Vice President of Academic Partnerships

Are you interested in strengthening LUT University’s international research standing and building partnerships that support the university’s impact and growth? We are seeking an experienced leader to oversee the strategic development of LUT University's academic partnerships and research networks. The position plays a key role in strengthening LUT University's international standing in research and establishing new strategic collaborations with leading universities, research funding agencies, and companies worldwide. In this role, you will advance LUT University's research impact, competitiveness, and growth in research funding. Your work will promote the goals of the university's System Earth 2030 strategy: the regenerative use of natural resources, building resilient businesses, industry, and communities, utilising data and digital technology to benefit society, and clean energy solutions for industry and society. What you will do You will be responsible for the strategic development of LUT University's academic partnerships and research networks. You will strengthen the university’s international research standing in the long term by developing high-level partnerships and enhancing LUT’s institutional impact in international research networks. A key part of your role is to promote the growth of research funding and to create the conditions that enable the development of significant international research projects. In your work, you will identify and promote collaboration opportunities that support LUT University’s strategic priorities. You will be part of the rector’s management team and work in close collaboration with the rector, provost, and other senior management. In this role, you will influence how LUT University is positioned internationally in both research and industry collaboration and how strategic partnerships and research networks support the university’s long-term goals. You will work actively with international partners, stakeholder groups, and research networks. The role involves a significant amount of international travel and active presence in LUT University's key collaboration networks. Your role is primarily strategic, but you are also able to take strategic targets to a practical level and ensure their implementation within the organisation to strengthen international collaboration at LUT in practice. This is a new position, and you will have an opportunity to develop it. What we are looking for The ideal candidate has a relevant doctoral degree and a strong academic background. You have experience in leadership roles and a proven track record of effective strategic development. You also have extensive experience in international research collaboration and network building. We are looking for someone who can identify and develop partnerships of strategic importance to LUT University and build them over the long term at an institutional level. You have a solid understanding of European research funding and research policy, and you are comfortable working with research organisations, funding agencies, and industry partners. The role calls for excellent communication and negotiation skills and the ability to operate effectively in an international environment. You are able to build trust with a range of stakeholders and move initiatives forward in a goal-oriented way. Excellent written and spoken English is essential in our international work environment. Prior experience as a professor, proficiency in Finnish, and experience working in a multinational company are all considered advantages but are not required for success in the role. What we offer We offer you a key role in developing LUT University’s international position as a research institution. You will be able to influence strategic partnerships, research networks, and growth in research funding and work in close collaboration with university management. Your work may be based in either Lahti or Lappeenranta. The position requires on-site presence and frequent travel between the two campuses and abroad. The LUT Universities group applies a hybrid approach to work. Your monthly starting salary may range from 8,500 to 10,000 euros, depending on prior experience and expertise. In addition, you will be eligible for a management performance bonus. A six-month trial period applies. Your start date is flexible, but we are looking to fill the position as soon as possible, ideally by early 2027. In addition to interviews, our hiring process includes an aptitude assessment and reference checks as part of the final selection. Apply now and join us in strengthening LUT University's international partnerships and research networks! Interested? Please submit your application through the link below by 30 August 2026 at 23:59 Finnish local time. We will review applications on a rolling basis and fill the position as soon as we find a suitable candidate.