Doctoral Researcher (Interdisciplinary Doctoral School of Social Services, DocSoc360°), 6 positions

Tampere University and Tampere University of Applied Sciences create a unique environment for multidisciplinary, inspirational and high-impact research and education. Our university community has its competitive edges in technology, health and society. www.tuni.fi/en 

Interdisciplinary Doctoral School of Social Services (DocSoc360°) is looking for Doctoral Researchers.  

Job description 

Interdisciplinary Doctoral School of Social Services (DocSoc360°) is looking for six Doctoral Researchers, whose doctoral studies are located in the areas of social work, social justice, health sciences, psychology, logopedics or communication sciences. 

More information about the Interdisciplinary Doctoral School of Social Services (DocSoc360°) pilot 

Successful candidates will pursue a doctoral degree at Tampere University. The positions are full-time and for three years, during which doctoral studies are expected to be completed. 

Requirements 

To qualify for these positions, the candidates need to have a Master’s degree from an applicable field completed on 15 September 2024, at the latest, the competence and motivation to pursue postgraduate studies. Please be prepared to provide proof of your merits when requested. 

Successful candidates must be pursuing or need be accepted (within the trial period) to study towards a doctoral degree in one of the following disciplines: social work, social justice, health sciences, psychology, logopedics or communication sciences. Please visit the admissions webpage for more information on eligibility requirements. If you already have a study right for a doctoral degree at Tampere University, it needs to be awarded 1 November 2023 or thereafter in order for you to be eligible for these positions. 
The position requires working full-time in Tampere, Finland for the time of the employment. The chosen candidate needs to have the required permits for working in Finland before starting the employment (depending on the nationality of the candidate, e.g. residence permit in Finland).  

The position requires good/fluent written and spoken skills in Finnish and English. 

The topics of doctoral dissertations should be related to at least one of these research areas:  

1. Interprofessional work is social and health care from the points of division of labour/boundary work and institutional interaction between organizations, professionals and service users 
2. Encountering citizens/service users with special and complex needs 
3. Accessibility and effectiveness of social services  

Tampere University has several research projects related to the above-described areas, into which doctoral students primarily will be integrated and whose data can be used in a separately agreed manner can be used in doctoral theses.  

Tampere University is a unique, multidisciplinary and boldly forward-looking, evolving community. Our values are openness, diversity, responsibility, courage, critical thinking, erudition/ Bildung, and learner-centredness. We hope that you can embrace these values and promote them in your work. 

The selection criteria  

Candidates are selected based on how their research plans are located on the one or several above-described research areas, on the level of promise that they show, and this will be evaluated on the basis of their preliminary research plans, their previous academic success in studies. 

We offer 

The position will be filled for a fixed-term period of three years. The starting date is 1 January 2025. A trial period of six (6) months applies to all our new employees.

The salary will be based on both the job requirements and the employee’s personal performance in accordance with the salary system of Finnish universities. According to the criteria applied to teaching and research staff, the position of a Doctoral Researcher is placed on level 2—4 of the job requirements scale. A typical starting salary for Doctoral Researchers is approximately 2,600-2,900 EUR/month. The salary increases based on experience and the progress of doctoral studies. 

We are inviting you to be a part of a vibrant, active and truly international research community. We value interdisciplinarity, as it allows you to expand your research network and exposes you to new perspectives and ideas to solve complex research problems and pursue novel research findings. We are strongly committed to the highest level of scientific research and the provision of high-quality doctoral education.  

As a member of staff at Tampere University, you will enjoy a range of competitive benefits, such as occupational health care services, flexible work schedule, versatile research infrastructure, modern teaching facilities and a safe and inviting campus area, a variety of affordable cafeterias/ campus restaurants on our campuses as well as a personal fund to spend on sports and cultural activities in your free time. Please read more about working at Tampere University. You can also find more information about us and working and living Tampere by watching our video: Tampere Higher Education Community - our academic playground.   

Finland is among the most stable, free and safest countries in the world, based on prominent ratings by various agencies. Finland is one of the world's best countries to work and live in.  

Tampere is the largest inland city of Finland, and the city is counted among the major academic hubs in the Nordic countries. Tampere region is the most rapidly growing urban area in Finland and home to a vibrant knowledge-intensive entrepreneurial community. The city is an industrial powerhouse that enjoys a rich cultural scene and a reputation as a centre of Finland’s information society. Tampere is also surrounded by vivid nature with forests and lakes, providing countless opportunities for easy-to-access outdoor adventures and refreshment throughout the year.  

We will offer you relocation service package from an external service provider to help you settle in Tampere. 

Read more about Finland and Tampere:  

• Visit Finland 
• This is Finland 
• Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment: Welcome to Finland 
• Visit Tampere 
• Welcome to Tampere 
• International House Tampere 

How to apply 

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is  on Friday 17th May 2024 (23:59 EEST / UTC +3). Please write your application and all the accompanying documentation in Finnish or English and attach them in PDF format. 

Please attach only the following documents to your application:  

• A letter of motivation including  descriptions of why you apply this job and on which research area/areas your research interests are located (max. 2 pages) 
• Curriculum vitae according to the TENK template  (including the contact details of two referees). 
• Preliminary research plan (max 6 pages including references) and time plan of your doctoral studies and a schedule for your dissertation project  
• If you already are a post graduate student, attach your study plan 
• A list of publications (if any) as a part of the curriculum vitae 
• PDF copy of your MSc and BSc degree certificates, including transcripts of all university records and their English translations (Finnish and Swedish certificates are also accepted), or university records if you have not yet completed your degrees.  

For further information, please contact: 

Professor Kirsi Juhila, kirsi.juhila(at)tuni.fi, tel. +358 50 338 3925 

Professor Katja Kuusisto, katja.kuusisto(at)tuni.fi, tel, +358 40 190 9846 

Tenure track -professor Leena Mikkola, leena.mikkola(at)tuni.fi, tel. +358 50 3363666