Apply for the Project Researcher Doctoral Researcher at University of Turku Finland. Study bilingualism, language processing, brain and cognition.
RSHIP ARTICLE
Project Researcher/Doctoral Researcher at University of Turku, Finland
The Project Researcher/Doctoral Researcher position at the University of Turku offers an opportunity to conduct research on bilingual language use, language switching, executive functions and associated changes in brain structure and function.
The position is based in the Department of Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology, Faculty of Social Sciences, at the University of Turku, Finland. The Research Council of Finland-funded project is led by Professor Minna Lehtonen and involves international collaboration, including collaboration with the University of Barcelona.
The employment period is scheduled from 1 January 2027 to 31 August 2030, with the start date on 1 January 2027 or as agreed.
Scholarship Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| University | University of Turku |
| Country | Finland |
| Department | Department of Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences |
| Position | Project Researcher / Doctoral Researcher |
| Research Area | Psycholinguistics, Cognitive Neuroscience, Bilingualism |
| Location | Turku, Finland |
| Employment Period | 1 January 2027 – 31 August 2030 |
| Expected Duration | Up to approximately 3 years 8 months |
| Salary | Approximately €2,565–€3,460/month |
| Trial Period | 6 months |
| Application Opens | 18 September 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 16 October 2026 at 16:00 Helsinki time |
| Target Degree | PhD |
| Application Method | University of Turku online recruitment system |
The project is funded by the Research Council of Finland and is supervised by Professor Minna Lehtonen and Postdoctoral Researcher Sini Hämäläinen.
Research Project
The research project examines the relationship between bilingual language use, language switching and executive functions.
One of the central questions is whether the role of executive functions changes as language proficiency develops and how language learning may influence brain structure and function.
The project also investigates whether bilingualism or second-language learning may have cognitive or brain-health effects beyond improvements in language proficiency.
The research includes international collaboration, including collaboration with the University of Barcelona.
What Will the Doctoral Researcher Do?
The selected researcher will investigate the automatization of foreign-language use and the functional and structural brain changes associated with these processes.
The project uses several research methods, including:
- Behavioural research methods
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)
- Statistical analysis
- Research data processing
The researcher will participate in:
- Study design
- Data collection
- Data analysis
- Scientific reporting
- Research publication
- Doctoral dissertation work
The position provides an opportunity to gain experience across psycholinguistics, cognitive psychology and neuroscience.
Eligibility Criteria
The position is intended for an early-career researcher who has not yet completed a doctoral degree.
Applicants must hold a relevant Master’s degree, with examples including:
- Psychology
- Speech-language pathology
- Cognitive neuroscience
- Other closely related fields
The eligibility requirements must be fulfilled by the end of the application period.
Doctoral Researcher Requirement
Applicants applying specifically for the Doctoral Researcher position must have the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Turku.
They must also have a research plan for a doctoral dissertation that aligns with the research project’s topic.
If the selected applicant does not have doctoral-study rights at the University of Turku by the end of the application period, the position will initially be filled as a Project Researcher. The selected person will then be expected to apply for the right to pursue doctoral studies during the next available application round.
In exceptional cases, applicants who have completed nearly all studies required for a relevant Master’s degree may also be considered. In such cases, the initial job title will be Research Assistant.
Required Research Skills
The successful candidate is expected to have experience in, or a strong interest in:
- Language processing
- Cognitive neuroscience
- Bilingualism
- Statistical analysis
- Research data processing
Knowledge of TMS and MRI/DTI research methods is desirable, although candidates who are willing to acquire this expertise may also be considered.
Applicants should be able to work independently as well as collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research team.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills are also expected.
Programming and Finnish Language Skills
Programming and data-analysis skills are considered an advantage.
Examples specifically mentioned in the vacancy include:
- R
- Python
- Equivalent programming/data-analysis tools
Good written and spoken Finnish skills are also considered advantageous.
English Language Requirements
Excellent written and spoken English skills are required.
The vacancy does not specify a minimum IELTS, TOEFL or other English-language test score.
IELTS requirement: Not specified.
Applicants should therefore refer to the official University of Turku requirements if formal proof of English proficiency is needed.
Location and Residency Requirement
The primary workplace is Turku, Finland.
The selected candidate must reside in Finland for the duration of the employment.
The University of Turku also provides information and support for international employees, including resources relating to Finnish culture and relocation to Finland.
Salary and Benefits
The salary follows the collective agreement system for Finnish universities.
The position belongs to the teaching and research personnel category.
The pre-estimated salary is approximately:
€2,565–€3,460 per month
The exact salary will depend on the candidate’s competence and research experience and will be determined when the employment contract is prepared.
If the successful applicant initially starts as a Research Assistant, the average starting salary is approximately €2,460 per month, depending on competence and experience.
The position includes a six-month trial period.
