Assistant or Associate Professor (Tenure Track, levels 1 and 2) of Social Work
- Location Rovaniemi
Posted 09.03.2026, 13:19 - Closes 09.04.2026, 23:19
Assistant or Associate Professor (Tenure Track, levels 1 and 2) of Social Work
The Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Lapland is looking for a fixed-term Assistant or Associate Professor (Tenure Track, levels 1 and 2) of Social Work specialising in knowledge formation, information systems, and AI in social work.
The position falls under the subject of social work in the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Lapland that offers a multidisciplinary and dynamic work environment. The Faculty of Social Sciences offers nationally prominent major and minor subjects in various areas of social sciences. We provide first-rate social-scientific education in altogether seven majors. In addition to collaboration within the faculty, the subject of social work also strengthens its education and research through active collaboration with the Faculties of Education, Law, and Art and Design within the university.
Your duties include
The position adheres to research-based social work. The research carried out by the associate professor focuses on matters related to knowledge formation, information systems, and artificial intelligence in social work. AI and other digital technologies are significantly transforming professional practices, documentation, knowledge formation, information management, and management by knowledge in social work. They also affect the organisation of social work as part of the social and healthcare service system. This brings forth challenges relating to rights, ethics, and values that call for critical investigation and the strengthening of the research frame of social work in interdisciplinary and international cooperation.
The assistant/associate professor is to supervise and lead academic research, follow field-related scientific development, and participate in researcher networks and research-based societal and international interaction. The assistant/associate professors duties involve active cooperation with our other faculties, development of field-related international collaboration networks in the areas of education and research, and participation in the teaching, planning and administration of the degree programme.
The position requires regular attendance at the university, and it can be filled according to Tenure Track level 1 or 2, depending on the candidates merits and career stage.
We offer
– interesting tasks
– a stable organisation to work in
– modern equipment
– opportunities for professional development
– support from a team of experts
– comprehensive occupational health services
– physical exercise, cultural, and well-being benefits.
We expect
We expect relevant demonstrations of knowledge formation and the use of information systems and artificial intelligence within social work.
In assessing the candidates merits, the following are considered: the candidates position-related scientific publications and other research results with scientific value; teaching experience and pedagogical training; skill in creating learning materials; achievement in education; performance in a teaching demonstration, where necessary; and supervised theses. In addition, the following are considered: successful acquisition of supplementary research funding; experience in societal interaction; active participation within the research community; and international academic duties and positions.
The position requires a relevant doctoral degree and at least master-level studies in social work. The position also requires proficiency in the English language and either proficiency in Finnish or a strong motivation to learn Finnish. As for a foreign applicant or a Finnish citizen who is not a native speaker, reasonable proficiency in Finnish may be required within five years.
According to Section 30 of the University of Laplands Rules of Procedure, the criteria and evaluation procedure for the positions of Assistant Professor and Associate Professor (level 1: Assistant Professor; level 2: Associate Professor) filled through open application are defined in the Tenure Track career path model approved by the Board.
In addition, the following merits are considered:
– university pedagogy studies, teachers pedagogical studies, or other pedagogical merits
– evidence of multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary research collaboration in the national or international academic community
Application
The following documentation must be submitted along with the application:
– Curriculum Vitae according to the [model of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity](https://tenk.fi/en/advice-and-materials/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae) (TENK)
– List of publications according to the [guidelines of the Research Council of Finland](https://www.aka.fi/en/research-funding/apply-for-funding/how-to-apply-for-funding/az-index-of-application-guidelines2/list-of-publications/)
– [Teaching portfolio](https://lucit.sharepoint.com/sites/Julkisettiedostot/Lapin%20yliopiston%20julkiset%20tiedostot/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FJulkisettiedostot%2FLapin%20yliopiston%20julkiset%20tiedostot%2FHenkil%C3%B6st%C3%B6palvelut%2FInstructions%20for%20the%20teaching%20portfolio%2Epdf&parent=%2Fsites%2FJulkisettiedostot%2FLapin%20yliopiston%20julkiset%20tiedostot%2FHenkil%C3%B6st%C3%B6palvelut&p=true&ga=1) containing a development plan concerning future activity
– Description of the applicants research profile and the development plans relation to the field of the position to be filled (social work, especially knowledge formation, information systems, and AI in social work).
– List of up to 10 publications according to the [guidelines of the Research Council of Finland](https://www.aka.fi/en/research-funding/apply-for-funding/how-to-apply-for-funding/az-index-of-application-guidelines2/list-of-publications/) through which you demonstrate your merits and eligibility regarding the position. Add links to the publications. If the publications are not available online, add them as separate PDF files.
Further information on the position
Personal level-specific progress criteria are drawn up for an appointee selected according to Tenure Track level 1 or 2. The progress criteria are recorded and they create a basis for the Tenure Track evaluation process and the associated evaluations. The duration of Tenure Track positions is five years. After an evaluation, it is possible to proceed to the next level. There is one evaluation round per each
Lapin yliopisto
The University of Lapland is an international science and art university located in the City of Rovaniemi on the Arctic Circle. Our university creates new knowledge, skills and competence from the arctic perspective – for the North and for the world. Our fields of education and research include educational science, law, art and design, social sciences, and northern and arctic perspectives. Our strategic choices focus on global arctic responsibility, sustainable tourism, future services and governing distances.