2 Senior Lecturers in Sport Pedagogy

The Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences is seeking to recruit two (2) Senior Lecturers in Sport Pedagogy starting 1st September 2025 or as agreed. The positions are in effect until further notice. One of the positions focuses on expertise in motor learning and basic motor skills, and the other on a broad expertise in sport pedagogy and physical education didactics.

In Finland, education and research in sport sciences is concentrated in the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences at the University of Jyväskylä. The faculty has two branches of study, Sport and Health Sciences. Physical activity and health, and their association and promotion are examined from a multidisciplinary perspective, with the aim of increasing health, functional capacity and well-being at different stages of the life cycle. The Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences is a key player in the following strategic core fields of research in the University of Jyväskylä: Physical activity, health and well-being, as well as Learning, teaching, and interaction.

The Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences has been assigned a specific national task for physical education teacher training. Sport pedagogy is a scientific discipline that combines the phenomena of physical activity and education. Sport pedagogy explores the teaching and learning of physical activity, physical education, and physical behaviour, along with the factors that shape and influence them. Research in sport pedagogy includes for example motor learning, physical education teacher education, curriculum design, teaching and assessment. Research in sport pedagogy also focuses on the promotion of physical activity, holistic development and well-being, and a physically active lifestyle, particularly in childhood and adolescence.

The duties of the Senior Lecturer in Sport Pedagogy include teaching and supervising theses in the field of sport pedagogy, as well as research in the field together with other teachers and researchers in the faculty. The Senior Lecturer also participates in the joint teaching of Sport and Health sciences students in the faculty and is involved in the planning and implementation of national courses in sport pedagogy as part of the teacher education network.

Cross-disciplinary cooperation and research-based teaching experiments are seen as an important part of the work. The aim is to further increase cooperation in sport pedagogy education and research, both within the faculty, and nationally and internationally. The Senior Lecturer is expected to strengthen teaching and research in the field of sport pedagogy.

Applicants for the Senior Lecturer position are required to have a relevant doctoral degree, evidence of independent scientific research, the ability to provide high-quality research-based teaching and to supervise theses and have practical knowledge of the field. For the current two positions, we also expect the applicants to possess extensive knowledge and teaching experience in sport pedagogy and didactics. This includes consideration for diverse learners and various sport environments, as well as a comprehensive understanding of key phenomena in sport pedagogy. Experience in applying for and acquiring complementary external funding, experience in supervising theses and working in networks relevant to the field, are considered as an advantage for the applicant.

The duties and qualification requirements of Senior Lecturer are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines. Good proficiency in English and the ability to teach in English will be considered an advantage for the applicant. A trial period of six months will be used in the beginning of the employment.

At the University of Jyväskylä, you are a recognized member of our community with a unique opportunity to influence international research. You get to participate in our international and multidisciplinary community where the welfare of each individual is important. At the University of Jyväskylä, we offer a great and lively campus area with opportunities to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.

Finland has a high standard of living, with free schooling (also in English), affordable childcare, good family benefits, and healthcare. Jyväskylä is located in central Finland in the Finnish lakeland and has excellent opportunities for different nature, outdoor, and sports activities. The city of Jyväskylä is a major educational center and the city has a large student population. As such there is a vibrant cultural scene in the city.

The salary for a Senior Lecturer is determined based on the task-specific demand level OV6 of the university salary system for teaching and research staff. The salary range will be approximately 4100-4700 €/month (gross income), depending on the qualifications and experience of the applicant.

Please make sure that your ORCID-profile (https://orcid.org) works: your publications are listed and public (Set visibility: Everyone). You cannot apply to this job without an ORCID profile.

The application documents that should be included in English and in PDF format:

1. A short and free-form motivation/cover letter (max 2 pages)
2. A numbered list of all scientific publications and other publications showing the applicant's ability and merits for the position using the guidelines of the Research Council of Finland.
3. A maximum of five publications, which must be numbered according to the list of publications (as one PDF file) or a PDF file with public links to the 5 chosen publications.
4. Research plan describing plans for the development of the field in terms of research, teaching and societal interaction (maximum 3 pages).
5. A teaching portfolio prepared according to the guidelines, i.e., a written description of pedagogical training and teaching merits.

Kindly submit your application using the online application form by 14th April 2025. Applications sent via email are not considered.

Our application process is transparent, professional and international. We communicate openly with the applicants throughout the recruitment process. All appointment decisions are based on careful consideration within the faculty as well as reviews by external experts. We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage qualified applicants, regardless of background, to apply for this position.

A personal security clearance may be conducted on the selected candidate with their consent (Security Clearance Act 726/2014). More information about the security clearance process and the rights of the subject can be found here.

At the University of Jyväskylä, everyone can find their place in the human-centered environment of 2,600 experts and 14,700 students. Our goal is to create wisdom and wellbeing for us all. It is essential that each member of the community thrives and has opportunities to develop and grow. We cherish openness of thinking as well as the balance between research and education. Our naturally beautiful campus is located at the heart of the city of Jyväskylä. JYU is the third largest employer in Central Finland.

Education and research in sport sciences in Finland are concentrated at the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences of the University of Jyväskylä. There are two main lines of study at the Faculty: Sport Sciences and Health Sciences. Links between physical activity and health as well as promotion of exercise and health are viewed from a multidisciplinary perspective with the improvement of health, functional ability, and wellbeing across the human lifespan as the key aim.