Academic career paths
We offer researchers and teachers an inspiring and people-oriented working environment, a clear career path, and a genuine opportunity to make an impact – both in science and in society. Our multidisciplinary and international community, modern seaside campus, and strategic focus areas support and promote impactful research, high-quality teaching, and meaningful collaboration.
Our career model for teaching and research staff offers a wide range of opportunities to grow and succeed in academia. Whether your passion lies in research, teaching, or a combination of both, we support your professional development through three clearly defined career paths:
- Academic Tenure Track - a structured path leading to a professorship through merit-based evaluations
- Teaching Excellence Track - teaching roles dedicated to shaping the next generation of thinkers
- Research, Development & Innovation Track - research & project tasks driving innovation
Our flexible model allows you to focus on either teaching or research — or shift your orientation as your career evolves.
Research-focused careers
In the first career stage, research is carried out as a Doctoral Researcher or a Project Researcher. Read more about doctoral education. The next stage can be as a Researcher or Postdoctoral Researcher. This stage is designed to deepen your research and academic skills and prepare you for future roles on either the research or teaching track.
Our tenure track positions are primarily filled through open applications at the Assistant Professor or Associate Professor level. Through successful evaluations, you can advance to the position of Professor. Read more about our Tenure Track.
Alternatively, progression can be to the positions of Senior Researcher and further to Research Director.
Teaching-focused careers
Our teaching-focused path includes the following roles:
- University Teacher
- University Lecturer (Doctoral degree required)
- Senior University Lecturer (Doctoral degree required; typically filled through internal assessment)
The main tasks of the teaching faculty include high-quality teaching and supervision related to their own field. The responsibility for developing and leading teaching increases as you progress on the career path.
Other Academic Opportunities
The University of Vaasa offers several ways to integrate expertise from working life and research into our academic community.
Professor of Practice
A Professor of Practice may be invited to the university if they hold a doctoral degree or have achieved particularly significant merits and leadership experience outside the academic community. The position may also be granted to internationally recognized individuals with significant societal impact. Professors of Practice bring a practical perspective to teaching and research and strengthen the university’s societal impact.
Visiting Professors, Researchers, and Teachers
A Visiting Professor is typically a professor invited from another university to the University of Vaasa. They are influential figures in the university’s key fields and contribute to research, teaching, societal interaction, and international collaboration.
We also welcome visiting researchers and teachers to be part of our academic community. If you are interested in a visit, please contact the relevant academic unit directly for more information.
Title of Docent
The title of Docent is awarded in recognition of a person’s scientific and teaching merits. It may be granted to individuals with in-depth knowledge of their field, demonstrated ability for independent research through publications or other means, and good teaching skills. Detailed instructions for applying for the title of Docent
Executive in Residence & University of Vaasa Fellow
Through these invited positions, the university engages experts and leaders esteemed for their societal contributions, thereby advancing teaching, research, and collaborative networks in a practical and impactful way.