Join the University of Lapland’s newly established Design and Services research community and help shape the future of emerging technologies through research, teaching, and collaboration.
We are looking for an Associate Professor in Design for Emerging Technologies with expertise in areas such as immersive and spatial media (XR/VR/AR), bodily and physiological interaction, or perceptual and multisensory design. In this role you will have a chance to make an impact by designing and leading high-quality research projects, using and developing research labs and studios, coordinating the research community activities, supporting students’ learning and thesis research, and by engaging with diverse stakeholders.
The ideal candidate combines an active research record with the technical and pedagogical fluency needed to teach hands-on XR-prototyping, creative technologies, and interaction design. Candidates are expected to bring deep focus to their chosen specialization rather than covering all areas. Optimal background for the candidate combines experience in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, and user research methods.
The candidate should have a proven track record of conducting cutting-edge research and publishing in the field of design for emerging technologies, experience in applying for research funding, and working in research projects. It is recommended that the candidate´s research takes an advantage of the Faculty of Art and Design research facilities, for instance XR lab, physiological measurements, and/or fab lab.
This fixed-term five-year tenure-track position includes an evaluation for promotion to full professorship.
Join us in shaping the future!
Your duties include
- designing and leading high-quality research projects focusing on design for emerging technologies.
- conducting top-level research and actively publishing in international forums
- coordinating research community’s activities
- strengthening the community’s external funding, especially in terms of research funding
- participating in societal interaction and international cooperation
- providing research-based teaching and guidance, supporting students’ learning and thesis research, and contributing to understanding of emerging technologies at the faculty
- being an active part of an inspiring academic community.
We offer
- engagement with an inspiring research community
- interesting work tasks
- state-of-the-art research labs and studios in HCI and design
- a stable organisation to work in
- opportunities for professional development
- comprehensive occupational health care
- sports, culture, and wellness benefits
- excellent year-round hiking and outdoor opportunities afforded by the university’s location
We expect
- A relevant doctoral degree and demonstrated scientific research merits.
- Teaching skills and experience in supervising students and theses at different levels.
- The ability to conduct high-quality, internationally recognised research.
- Experience or potential in leading research activities and acquiring external research funding.
- Commitment to the continuous development of education and academic programmes.
- Willingness to participate in various institutional tasks.
- Proficiency in English language.
- For non-native Finnish speakers, willingness to achieve reasonable proficiency in Finnish within five years of appointment.
Application
The following documentation must be submitted along with the application by the end of applying date:
- The application letter, an account of noteworthy merits and activities in view of the position (max. 2 pages)
- A field-related development plan concerning research, teaching, and societal interaction (max. 3 pages)
- Curriculum Vitae according to the model of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity (TENK)
- A teaching portfolio
- A numbered list of publications according to the instructions of the Research Council of Finland
- List 10 of your most important publications with links to them. If there are no links, attach the publications as separate PDF files.
- Authenticated degrees and work certificates qualifying you for the position.
Further information
Teaching demonstration and interview: Having received the assessor statements, the selection committee appointed by the Faculty Council will decide whether to invite some of the applicants to give a demonstration lecture. At this point, the invited applicants are interviewed by the committee.
Detailed information about the duties and requirements of the position is available in the appointment plan and Tenure track career path model.
For more information about the position, please contact Director of the Design and Services research community Professor Jonna Häkkilä at firstname.lastname@ulapland.fi or, in matters concerning the recruitment process, contact Head of Administration Susanna Vuorjoki at firstname.lastname@ulapland.fi.
Workplace address: Yliopistonkatu 8, 96300 ROVANIEMI
Duration of employment: from 2.8.2027 (or as agreed)
Work hours: full-time employment
Trial period: 6 months
Salary: €5,250 - €5,770 The salary is based on the university salary system for teaching and research staff, level 7, with an additional task-specific supplement. In addition, a personal performance-based salary component is paid, amounting up to 50% of the task-specific salary component. The starting salary is approximately €5,250 - €5,770.
Apply between 20 October 2026 and 22 November 2026 23:59 (Europe/Helsinki)
Employment type: fixed-term
Lapin yliopisto
The University of Lapland is an international science and art university located in the City of Rovaniemi on the Arctic Circle. Our university creates new knowledge, skills and competence from the arctic perspective – for the North and for the world. Our fields of education and research include educational science, law, art and design, social sciences, and northern and arctic perspectives. Our strategic choices focus on global arctic responsibility, sustainable tourism, future services and governing distances.
The University of Lapland values equality and diversity within its community.