Professor of Practice; Journalism​/Työelämäprofessori; journalistiikka

Overview

Tampere University and Tampere University of Applied Sciences create a unique environment for multidisciplinary, inspirational and high-impact research and education. Our university community has its competitive edges in technology, health and society. The Communications Sciences Unit at Tampere University provides education and conducts research into the digital media landscape and the role of communication technologies in reshaping our thoughts, sensibilities and relations with others.

Our research centre Taru examines societal and cultural dynamics through lenses of communication, media, and art. Students admitted to our multidisciplinary degree programme in communications acquire a broad knowledge base and pursue careers in journalism, media research, information research and communication. Our degree programme in theatre arts brings together artistic, professional and societal perspectives. The unit operates two masters programs focused on journalism: the masters program in journalism and the masters program in visual journalism and visual studies.

The journalism education at Tampere University is the oldest of its kind in the Nordic countries and celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2025.

Job Description

The purpose of the position is to integrate practical working life with university teaching and research. The position places special emphasis on practical knowledge from the field of journalism and is intended for an accomplished journalist. The successful candidate will be expected to share their experience and make a significant contribution to the development of teaching and research in journalism.

The duties will include:

• Teaching journalism on different levels of journalist education by giving lectures, workshops and small-scale seminars
• Developing a chosen specialist field of journalism and its teaching based on a separate work plan
• Participating in the unit's research community's activities and continuing education
• Participating in public discussions about the future of journalism, and journalism of the future

The Professor of Practice will be subject to the annualised hours scheme according to a confirmed work plan. The number of working hours for staff under this scheme is 1,612 hours per year. Depending on other duties, the number of classroom teaching hours will be 160–240 hours per year. In special cases, part of the teaching can be carried out in remote and hybrid arrangements.

• Practical expertise in the field as demonstrated through strong journalistic accomplishments
• The ability to analyze one's own and others’ journalistic expertise and integrate the findings into teaching (in Finnish and/or English)
• Strong cooperation, presentation, and interpersonal skills

We are hoping to receive applications from experienced journalists who have practiced journalism in different roles. The successful candidate's expertise may relate to any aspect of journalism, for example

• The transformation of the foundations of the journalistic profession in a technologized media environment (narrative forms, sources relations and source criticism, creativity)
• Journalist as a producer, seeker, and processor of knowledge (investigation, elaboration, analysis, meaning making)
• The societal role of journalism in both international and local contexts (fostering public debate, providing fact-based and diverse information, promoting participation and inclusion)

Either a suitable doctoral degree, or an exceptionally high level of expertise from the chosen aspect of journalism is required for the Professor of Practice. The selection will be made based on the application documents. The work plan will be emphasized in the selection.

We offer the successful candidate an opportunity to work and build networks in an environment which combines high-quality societally oriented journalism research and visual studies and teaching in an editorial environment utilizing multimedia channels with talented and motivated students. The degree programme in journalism at Tampere University is the leading actor in Finland and is internationally well recognized.

The appointment will be for a fixed term from 1…