Doctoral education pilot/ 22 Doctoral Researchers, EDUCA-Doc Doctoral Education Pilot

19 Mar 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

University of Jyväskylä

Research Field

Political sciences » Public policy
Psychological sciences » Psychology
Sociology » Other

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Finland

Application Deadline

7 Apr 2024 - 20:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

38

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

 

We are seeking to recruit 22 Doctoral Researchers for a fixed term of three years to the EDUCA-Doc Doctoral Education Pilot. We expect applicants to be ready to start on 1.8.2024 or 1.1.2025 and to be motivated to complete their dissertation within the three-year target period and to be employed in Finland after graduation. 

EDUCA-Doc Doctoral Education Pilot is a part of the doctoral education pilot project in Finland. The doctoral education pilot is a programme funded by the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture for the period 2024-2027 and implemented by Finnish universities, which will fund a total of up to 1,000 new fixed-term doctoral researcher positions and part of the associated supervision. The programme will develop new practices in doctoral training that will enable doctoral researchers to complete their dissertations in three years and support their employment in a wide range of sectors of the Finnish society. Read more about the doctoral education pilot programme at the University of Jyväskylä: 

• Excellence and innovation: Doctoral education pilot at the University of Jyväskylä  

• Huippuosaamista ja innovaatioita – Tohtorikoulutuspilotti Jyväskylän yliopistossa  

 

EDUCA-Doc Doctoral Education Pilot is coordinated by the University of Jyväskylä, in collaboration with a consortium including the University of Turku, the University of Helsinki, and Aalto University which together form the core partners responsible for EDUCA Flagship - Education for the Future. Also, the University of Tampere, University of Oulu, University of Eastern Finland, University of Lapland, and Åbo Academy are taking part in the EDUCA-Doc pilot. A total of 78 doctoral researchers will be employed within the EDUCA-Doc Doctoral Education Pilot to the partner universities. The doctoral researchers will work closely with researchers, supervisors, and partner organizations of the EDUCA Flagship. 

EDUCA-Doc Doctoral Education Pilot is an important element of the EDUCA Flagship. The EDUCA Flagship generates new knowledge and understanding of recent changes in Finnish education and society, such as mechanisms contributing to decline in learning outcomes, increases in school absence and educational dropout rates, and ways in which technology transforms our teaching and learning in the future. EDUCA investigates the effects and implementation of policy reforms and interventions in the education sector by bringing together actors from educational sciences, psychology, learning analytics, sociology, and economics and by forming an ecosystem platform for the education sector together with stakeholders.​ The research to be implemented will increase our understanding of the variation in individual and social learning processes, as well as policy and other factors explaining differences between schools and regions. In addition, the goal is to create digital solutions for everyday teaching and to utilize timely technology in learning contexts where it has been proven pertinent. The aim of the EDUCA-Doc is to train the next generation of doctorates equipped with high-level researcher skills, in-depth scientific knowledge of their field of research as well as transferable skills needed to adapt to working-life challenges.  

The main thematic foci in EDUCA-Doc contains the following four research areas of the EDUCA Flagship, as well as cross-cutting policy enactment on these areas at the local, regional and national level. 

Assessment of the impacts and enactment of education policy reforms and interventions in early childhood education and care (ECEC) and compulsory education, as well as Randomized controlled trials (RCT) and quasi-experimental studies on education supporting the development of Finnish educational system.  

Analysis of ways of addressing learning variability in effective learning interactions and adaptive support in various learning contexts. Research on variability in learning focuses on advancing understanding of the complex mechanisms and interactions of individual, group-level, and contextual factors in learning in ECEC and compulsory education and home environment.  

Investigation of digital solutions for learning and teaching. EDUCA-Doc involves research on understanding learning variability at individual and group levels in technology-enhanced contexts to model efficient ways to use technology in education, and to develop adaptive solutions and future learning scenarios for preschool and compulsory education.  

Promotion and analysis of professional competences of teachers and principals needed for effective future learning. Research in this area includes inquiry on effective education programmes and support for professional learning, competences and occupational well-being of pre- and in-service teachers and principals in ECEC and compulsory education. Moreover, co-creation of learning environments, pedagogy preparing educators for future learning and teaching, and activities for building a learning community are included in this research area.  

The dissertations of the EDUCA-Doc doctoral researchers should focus on research related to at least one of these EDUCA Flagship themes. The doctoral researcher's tasks include conducting their own doctoral research and completing doctoral courses as well as engaging in collaboration with working life partners through secondments or other collaboration. In addition, the position involves joining the EDUCA-Doc joint program activities and it may involve a minimal number of other tasks related to the EDUCA-Doc Doctoral Education Pilot.  

