Temporary position of University teacher or University lecturer of Plant ecology

The University of Turku is an inspiring and international academic community of 25,000 students and staff in Southwest Finland. We build a sustainable future with multidisciplinary research, education, and collaboration. With us, your work will have a significant impact and relevance in the changing world.

In the Faculty of Science, the Department of Biology has a temporary position of University teacher of plant ecology or University lecturer of plant ecology open for applications for the period 1.9.2023 – 31.8. 2026.

The position is in the Department of Biology, whose research and teaching cover all biological organizational levels, from molecules to ecosystems. The Department forms a multidisciplinary, dynamic and international scientific environment and is very productive and internationally influential in the disciplines it represents. The position to be filled strengthens the teaching and research in plant ecology, environmental effects, ecological interactions and evolutionary biology.

The position can be filled either at the University teacher or at the University lecturer level, depending on the qualifications of the applicants. The eligibility criteria for the positions are defined in the rules of procedure of the University of Turku (section 33 and 36). A person hired as a University teacher is required to have a suitable higher education degree and good teaching skills. Evaluation of merits takes into account broad competence in the task area, pedagogical training, the ability to produce learning material, multifaceted teaching skills, and a teaching demonstration. A doctoral degree is considered as an advantage. The applicants are expected to outline their plans related to research or to completing postgraduate studies. For a person hired as a University lecturer, requirements include a suitable doctoral degree as well as the ability to give high-quality research-based teaching and to supervise thesis projects. Evaluation of the merits of a University lecturer takes into account scientific work, familiarity with the task field, teaching experience and pedagogical training, the ability to produce learning material, other merits achieved in teaching and a teaching demonstration. In addition, the applicant's plan for conducting research in the position is considered.

The subject of the position is plant ecology. Duties include teaching in the Biology BSc program and in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology MSc track. The teaching language is mostly Finnish at the BSc level and English at the MSc level. The University teacher/lecturer participates in the development of teaching, student supervision and the supervision and checking of BSc and MSc thesis works. A University lecturer will also participate in supervising doctoral students. Research is emphasized in the position of University lecturer. We require that a University lecturer in plant ecology has proven merits in research on the ecology of plants and/or other primary producers, community ecology, evolutionary biology, biogeography, sustainable use and/or conservation biology, and we also take into account versatile skills in ecological methodology. In addition to teaching and research, the position may include other duties of the Department and the University.

Salary

The salary of a University teacher is determined in accordance with levels 4–6 of the demand level map for teaching and research personnel of the university salary system, and the task-specific salary part is 2720,86 – 3673,96 euros per month. The salary of a University lecturer is determined according to levels 5–7 of the demand level map, and the task-specific salary part is 3150,54 – 4235,52  euros per month. In addition to the task-specific salary component, a salary component based on personal performance is paid, which is a maximum of 50% of the task-specific salary component.

The position has a six-month trial period. Possible public teaching samples will be organized in June 2023.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted no later than Thursday June 8th 2023 using the electronic application form of the University. The link to the application form can be found at the beginning of this application notice ("Fill out the application"). The application must contain the following attachments: motivation letter, CV, list of publications, academic portfolio ( Academic Portfolio | University of Turku (utu.fi) ) research plan (2–3 pages) and other documents that may affect the assessment of the application.

For more information on the position, please contact Professor Hanna Tuomisto (hanna.tuomisto(at)utu.fi). For more information on the recruitment process, please contact personnel expert Kaisa Ketomäki, kaisa.ketomaki(at)utu.fi.

We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage qualified applicants, regardless of background, to apply for our open positions.