Other Benefits
The University of Turku offers:
- Flexible working hours
- Well-being services
- Professional development opportunities
- Supportive research environment
- Support and orientation for international hires
- Occupational and employee support services
- Access to university research infrastructure
The university also holds the HR Excellence in Research recognition from the European Commission.
Available Research Areas
The project sits at the intersection of several research disciplines.
Psycholinguistics
Research into language processing and how language use becomes increasingly automated.
Cognitive Neuroscience
Investigation of relationships between language learning, executive functions and brain structure and function.
Bilingualism
Research into bilingual language use and language switching.
Neuroscience
Use of brain research methods including MRI, DTI and TMS.
Experimental Psychology
Behavioural methods will be used to investigate language use and cognitive processes.
Research Infrastructure
The Department of Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology conducts research and education in psychology and speech-language pathology.
Its location within the Faculty of Social Sciences and proximity to Turku University Central Hospital supports interdisciplinary scientific activities.
The University of Turku also provides research infrastructure supporting high-level research across multiple disciplines.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit their application through the University’s online recruitment system.
The required documents include:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- List of publications, if applicable
- Motivation letter – one page is sufficient
- Other relevant documents that may influence the selection decision
All required documents should be attached to the application. The university states that the appendices are essential for evaluating applications and should follow the relevant faculty guidelines.
Application Deadline
The application period runs from 18 September 2026 until:
16 October 2026 at 16:00 Helsinki time
The vacancy specifies the deadline as Europe/Helsinki time.
Applicants should submit their complete application before the deadline.
Candidates selected for interview are expected to be notified in week 43, with interviews planned for week 45.
How to Apply
Applicants should submit their application through the University of Turku online recruitment system.
Before applying, prepare:
1. Academic CV
Include your education, research experience, relevant skills and academic achievements.
2. Publication List
Include a publication list if you have published research articles or other relevant academic work.
3. Motivation Letter
Prepare a concise one-page motivation letter explaining:
- Your research interests
- Relevant research experience
- Interest in bilingualism and language processing
- Experience with neuroscience or behavioural research
- Why you are interested in the project
4. Supporting Documents
Attach any additional documents that could contribute to the assessment of your application.
Applicants should ensure that all required attachments are uploaded before submitting the application.
Important Application Information
The University of Turku’s application system has some practical restrictions.
The application form cannot be saved as a draft. After submission, applicants can return to edit their application using the link received by email, and editing remains possible until the application deadline.
Applicants have six hours to complete the application before the system times out.
Therefore, it is advisable to prepare your documents before opening the application form.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Project Researcher/Doctoral Researcher position about?
The project investigates bilingual language use, language switching, executive functions and associated changes in brain structure and function.
Which university is offering this position?
The position is offered by the University of Turku in Finland within the Department of Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology.
What Master’s degrees are eligible?
Relevant degrees include psychology, speech-language pathology and cognitive neuroscience. Other closely related fields may also be relevant.
Is this a PhD position?
Yes. The position can be filled as a Doctoral Researcher if the applicant has the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Turku and has a suitable doctoral research plan.
If doctoral-study rights are not yet available by the end of the application period, the position may initially be offered as a Project Researcher.
What research methods are used?
The project uses behavioural methods together with TMS, MRI and DTI methods to investigate language use and associated brain changes.
Is programming experience required?
Programming and data-analysis skills in tools such as R or Python are considered an advantage.
Is IELTS required?
The vacancy requires excellent written and spoken English but does not specify an IELTS score.
IELTS requirement: Not specified.
What is the salary?
The estimated salary is approximately €2,565–€3,460 per month, depending on competence and research experience.
For an applicant initially appointed as a Research Assistant, the average starting salary is approximately €2,460 per month.
Where is the position located?
The position is based in Turku, Finland, and the selected candidate must reside in Finland throughout the employment period.
What documents are required?
Applicants need a CV, publication list if applicable, a one-page motivation letter and any other relevant supporting documents.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is 16 October 2026 at 16:00 Helsinki time.
When will interviews take place?
Candidates selected for interview are expected to be notified in week 43, with interviews scheduled for week 45.
Conclusion
The Project Researcher/Doctoral Researcher position at the University of Turku provides an opportunity to conduct interdisciplinary research at the intersection of bilingualism, psycholinguistics, cognitive psychology and neuroscience.
The project examines how language switching and foreign-language use relate to executive functions and how language learning may be associated with changes in brain structure and function. Researchers will gain experience with behavioural research, TMS, MRI/DTI, statistical analysis and scientific publication.
Applicants should have a relevant Master’s degree and a strong interest in language processing, bilingualism or cognitive neuroscience. Experience with statistical analysis, research data processing, programming or neuroimaging methods can strengthen an application.
The application deadline is 16 October 2026 at 16:00 Helsinki time. Applicants should prepare their documents in advance because the University’s application form cannot be saved as a draft and has a six-hour completion limit.