University Instructor in English
The Language Centre at the University of Helsinki is inviting applications for a permanent position of
University Instructor in English
This teaching position will focus on teaching academic and professional English to students of the University of Helsinki on its various campuses.
About the post
The post will primarily involve teaching academic and professional communication English to bachelor’s students as part of their degree requirements. In addition, some teaching might be targeted at master’s or doctoral students, or at Open University students. The appointee will develop courses and teaching methods for contact, blended and online teaching, using a research-based orientation and in collaboration with colleagues. In addition, the post may involve developing and offering other types of language support. Administrative duties related to teaching and participation in the joint development activities of the Language Centre will also form part of the role.
The position will be filled from 1.1.2026. There is a six-month trial period for the position.
The person we are looking for
In this position, the appointee should be an experienced teacher of English as a foreign language, with experience in teaching students from various linguistic backgrounds at a high pedagogical level in university language centres or similar higher education institutions. The person selected for the post of University Instructor is required to have a master’s degree and pedagogical training, as well as good overall teaching skills.
In the recruitment process, the following are particularly appreciated:
- the ability to produce tailored study materials
- the ability to apply various teaching methodologies to diverse groups of learners
- knowledge in a wide range of subject areas and
- relevant experience in teaching academic and professional English.
To successfully attend to the duties of this teaching position, the appointee should also be cooperative, flexible and interested in professional development and active participation in the Language Centre’s activities. The Language Centre offers teaching throughout the year, and courses may be held in the morning, afternoon or early evening.
According to the University Decree, university instructors must be fluent in the Finnish language. In addition, university instructors should be proficient in Swedish. However, foreign citizens, non-native Finnish citizens or citizens who have not been educated in the Finnish or Swedish language may be exempted from this requirement without a separate application. Nevertheless, the ability to use Finnish will be considered an asset.
Why us?
The University of Helsinki Language Centre is the largest language training institute in Finland and a multilingual and multicultural working community. The Language Centre provides the communication and language studies included in the bachelor’s and master’s degrees of the University of Helsinki, as well as graduate communication support in the Doctoral School. It also offers the university community a wide range of services related to language and communication. Language courses and other services are designed and implemented in collaboration with the University's departments and their staff. (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/language-centre)
The salary of the position is based on the salary system for the teaching and research staff at Finnish universities. The salary consists of salary elements related to the job requirements and personal performance. For this position, the job requirement level is 5 and the starting salary will be between €3500–3900 per month.
The university takes care of staff well-being through flexible work arrangements, comprehensive occupational health care and wide-ranging, low-cost UniSport services. Professional development is supported in different ways, e.g., by offering mentoring and versatile staff training.
Interested?
Applications must be submitted through the University of Helsinki electronic recruitment system by clicking on the Apply Now link below. Current employees of the University of Helsinki must submit their applications through SAP Fiori’s Suffeli recruitment portal.
Applications submitted in the electronic recruitment system must be in English and include:
- a cover letter (max. one page),
- a CV, according to the CV model created by The Finnish National Board on Research Integrity (TENK)
- answers to some questions presented in the system regarding, for example, the training, experience and teaching philosophy of the applicant.
- documents that demonstrate the applicant’s education and qualifications.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview and asked to give a demonstration of their teaching. The interviews and teaching demonstrations will be conducted remotely.
The University of Helsinki welcomes applications from a diverse range of genders, linguistic and cultural backgrounds and minorities. We look forward to receiving your application via our recruitment system by Monday 6 October.
Further information
If you have any questions, please contact Roy Siddall, co-head of the English unit, tel. + 358 504480529, roy.siddall@helsinki.fi
For questions about the recruitment process or the recruitment system please contact HR, hr-erla[at]helsinki.fi
The Language Centre
The University of Helsinki Language Centre is the largest language training institute in Finland and a multilingual and multicultural working community. The Language Centre provides the communication and language studies included in the bachelor’s and master’s degrees of the University of Helsinki. In addition, it provides graduate communication support in the Doctoral School on a full-time basis. It also offers the university community a wide range of services related to language and communication. Language courses and other services are designed and implemented in collaboration with the University's departments and their staff.