Doctoral Researcher / Väitöskirjatutkija (Visual Studies)

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

We are looking for a Doctoral Researcher (PhD student) to work on visual studies, design and user experience related to screen interfaces. This research is part of a project funded by the Academy of Finland called Visions of the City. The position is full-time and will be filled as soon as possible for a fixed-term 12 month period. The workplace is located at the Main Campus of Tampere University, Finland.

The Visions of the City project is led by Professor Asko Lehmuskallio (Visual Studies Lab) and Doctor Markus Laine (Sustainable Urban Development). 

The hired Doctoral Researcher will also collaborate with the other academic partners related to the research project and the Visual Studies Lab. The Visual Studies Lab is part of the TARU Research Centre at the Communication Sciences Unit, Tampere University.

JOB DESCRIPTION

We are seeking a highly motivated Doctoral Researcher (PhD student) to join the Visions of the City project as well as the Visual Studies Lab to conduct research on:

The history and development of screen interfaces: Studying historical stepping stones of screen interfaces via thick timelines.

Relationships between ways of looking at screen interfaces: Studying and outlining relationships between images, media and ways of looking at screen interfaces.

Modeling of future screen interactions: Formulating a heuristic framework for screen-based interactions.

The doctoral researcher will be guided to all tasks, ideally being able to conduct their doctoral research as part of the project work. Writing high-level scientific publications is an essential part of the research. 

In addition to the research towards the doctoral dissertation, the duties of the researcher include work on the Visual Studies Lab (ca. 5%) and may include some teaching tasks (5-10%) or other small faculty tasks that support the studies.

REQUIREMENTS

• A completed master’s degree in visual studies, media studies, visual journalism, photography, or another related field.
• Ability to conduct systematic scientific research related to the use and design of screen interfaces.
• A curious mind and solid skills in critical thinking and problem solving.
• Knowledge and experience of methods of visual studies, including data collection, analysis and theorization.
• Very good communication skills in English, and ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to write research papers in high-quality peer-reviewed journals or conferences in the field of visual studies.

You need to have completed a relevant Master’s degree before the starting date of employment. 

The selected person will need to have a study right for a doctoral degree in the doctoral programme of Media, Communication and Performing Arts at Tampere University. Please visit the admissions page for the Doctoral Programme in Media, Communication and Performing Arts for more information on eligibility requirements of the doctoral programme. 

WE OFFER

The full-time position will be filled for a fixed-term period for 12 months. The planned starting date is February 1^st, 2026 or as mutually agreed by both parties. 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 Finnish University Salary System. 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 a Doctoral Researcher is approximately 2700 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. The Visual Studies Lab is part of the TARU research community, one of the largest in Europe focusing broadly on questions of media and communications. We value interdisciplinarity, as it allows new perspectives and ideas to solve research problems and pursue novel research findings in visual technologies. 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 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.  

Tampere is one of the major academic hubs in the Nordic countries and offers a dynamic living environment. Tampere region is one of Finland´s three most rapidly growing urban areas 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. 

Read more about Finland and Tampere: 

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

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is Tuesday, January 28^th, 2026 (23:59:00 EET / UTC +2). Please write your application and all the accompanying documentation in English and attach them in PDF format.

Please attach only the following documents to your application: 

• Curriculum vitae according to the TENK template, max 2 pages.
• Free-form application letter including 1) a brief statement of how you meet the criteria for this position, and 2) description of your research interests. This letter should be max. 2 pages long, font 12.
• PDF copies of your Master’s and Bachelor’s degree certificates, including transcripts of all university records (in Finnish or English).
• Other relevant documents that support your application, e.g. your Master’s thesis, the most relevant publications regarding the call (max. 2), or a list of referees

For more information, please contact:

Professor Asko Lehmuskallio, asko.lehmuskallio@tuni.fi

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Tampereen yliopisto ja Tampereen ammattikorkeakoulu muodostavat yhdessä Suomen toiseksi suurimman monitieteisen, innostavan ja vaikuttavan tutkimus- ja oppimisyhteisön. Korkeakouluyhteisömme osaamiskärjet ovat tekniikka, terveys ja yhteiskunta. Lue lisää: www.tuni.fi

Tampereen yliopistossa on haettavana Väitöskirjatutkija, alana visuaalinen tutkimus. 

HAKUOHJEET

Lue tarkemmat tiedot tehtävästä ja hakuohjeet yllä olevasta englanninkielisestä ilmoituksesta.

Jätäthän hakemuksesi yliopiston sähköisellä hakulomakkeella (linkki löytyy tämän ilmoituksen alta).

 Hakuaika tehtävään päättyy 28.1.2026, klo 23:59:00.

Tagged as: Research, development & R&D