Research Specialist, Research and Development Funding, ITC Faculty / Tutkimusasiantuntija, Tutkimus- ja kehitysrahoitus, ITCtiedekunta

Tampere University and Tampere University of Applied Sciences create a unique environment for multidisciplinary, inspirational, and high-impact research and education. Our universities community has its competitive edges in technology, health, and society. www.tuni.fi/en

Join and strengthen our internationally respected research community!

The Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences (ITC) at Tampere University is a multidisciplinary research environment where technology, society, media, data, and human-driven innovations meet. Our diverse research spans twelve research centres focusing on data science, electronics, circuit design, languages and cultures, wireless technologies, mathematics, game studies, signal processing, humantechnology interaction, software engineering, electrical energy engineering, and communication studies.

We are now looking for a skilled and motivated Research Specialist to support the facultys researchers in matters related to competitive research funding. This position offers a unique vantage point into international research and development activities and the opportunity to influence the future research and innovation initiatives emerging within the ITC faculty.

The position is located in the Research and Innovation Services unit, within the Research Development team. Research and Innovation Services enable high-quality, responsible, and societally impactful research. We support competitive research funding acquisition across all disciplines and ensure smooth administration of research projects at the university. We also provide innovation services and partnership networks that promote commercialization, societal interaction, and stakeholder engagement.

Job description

The goal of this position is to comprehensively support the faculty in securing competitive research funding. At the core of the role is supporting research groups, researchers, and academic leaders throughout all stages of competitive funding calls, as well as assisting the faculty leadership. Your responsibilities will include:

• Motivating, coaching, and consulting researchers in research funding strategies and proposal planning
• Supporting the long-term development of researchers competencies for competing successfully for research funding
• Supporting the facultys research strength areas and strategically developing their research funding portfolios
• Collaborating with stakeholders and networks locally and nationally, including maintaining contacts with funders, companies, societal organisations, and other research institutions in cooperation with the Partnerships team
• Supporting the facultys innovation and start-up activities in collaboration with the Innovation Services
• Participating in proposal preparation processes in collaboration with the Pre-Award team
• Contributing to the development of university-wide processes and guidelines related to research funding

The content of the position may be adjusted based on the selected candidates expertise.

Requirements

We are looking for a candidate with:

• A relevant doctoral degree in one of the fields represented in the ITC faculty. You can learn more about the facultys multidisciplinary research areas on our website: https://www.tuni.fi/en/about-us/faculty-information-technology-and-communication-sciences
• Strong knowledge of research funding, particularly competitive funding instruments (e.g., Research Council of Finland, Business Finland, EU Framework Programmes)
• Experience in research project preparation, administration, or research support roles
• Ability to work independently and professionally on multiple parallel processes, supporting researchers, research groups, faculty leadership, and service teams
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and networking skills
• Excellent command of English

We also appreciate:

• Experience in research and development activities, project management, or financial planning
• Understanding of the ITC facultys research areas or willingness to familiarise yourself with them
• Experience from university or other research organisation environments
• Good command of Finnish
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder and network collaboration

Tampere University is a unique, multidisciplinary and boldly forward-looking, evolving community. Our values are openness, diversity, responsibility, courage, critical thinking, erudition, and learner-centredness. We hope that you can embrace these values and promote them in your work.

We Offer

• A meaningful role supporting high-quality research and innovation
• An inspiring, international, and multidisciplinary work environment
• Opportunities to develop your expertise in strategic, operational, and RDI (research, development, and innovation) activities
• Flexible working practices and attractive staff benefits
• Support from a skilled and encouraging Research and Innovation Services network

The position is full-time and permanent. The starting day is in August 2026 or as mutually agreed. A trial period applies to all our new employees.

The salary will be based on both the position requirements and the employee's personal performance in accordance with the Salary system of Finnish universities. According to the criteria applied to other expert and support staff, the position of a Research Specialist is placed on level 10 of the job requirements scale. In addition to the basic salary, a supplementary salary will be paid according to personal performance, depending on the selected candidates qualifications and experience.

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, affordable restaurant and café services on all campuses, excellent sports facilities on campuses, and support for staff culture and sports activities. Come join us for a meaningful career! You can find more information about working with us on our employer website.

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