PhD in Educational Technology

Original title: Doctoral Researcher in Educational Technology at the University of Oulu (Finland)

Faculty of Education and Psychology

The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary, international research university, with about 4000 employees who produce new knowledge based on high-standards research and provide research based education to build a more sustainable, smarter, and more humane world. The University of Oulu community has about 19,000 people in total. Our northern scientific community operates globally and creates conditions for the emergence of innovations. The University of Oulu is ranked in the top 3% of the world’s universities. All our research, education, and community activities are guided by our university’s values and ethical principles.

We are currently looking for a

Doctoral Researcher in Educational Technology

to join research projects focusing on Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), teacher education, and teachers’ professional development at the Faculty of Education and Psychology at the University of Oulu, Finland.

The position is connected to two research projects: INTEGRATE – Training Teachers to Integrate EU Matters through GenAI-Supported Pedagogy and The Power of Teachers' Online Mentorship for AI Partnership (Power T/A).

The INTEGRATE project, funded by the Erasmus+ Programme under the Jean Monnet Teacher Training action, aims to empower pre-service and in-service teachers to integrate EU topics and values into everyday teaching through GenAI-supported pedagogy. The project develops and implements teacher education courses, online professional development modules, instructional materials, and GenAI-supported teaching activities.

The Power T/A project, funded by the Research Council of Finland, explores the integration of AI-based technologies into teacher mentorship and instructional activities. The project focuses on how AI technologies can support teachers’ professional development, particularly through online mentorship, and how teachers can develop the knowledge and skills needed for meaningful AI integration in education.

As a doctoral researcher, you will:

• Conduct doctoral research within the INTEGRATE (75%) and Power T/A (25%) projects, with a focus on GenAI, teacher education, and teachers’ professional learning.
• Contribute to the development, implementation, and evaluation of GenAI-supported teacher education and professional development activities.
• Participate in the development and implementation of courses, online professional development modules, case-based learning materials, and GenAI-supported teaching activities for teachers.
• Collect and analyse qualitative and quantitative research data related to the implementation and evaluation of project activities.
• Contribute to scientific publications and other research outputs arising from the projects. Collaborate with teachers, teacher educators, researchers, and national and international project partners.
• Present research findings at scientific conferences and contribute to the dissemination of project results.

In this role, you will become part of a dynamic and supportive research environment focusing on educational technology, teacher education, and the pedagogically meaningful and responsible use of artificial intelligence.

To succeed in the position, we expect from you:

• A Master’s degree in education, educational technology, educational psychology, or another relevant discipline.
• A strong interest in research on Generative AI, educational technology, teacher education, and EU matters and values.
• Proficiency in qualitative and/or quantitative research methods and the ability to apply these methods in educational research.
• Good IT and data analysis skills and an interest in using digital and AI-based tools in educational research.
• Fluent written and spoken English. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary and international research environments.

Additional merits considered an advantage

• Familiarity with the Finnish K–12 education system and/or teacher education. Experience working with pre-service or in-service teachers.
• Experience in teaching, teacher education, professional development, or instructional design. Experience or demonstrated interest in AI/GenAI-supported teaching and learning.
• Experience with qualitative and/or quantitative research data collection and analysis. Familiarity with technology-enhanced learning environments.
• Finnish language skills (not required but considered as an advantage).

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 15.11.2026 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

The application should be written in English and include the following:

• Cover letter
• CV following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
• Certificates/Diplomas
• Contact information of two persons available for recommendation

The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified during the selection process. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, such as people of different ages, genders and lingual, cultural or minority groups.

What we offer?

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic project team of where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits.
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close-ones in settling into Oulu.
• We have a HR Excellence in Research -quality label which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers.
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, excellent education system, and competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

The position is fixed-term for three years as soon as possible or starting from January 2027.

The salary will be based on the levels 2-4 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (maximum of 50% of the job-specific component). Starting gross salary will be approx. 2300-2600 € per month (before taxes). A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact Dr. Ismail Celik, Faculty of Education and Psychology, ismail.celik@oulu.fi, +358 503284505

• Ismail Celik, Dr., +358503284505, ismail.celik@oulu.fi