Turku Institute for Advanced Studies Visiting Professors - Call for Recommendations

Established in 2008, Turku Institute for Advanced Studies is an international, interdisciplinary, research community funded by the faculties of Education, Humanities, Social Sciences and Law, and the Turku School of Economics. 

TIAS Fellows are appointed for three years to undertake a dedicated, self-designed, research projects. Fellows are appointed at one of two levels – postdoctoral (within 5 years of completing their PhD) and collegium (mid-career and within 12 years of PhD completion). TIAS also hosts the Turku Intersectoral Excellence Scheme (TIES) programme which is cofunded by the European Commission and recruits scholars who are within 8 years of PhD completion.

More information on TIAS

Description of the tasks and selection criteria for the visiting professors (VP):

The person

• Persons selected for the positions are required to be at professorial or equivalent level.
• Recommended scholars must be able to demonstrate experience of managing and advising early- and mid-career researchers within the social sciences and humanities (broadly defined).
• Preference will be given to scholars who can demonstrate commitment to - and experience of - interdisciplinary working.
• A track record of high-level publications and the securing of external research funding is necessary.
• Recommendations are welcome from suitably qualified candidates within our subject areas. We particularly welcome recommendations from candidates from beyond the Global North.

The role

• The position is the equivalent of 4 to 8 weeks work which, subject to approval, may take place over the course of a calendar year. The first appointment will be for one year, with the possibility of renewal.
• The selected person is required to be present for between 4 and 8 weeks at the main campus of the University of Turku.

Nominated scholars should have a vision of how they will fulfil this role. We will consult with the selected nominees about the precise range of duties, of which we envisage at least the following:

• Providing advice for TIAS Fellows and other UTU staff as appropriate
• Holding workshops or other activities as appropriate
• Liaising with Research Careers Unit on mentoring in the University
• Advising on TIAS’ Scholars at Risk activities
• Participating in TIAS meetings
• Offering strategic advice to the TIAS Director and Board of Management
• Presenting a public lecture on own expertise
• Providing a Masterclass at the University of Turku
• Other duties as required by the Director

Honorarium

TIAS will cover the travel costs and accommodation costs of all VPs. VPs will will be paid an Honorarium of €1500 per week.

Recommendations

Recommendations may be made by any member of academic staff within TIAS’ constituent faculties, including TIAS Fellows, and must be submitted by email to TIAS Director, Professor Martin Cloonan martin.cloonan@utu.fi, by 23.59 (EET) on Friday 19 April 2024 with TIAS VP Position as the title of the email.

Recommendations should be accompanied by 

• the nominee’s CV (maximum of 10 pages) including the names of two referees and 
• a one-page proposal for visiting professor activities within TIAS. 

Documents should be in PDF format and in Times New Roman 12 font.

Recommendations will be reviewed by a Review Panel consisting of the TIAS Director, the Chair of the TIAS Board of Management, two TIAS Fellows and the TIAS Visiting Professor of Mentoring. It is not anticipated that interviews will be held with shortlisted recommendees.

Anyone needing further information may contact the TIAS Director, Professor Martin Cloonan: martin.cloonan@utu.fi.