The EDUCA-Doc doctoral researchers will be affiliated with the Faculty of Education and Psychology, the Finnish Institute for Educational Research, the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Faculty of Information Technology or Jyväskylä University School of Business and Economics depending on the doctoral programme where the applicant’s doctoral study right is/will be applied at the University of Jyväskylä.  

Qualifications we are looking for  

The positions are intended for new doctoral researchers. You can apply if you do not already have a doctoral degree or doctoral study right, or if your doctoral study right has started no earlier than 1 November 2023. Doctoral researchers must have a degree at the Master’s level. If the master’s degree is not completed by the end of the application period, the applicant must present a valid plan indicating that the degree will be completed by 31st of July 2024. The person selected for the position must have a Master’s degree and fulfill all the eligibility criteria for applying to doctoral studies at the University of Jyväskylä and the doctoral programme in question by the start of the employment relationship. Please, read more at Doctoral studies: Eligibility requirements | University of Jyväskylä (jyu.fi) and note also the faculty-specific guidelines.  

If you are selected for the position and do not have a doctoral study right in one of the following doctoral programmes at the University of Jyväskylä, you must apply and obtain it within six months of the start of the employment contract at the latest. The doctoral programmes involved in EDUCA-Doc are: Doctoral Programme in Education, Doctoral Programme in Psychology, Doctoral Programme in Cognitive Neuroscience, Doctoral Programme of the Department of Language and Communication Studies, Doctoral Programme of the Centre for Applied Language Studies, Doctoral Programme in Information Technology and Doctoral Programme in Economics. Please, read more about applying for doctoral study right at: Apply to doctoral studies | University of Jyväskylä (jyu.fi). All selected doctoral candidates will complete their doctoral studies in one of the above-mentioned doctoral programmes at the University of Jyväskylä. 

The place of work is Finland. Permits and registrations are required for non-Finnish nationals to work in Finland. The University's International Staff Services team will assist selected employees in applying for these. Non-Finnish-speaking applicants are required to take Finnish language courses during their employment period by attending courses provided by the Centre for Multilingual Academic Communication at the University of Jyväskylä. 

The EDUCA-Doc is looking for motivated candidates who have already demonstrated their ability in previous studies and who are committed to completing their doctoral studies within the three-year target period. The applicant needs to show involvement in a research project during the doctoral studies, the ability and enthusiasm to work as part of a multidisciplinary EDUCA research expert network, motivation for collaboration with a work-life partner during the doctoral studies and preparing for a career plan outlining possibilities in private, public, or nonprofit sectors. All the main activities of the EDUCA-Doc are organized in English.  

In addition to meeting the above requirements, applicants are expected to submit, first, a research plan that focuses on one or more research areas of the EDUCA Flagship (max 5 pages, see template on the web pages). Second, a motivation letter to show involvement in a research project during the doctoral studies, indication of the ability and enthusiasm to work as part of a multidisciplinary research and the EDUCA expert network aimed at building the future of education, a plan for collaboration with a work-life partner during the doctoral studies (see the list in the Appendix ),  and a career plan indicating how the doctoral studies will support the applicant’s career goals. Third, a statement is required from the future main supervisor of the applicant which means contacting at least one supervisor from the University of Jyväskylä and ensuring commitment to supervision. If the supervisor has more than one candidate applying for the EDUCA-Doc positions, they need to rank order the applicants.   

The selection process will be based on:  

• Thematic fit of the research plan for the EDUCA Flagship.  

• The scientific quality and feasibility of the research plan presented for the three-year time frame and its link to a dataset(s) which is available for utilization in the doctoral thesis.  

• The career plan and planned work-life contacts and their relevance as well as description of expertise and added value achieved through them for the candidate's career goals.  

• Supervisor’s statement with justification for the applicant’s capability for the position and a plan for supporting the applicant in completing the doctoral dissertation in three years at least up to the pre-examination stage. 

• An interview for candidates selected based on their application concerning involvement in doctoral studies for 3-years and future career plans.  

The University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines stipulate the duties, qualification requirements and language skills of Doctoral Researchers.  

What does the University of Jyväskylä offer as an employer?  

At the University of Jyväskylä, you are a recognized member of our community with an ample opportunity to be drawn into international research. You get to participate in our international and multidisciplinary community, where everybody’s welfare is essential. You will work in an inspiring and lively campus area and an environment that supports a healthy and active lifestyle. 

To find useful information about the University of Jyväskylä, the City of Jyväskylä, and living in Finland, see the University's Handbook for international staff and visitors . 

The doctoral researcher positions are classified on levels 2–4 of the YPJ salary system for Finnish universities. The salary (gross income, excluding holiday bonus) at the beginning of the contract is approximately EUR 2,300 – 2,400. As the dissertation research progresses, the salary will be revised in accordance with the General Collective Agreement for Finnish Universities. 

A trial period of six months is applied when the position is filled for the first time. 

