Doctoral Researcher in Early Childhood Education

The Faculty of Educational Sciences is seeking a DOCTORAL RESEARCHER for the period 1 January 2027–31 March 2030. The full-time position is located in the Department of Education. Have you just started your doctoral studies, or are you considering applying for the right to study? Are you interested in participation and children’s rights in early childhood education? Would you like to become a doctoral researcher in the DELUDE research project and write your doctoral dissertation within the project? About the research project and the position In the DELUDE project (Participation, Exploratory Approaches and Democracy), we are interested in how children’s participation can be developed through different kinds of exploratory approaches in early childhood education. The project uses practice-oriented research in collaboration with staff and child groups at daycare centres. The doctoral researcher’s duties include working on a doctoral dissertation within the project’s themes, using data collected by the DELUDE project, and participating in project activities and collaboration with project partners. The position also includes teaching, amounting to no more than 5% of annual working time. The position begins on 1 January 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter by agreement. The start date also depends on whether the applicant has the right to pursue research studies in the University of Helsinki’s Doctoral Programme in Education, Schooling and Learning. If the applicant has not been admitted to doctoral studies by the turn of the year, the appointment may begin as a project planner. Eligibility and selection criteria We expect you to: Have a master’s degree (or be at the very final stage of completing it) in education, psychology, sociology or another relevant field. Have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki, or be prepared to apply for and obtain this right within the six-month probationary period from the start of employment. Be able to write academic text in Swedish and English, and be prepared to use and develop different kinds of research methods. Have good IT skills. Have good organisational and planning skills and good time-management skills. Have good communication skills. Eligibility to work as an early childhood education teacher and/or varied experience in early childhood education is a significant merit. The doctoral researcher does not need to have the right to pursue doctoral studies at the University of Helsinki when the employment begins, but must apply for and be granted the right during the probationary period. The position has a six-month probationary period. More information is available on our website. We offer We offer the opportunity to work in an inspiring and innovative project. The salary is based on requirement level 2 in the salary system for university teaching and research staff. An individual performance-based salary component is also paid. At the beginning of employment, the gross salary is approximately €2,700 per month (requirement level 2). The Faculty of Educational Sciences is a dynamic, inspiring and international working environment with high-quality research and teaching infrastructure. We encourage our staff to pursue ethical, bold and creative research and teaching, and to engage with society. The employee is supported by faculty colleagues and campus administrative and technical staff. The University of Helsinki offers its staff occupational health care, sports services, opportunities for professional development, a first-class research and teaching environment, and opportunities for international collaboration. Read more here about working at our university. Application instructions Submit your application and attachments through the University of Helsinki’s electronic application system using the link below. Applicants employed by the University of Helsinki should submit their applications through SAP Fiori. All application documents must be submitted as a single PDF file named as follows: surname_doktorand_DELUDE. Attach the PDF to the position you are applying for in the recruitment system. Include: A free-form application (for example, describe your research interests and motivation for applying; maximum one page). Your CV and any publications. A short plan (maximum 600 words) explaining how you would like to approach children’s participation in early childhood education as a starting point for your research plan. Copies of degree certificates and transcripts (and official translations, if needed). The names and contact details of two referees. The University of Helsinki is committed to promoting equality and equal treatment and preventing discrimination in all its activities. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds. The application deadline is 19 November 2026. Further information For further information about the position and working environment, contact University Lecturer Jan-Erik Mansikka (jan-erik.mansikka(at)helsinki.fi). For further information about the recruitment process and technical assistance with the electronic recruitment service, contact HR Specialist Hector Nystedt (recruitment(at)helsinki.fi). The internationally recognised and highly successful Faculty of Educational Sciences at the University of Helsinki is Finland’s leading unit for research and teaching in education and teacher training. The faculty conducts research on human growth, development and learning. More information about working at the University of Helsinki is available on our website.