The Communication Sciences Unit of the Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences at Tampere University is looking for a University Lecturer in Game Studies. In this position, the successful candidate will contribute to the education in Bachelor’s Degree Programme in Multidisciplinary Communication Studies (Media Studies) and Master’s Degree Programme in Game Studies.
The candidate is also expected to contribute to research in the Tampere University Game Research Lab, founded in 2002. The research group currently hosts around 20 researchers, focusing on the socio-cultural study of games and play. The Game Research Lab also coordinates the Centre of Excellence in Game Culture Studies (2018-25) that brings together over 40 leading experts from the humanities, social sciences and technical sciences to develop original theoretical and empirical approaches for understanding, anticipating and influencing the direction and impact games have on developments in culture and society.
Job description
We are seeking highly motivated and accomplished applicants for teaching in the field of Game Studies. We especially welcome applicants who can complement our current teaching and research profile. Your background is taken into consideration in the assignment of the specific teaching areas, while the purpose is to also offer flexible ways to take part in our research activities.
The successful candidate will be teaching at both BA level and MA level. They should be able to teach a broad range of topics in Game Studies and also contribute to teaching in Media Studies. The exact teaching load is negotiated annually and can include e.g. teaching and co-teaching both introductory courses and more advanced thematic courses, organizing thesis seminars, supervising BA and MA thesis projects, academic advising, and curriculum development. The successful candidate will also participate in the research activities of the Tampere University Game Research Lab.
Requirements
From the successful candidate we require:
- applicable doctoral degree (e.g. game studies, media studies)
- documented ability to provide high-quality research-based education and instruction
- supervisory experience (e.g. thesis supervision, other projects)
- proven ability to participate in student advising and development of curriculum
- a minimum of 10 ETCS in university pedagogy (or other equivalent studies)
- If you have not completed these studies when joining the University, we expect you to complete them within two years from the beginning of the employment. We have pedagogical studies available for all our teaching staff, free of charge.
- ability to undertake independent scholarly activity in the field of game studies
- skills and willingness to acquire external funding
- good command of Finnish and English
We offer
The position will be filled on a permanent basis, commencing in January 2023 or as mutually agreed. Appointments will be subject to the satisfactory completion of a trial period of 6 months.
The salary is based on job demands and employees’ personal performance in accordance with the Finnish University Salary System. The position of university lecturer is initially placed at levels 6-7 in the salary system. In addition, employees receive performance-based salary. Typical starting salary for the university lecturer will be around €4,200- €4,700/month. A higher salary may be agreed upon based on the successful candidate’s experience and/or performance.
We offer you the opportunity to join our dynamic and innovative international community. As a member of staff at Tampere University, you will enjoy a range of competitive benefits, such as occupational health care services, flexible work schedule, a variety of affordable food and drink outlets across our campuses and a personal fund to spend on sports and cultural activities in your free time. Read more about Tampere University as an employer and get acquainted with us and with Tampere here.
Finland has been assessed to be among the best countries in the world with respect to many quality-of-life indicators, including being the overall #1 country in human wellbeing. Finland provides one of the most advanced and comprehensive social security in the world. It includes for example sickness benefits, various family benefits and a comprehensive healthcare system. Finland is among the leading countries in ICT & Digitalization, from 5G networks to financial technology, artificial intelligence, and AR/VR innovations to IoT, digital education and health solutions. More information about studying and working in Finland can be obtained from the links and also from InfoFinland and This is Finland.
Tampere, located between two big lakes, is Finland’s second largest city area and the biggest inland city in the Nordic countries. The nature is close everywhere you turn your head in Tampere. Finnish Citizens have voted Tampere in 2021 and 2022 as the best Finnish City to live in. This together with a strong tradition in industry make Tampere a unique environment for living and working. At present the region hosts a great deal of industry and service businesses, and the City of Tampere is a major hub for the Finnish ICT industry. For more information on Tampere, please check VisitTampere and BusinessTampere.
How to apply
Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is 23 October (23:59 EEST /UTC +3). Please attach the following documents in your application in pdf format:
- Curriculum Vitae prepared according to the guidelines issued by the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity (TENK)
- Teaching portfolio according to our guidelines
- List of publications according to Academy of Finland guidelines
- A free-format motivation letter (max. 2 pages) summarizing why the candidate is interested in this position and why Tampere University should consider them for it.
- A report (max. 3 pages) on the applicant’s scholarly activities (including key research themes, activities in scientific communities, social impact work, and the candidate’s research vision for the near future)
For more information, please contact:
Professor Olli Sotamaa: tel. +358 50 420 1472, olli.sotamaa(at)tuni.fi