Doctorates from our renewed doctoral programmes will give you the skills to work as an independent researcher or in challenging specialist roles in academia or other sectors of working life. To support your employment in Finland, we offer you the opportunity to study Finnish during your assignment as a Doctoral Researcher. 

EDUCA-Doc will offer you the opportunity to develop your skills in a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and international environment connected to the field of education. EDUCA-Doc will serve as a knowledge, technology and data-sharing platform for research conducted within the EDUCA Flagship program and beyond, and it offers a unique opportunity to utilize a wide range of methods, data, outputs, and implications within cross-sectoral collaboration. EDUCA-Doc will offer a specific training program for doctoral researchers planned out and implemented together with participating universities and work-life partners. During your doctoral studies, you will become a part of a wide network of EDUCA-Doc doctoral researchers, senior researchers, and supervisory teams as well as non-university partners. We care about your well-being and support your everyday life through flexible working hours and the well-being services at the University of Jyväskylä. 

How to apply? 

Please attach the following documents, written in English or Finnish, in PDF format to your online application: 

• Curriculum vitae written in accordance with the responsible conduct of research and, if possible, using the template for researcher’s curriculum vitae  from the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity (TENK) 

• Motivation letter (1-3 pages) 

• Research plan (max 5 pages, please use the template EDUCA-Doc Template for reseach plan.docx (live.com) ) 

• Master’s degree certificate and transcript of records in English, Finnish or Swedish 

• A statement from the future main supervisor with justification for the applicant’s capability for the position and a plan for supporting the applicant in completing the doctoral dissertation in three years at least up to the pre-examination stage, and, if needed, a ranking order for the applicants of the same supervisor. Please ask the supervisor to send the statement via webropol (https://link.webropol.com/s/EDUCADocStatement ).  

 

Candidates selected for interviews based on their applications will be interviewed in April 2024. Decisions regarding doctoral researchers will be made by the end of April 2024.  

The University of Jyväskylä is committed to following the national recommendations for responsible researcher evaluation in Finland and the principles of the DORA Declaration . 

 

For more information:   

For questions related to the EDUCA-Doc doctoral researcher position or application process, please contact EDUCA-Doc Doctoral Education Pilot coordinator Dr. Milla Saajanaho [email protected]  

For further information about the EDUCA Flagship and EDUCA-Doc Doctoral Education Pilot, please contact Professor Marja-Kristiina Lerkkanen [email protected]  

For information related to the Doctoral Programme in Education, Doctoral Programme in Psychology, and Doctoral Programme in Cognitive Neuroscience at the Faculty of Education and Psychology, please contact Doctoral School coordinator Dr. Milla Saajanaho [email protected]  

For information related to the Doctoral Programme of the Department of Language and Communication Studies and the Doctoral Programme of the Centre for Applied Language Studies at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, please contact the Education Services of the faculty via [email protected]  

For information related to the Doctoral Programme in Information Technology at the Faculty of Information Technology, please contact [email protected]   

For information related to the Doctoral Programme in Economics at the Jyväskylä University School of Business and Economics, please contact [email protected]      

For more information on EDUCA Flagship and EDUCA-Doc, see EDUCA – Education for the Future Flagship | University of Jyväskylä (jyu.fi)  

Faculty of Education and Psychology

The Faculty of Education and Psychology is a research and education unit that uses its strong traditions as a foundation for building a sustainable future. The mission of the faculty is Learning and wellbeing in building a sustainable future society. The faculty is among the top units in Finland in teacher education and psychotherapy training.

The strengths of the faculty’s internationally renowned high-quality research are learning, teaching and interaction. The faculty has five focus areas of research: Education, teaching and interventions; The psychological and neurocognitive basis of learning; Interactive and technology-enhanced learning environments; Childhood, family, interaction and wellbeing; and Wellbeing, learning and interaction at work. The faculty coordinates a number of infrastructures and networks, including the Centre for Interdisciplinary Brain Research (CIBR), the Methodology Centre for Human Sciences (IHME), the Psychotherapy Training and Research Centre, Multidisciplinary Research on Children and Families, and the Centre for Research on Learning and Teaching (CLT).

Phone:
(014) 260 1211
Email:
[email protected]

Location: Seminaarinkatu 15

Tietoa hakijalle

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Requirements

Research Field

Political sciences

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Research Field

Psychological sciences

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Research Field

Sociology

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Additional Information

Website for additional job details

https://academicpositions.com

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

22

Company/Institute

University of Jyväskylä

Country

Finland

City

Jyväskylä

Street

Seminaarinkatu 15

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://academicpositions.com/ad/university-of-jyvaskyla/2024/doctoral-educatio…

Contact

City

Jyväskylä

Website

https://www.jyu.fi/en

STATUS: EXPIRED