An academic career

Åbo Akademi University plays a significant role in international research and education for a healthy and sustainable living environment, especially in the common region around the Baltic Sea. Åbo Akademi University conducts research and education for an inclusive and open society. The research contributes to solving the challenges of the world around us and achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The programme shapes ethically responsible citizens, researchers and professionals with an understanding of the common living conditions of humans, animals and nature. We believe that successful research and education go hand in hand.

Positions at Åbo Akademi University, their tasks and eligibility requirements, are listed in the Regulations on personnel.

The four stages of the academic career

The employment structure for researchers and teachers at Åbo Akademi University consists of four career stages.

Stage 1. Doctoral Researcher

The level of postgraduate education. The aim of doctoral education is to develop the ability to function in research, teaching and other expert positions. After graduating, most leave academia for employment in the private or public sector, business or industry, but some stay, or return after a few years with other employers.

Read more about doctoral education at Åbo Akademi University.

Stage 2. Postdoctoral Researcher, Project Researcher, Associate Professor and University Lecturer

The level of own research qualifications. The goal at this level is to strengthen the researcher’s own identity. To be employed as a researcher at this level, you must have obtained a doctoral degree. The role becomes more independent with its own responsibility in research and/or education.

Research-oriented positions at this level include postdoctoral researcher and project researcher. Teaching positions at this level consist of senior lecturer and university teacher.

· Read more about tenure track at Åbo Akademi University.

· Read more about current research networks at Åbo Akademi University

· Our strategi research profiles

Stage 3. University Researcher, Senior Researcher, Head of Research, Research Leader and Senior University Lecturer

The level of independent researcher. At this level, the researchers are independent researchers and experts who also possess the capacity for academic leadership. Research-oriented positions at the level include university researchers, senior researchers, head of research and research leaders. The teaching-oriented position consists of a senior university lecturer. Employees at this level have a great responsibility for research and teaching at the academy.

Researchers and senior lecturers at this level are required to have a doctoral degree and research qualifications equivalent to the scientific qualifications required for a docent.

· Read more about the tenure track career path at Åbo Akademi University

· Apply for the title of docent at Åbo Akademi University

Stage 4. Professor, Visiting Professor, Professor of Practice

The level of leading researchers in the field. The tasks in this stage are versatile and consist of demanding research and teaching tasks. Positions at this level consist of professor, visiting professor and professor of practice.

Once you have reached this point, you will be a leading researcher in your subject both in terms of research and teaching. The duties of a professor include conducting scientific research and providing research-based tuition. In addition, the duties of a professor include leading and developing research and teaching activities, acquiring research funding, and participating in national and international cooperation in their field of responsibility.