research and action plan (max 5 pages): outlining previous research, research merits, and future research directions, including acquisition of competitive research funding.
6. Contact information of 2–4 persons available for recommendation.
7. Teaching portfolio, including:

• Teaching philosophy, teaching strategies, and methods.
• Teacher’s self-reflection on their teaching style, a personal background idea of teaching; how are these reflected in teaching?
• A description of oneself as a teacher and an implementer of educational work.
• Practical experience in teaching and efforts to improve teaching.
• Description of educational material (curricula, handouts, assignments, workbooks).
• Professional development as a teacher.
• Evaluation of teaching (student evaluations, peer evaluations, awards, and assessed test lectures).
• Plans for future directions of teaching in the discipline concerned. Are you able to teach in Finnish? If not, please include a realistic study plan outlining how you will achieve the required level of Finnish language proficiency within the first 24 months of employment. 

Eligible applicants who best match the profile for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be informed during the selection process.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, such as people of different ages, genders, and linguistic, cultural, or minority groups. 

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact

Professor Ville Suomala, Head of the Mathematical Sciences Research Unit, ville.suomala@oulu.fi, +358503505284