Associate Professor of Literature

The Department of Music, Art and Culture Studies is seeking to recruit an Associate Professor (Tenure Track) in literature starting 2 August 2027, or as soon as possible after that. The position is fixed-term for five years. At the end of the five-year term, an evaluation will be conducted to assess the progress of the Associate Professor and the potential promotion to the next career stage (Full Professor) in accordance with the University of Jyväskylä’s tenure track policy. The goal of the tenure track is to advance to a permanent professorship. The position of associate professor of Literature is located in the Department of Music, Art and Culture Studies, and its research and teaching contributions are focused particularly on the degree programme in Literature. The research focus areas of the department include Heritage, Environments and Time; Belonging, Crises and Societal Change; Mind, Body and Emotions; Games and Digitality; and Well-being and Art Therapies. Literary studies focus, for example, on ethical and political questions concerning difference, diversity, otherness, and power in culture, as well as on experimental literature. At the University of Jyväskylä, literature is examined in relation to and as part of other arts, media, culture, and society, an approach that is naturally realized through the university’s multi- and interdisciplinary research networks and communities. Research and teaching in literary studies focus on both Finnish and comparative literature, with a particular emphasis on contemporary literature and culture. Who should apply The associate professor is responsible for teaching literature at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels, as well as supervising undergraduate and graduate students' studies and theses. The associate professor's duties include curriculum development and participation in administrative tasks. The primary objective of the associate professor position is to promote high-level scientific research in literature, develop teaching and graduate education through their own scholarly work and to actively seek external research funding to supplement the department’s resources. The associate professor to be appointed to this position is also expected to participate in scholarly discussions in their field, both nationally and internationally. Successful performance of the duties requires strong theoretical and methodological expertise, national and international networking and experience of working in research projects. An orientation toward comparative literature and experience in societal interaction is considered an advantage in carrying out the duties of the position. The duties and qualification requirements of an associate professor are stipulated in the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines. Candidates are required to hold a relevant doctoral degree, demonstrate a strong track record in scientific research and the ability to establish international networks, possess the skills to provide high-quality research-based teaching and thesis supervision, and show potential for appointment as a (full) professor. The position requires proficiency in Finnish and English, and the ability to teach in English is considered an asset. Please see the general requirements for appointing an Associate Professor (tenure track). The qualification requirements should be met before this call for applicants ends. At the beginning of employment there is a trial period of six months.