The University of Jyväskylä is one of Finland’s top academic institutions. Even if you’re not sure how to pronounce it (it’s you-VES-cue-la), that’s no reason not to give this university another look. Nestled in the lake district of Finland, the picturesque and compact city of Jyväskylä is also a centre of industry and education. Located in this bustling and modern city in the world’s happiest country, the University of Jyväskylä (JYU) is not only an internationally significant research university but also an excellent place to work.
Need more convincing? Here are five reasons to work at the University of Jyväskylä.
REASON #1
JYU is among the world’s leading research universities
When you join the University of Jyväskylä (JYU) family, know that you are joining part of an elite institution that consistently strives to improve. According to the Shanghai Ranking of 300 international sport-related units, the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences was ranked 8th in 2022. JYU´s research in education ranked 44th in the 2022 Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, earning JYU the title of best Nordic and the sixth best European higher education institution. Additionally, 12 other branches of science from JYU were in the 2022 Shanghai Ranking’s top 500 (out of 4000 universities). JYU is proud of their reputation and excited to recruit top talent that are dedicated to its long-term growth and improvement.
REASON #2
JYU offers exceptional support and services, especially for incoming international staff
Nearly 10% of the staff at JYU come from all corners of the globe. As a distinguished Finnish university pursuing world-class multidisciplinary research, JYU actively seeks highly qualified academics––like you! They understand that for international candidates, having support for issues like immigration, housing, and official matters with local authorities can make all the difference between one university and the next.
The university’s International Staff Services provides essential information about things like banking and insurance, taxation, healthcare, and everyday life in Finland. They’ll also support you with getting a tax card and registering with the Finnish social security administration, so you feel acclimated and welcomed as soon as you arrive in the country. In addition to the support provided by the university, the Finnish government also organises excellent resources for new arrivals.
While English is widely spoken in Finland, the university’s Centre for Multilingual Academic Communication (MOVI) provides Finnish as second language courses as part of their onboarding training.
REASON #3
JYU values a healthy work-life balance
As an academic, you understand how easily your work and research can pull you in to long hours at the office and turn weekends into days spent pouring over papers. At the University of Jyväskylä, balancing your work and life is a priority.
The university offers its non-academic support staff flexible working hours and the opportunity to work remotely. Teaching and research staff also have the opportunity to work remotely with the exception of some in person teaching. And when you do come to campus, the commute is short and scenic. Part of the campus is located on the shore of Jyväsjärvi Lake and many buildings have views of the water.
To help balance work and family time, JYU provides employees with information about child care and family activities – like parks, playgrounds, and fun seasonal activities. JYU is committed to ensuring that employees are able to maintain a healthy sense of work and play so that their families enjoy their stay in Jyväskylä.
REASON #4
Finland is one of the best places to live as it was recently ranked #1 in world happiness
With one of the highest standards of living in the world, it’s no wonder Finland has ranked number one on the UN’s World Happiness Report for five years running. Boasting extensive welfare benefits, low levels of corruption, a well-functioning democracy, and robust public and social services, Finland and the University of Jyväskylä offer unparalleled personal and professional benefits for any academic looking for a challenging and rewarding position.
REASON #5
JYU provides a holistic approach to your overall well-being
In addition to a focus on work-life balance, the University of Jyväskylä values your overall well-being, evident in their low hierarchy and high-quality working conditions. The university also looks out for your physical well-being by allowing those working on campus to use two of their work hours each week for exercise. Jyväskylä markets itself as the exercise capital of Finland.
Rest assured that your decision to join JYU means the opportunity to not only enjoy all the benefits of an international, cosmopolitan research university but also will have you feeling like you’ve joined a warm and welcoming community. With a multi-faith prayer room and several robust religious communities, as well as a wide variety of social activities (from live music to museums to travel opportunities), you’ll find people with similar interests and build lasting relationships at JYU.
The University of Jyväskylä even offers information in their International Staff Guide for those who might struggle with the unusually long summer days or long periods of darkness in winter. JYU is invested in your well-being and will provide both academic and personal support at every step.
Give the University of Jyväskylä another look. We promise you won’t regret it.