The TurkuNLP research group and the Turku Research Institute for Learning Analytics (TRILA) at the University of Turku, Finland, invite applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Researcher position in computational methods in language learning, working at the interface of language learning and natural language processing. The position is funded by the Finnish Strategic Research Council as part of the DALAI-FIN research project. The fixed-term employment starts in September 2026 at the earliest (or by mutual agreement), and ends 30.9.2028.
Job description
The DALAI-FIN research project focuses on developing learning technology for adult learners of Finnish. It is jointly hosted by TurkuNLP and TRILA. TurkuNLP is a research environment of nearly 40 researchers at all career stages, spanning a broad range of topics from methodological NLP to digital language studies and the humanities. It offers excellent opportunities for collaboration, as well as access to substantial compute resources on the national supercomputing infrastructure. TRILA is a research institution of 40 researchers dedicated to studying and developing digital teaching and learning analytics methods. Through its ViLLE learning platform, used in schools across Finland, TRILA provides unique access to both teachers and learners, including the ability to organize interventions and study cohorts. Together, these two well-established research centres, set within the broader context of the funding project, offer a rare chance to carry out exciting research with real participants at the meeting point of language technology and language learning.
As a Postdoctoral Researcher you are expected to be keen to contribute to our ongoing work on controlled generation for language learning. We are especially interested in strengthening the connection between controlled language generation methodology on one side, and the actual learning environment and reality of language learning on the other. This means not only bringing language generation methods into the learning process, but also letting the needs of that process shape the generation technology itself.
The precise research questions and methods will be shaped by the candidate's own expertise and interests. Possible directions include, but are not limited to:
- AI-driven generation of new kinds of personalized learning tasks, with a focus on the tasks themselves, their role in the learning process, and teachers' ability to control their pedagogical purpose
- Generation of reading material tailored to individual learner needs, again with attention to the role of that material in the learning process
- Methods aimed at producing materials that are both pedagogically effective and genuinely well received by learners
- Controlled intervention studies applying the above methods with second language learners and/or students in upper secondary education
Who we are looking for
Requirements
We welcome candidates with background relevant to the research stated above, complementing our present technical research in controlled language generation. This may mean a background in language technology with interest towards language learning applications, but equally welcome are candidates with background in language learning and learning analytics who have the necessary technical skills in NLP applications to carry out the research.
The successful candidate is expected to have:
- A doctoral degree in fields relevant to NLP and language learning / learning analytics (applicants with a nearly-completed doctoral degree can also be considered, see below)
- Sufficient technical skills with modern NLP methods to carry out independent research
- Good skills in English (written and spoken).
- The ability to work independently while also contributing to the activities of the broader research group
The following will be considered an advantage:
- Knowledge of Finnish is a distinct advantage, given the target language of the learners. Lack of Finnish knowledge can be outweighed by excellence in the research domain
- Experience of developing digital language learning material
Qualification requirements
The eligibility criteria for prospective applicants are defined in the University of Turku's Rules of Procedure: university-of-turku-rules-of-procedure.pdf
A person selected for the post of postdoctoral researcher is required to have a doctoral degree and the ability to conduct independent scientific work as well as having the necessary teaching skills.
We primarily seek to recruit a Postdoctoral Researcher. However, in well justified cases, applicants who have completed almost all doctoral studies required for a PhD in a relevant field may also be considered. In such cases, the job title at the start of the employment will be Project Researcher and salary will be in the beginning on average 3100–3300 euros/month, depending on previous experience and skills. A person selected for the post of Project researcher is required to have a higher university degree (MSc or equivalent), a copy of which must be attached as an annex to the application. When assessing the merits of the applicants, special emphasis will be placed on competence and practical expertise in the field in question.
We value collegiality and promote equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We encourage all qualified applicants with different backgrounds to apply for our open positions.
Benefits
We Offer:
- A two-year fully funded position (if able to start by October 2026) in an internationally recognized research environment.
- Opportunities to publish in top-tier journals and flagship conferences.
- Training courses for academic researchers, e.g., proposal writing, scientific writing, project development, teaching qualification.
- A vibrant, international, and supportive research community.
We offer you responsible and interesting tasks and the opportunity to develop your professional skills in a versatile operating environment. You get a professional and inspiring team to support your work. We take care of your well-being at work and the functionality of your everyday life, e.g. with the help of flexible working hours and our well-being services.
Please read more about University of Turku as an employer from our Come work with us! pages.
The European Commission has awarded the University of Turku the right to use the HR Excellence in Research quality label. The label is a token of the University's commitment to continuous development of the position and working conditions of researchers according to the guidelines set forth in the European Charter for Researchers.
The university offers good support and orientation for international hires. Please learn more about the Finnish culture and relocation to Finland:
The University of Turku is among the top of the world’s universities in most rankings and among the best universities in the world in certain fields. Our high-quality basic research, a multidisciplinary research profile and close cooperation in research infrastructures creates the basis for international top research. Read more about University of Turku in international university rankings.
The University of Turku has several high-quality research infrastructures required for cutting-edge research. Learn more about the roadmap of research infrastructures and how the research infrastructure and expert teams offer tailored solutions for businesses and organizations.
Salary and trial period
The salary is determined in accordance with the university salary system for teaching and research personnel and will depend on the degree and qualifications of the applicant.
For a postdoctoral researcher (OV5-OV6), the salary will be in the beginning of the employment on average 3700-4600 euros/month, depending on previous experience and skills.
The amount of the salary is defined when the employment contract is prepared.
A six (6) month trial period applies to the position.
How to apply
Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is 17 August 2026 at 16.00 (Europe/Helsinki).
Your application must include the followings:
- A motivation letter (approx. 1 page), summarizing the applicant’s most relevant scientific work, own contributions, and research interests in the area of the position
- An academic CV, including education, positions, professional experience, as well as names and contact details of two academic referees
- A list of publications
- Copy of PhD degree certificate with translation in English or in Finnish
- Any other documents that may be relevant to the filling of the position (Attach as “Other attachment” in the portal)
Further information
Home pages of the research groups: https://turkunlp.org/ and TRILA - Turku Research Institute for Learning Analytics
For further information about the position, please contact: Professor Filip Ginter ([email protected]) and Professor Mikko-Jussi Laakso ([email protected]).
With questions about the application process, please contact: HR Specialist Nina Reini, ([email protected]).
University of Turku reserves the right for justified reasons to leave the position open, to extend the application period, reopen the application process, and to consider candidates who have not submitted applications during the application period.
