We are looking for an RDI Specialist to join Karelia University of Applied Sciences in a fixed-term employment relationship for the period 1 November 2026-31 December 2027.

As an RDI Specialist, you will work in the field of international higher education and RDI. The position offers you an opportunity to take on new challenges, build meaningful expert networks, and contribute to the development of education and related project activities with both local and international impact. A central part of your work will be promoting cooperation within the INVEST European University Alliance consortium. You will be supported in your role by Karelia’s expert RDI support services team.

Your duties will include:
- coordinating the RDI activities of the INVEST Centre of Excellence and research cluster cooperation among staff at Karelia, as well as linking these activities to the development of INVEST education provision and Living Labs
- participating in the networks and expert groups of the INVEST Alliance
- planning and implementing workshops, training activities and international network meetings
- developing the monitoring, reporting and impact assessment of RDI related activities, including preparing analyses and reports to support decision-making
- preparing EU-funded RDI projects in cooperation with Karelia’s experts and other partners
- maintaining networks and partnerships and identifying new cooperation opportunities
- participating in the implementation and development of Karelia’s RDI support services and INVEST teamwork

Find out more about the INVEST Alliance online:
https://www.invest-alliance.eu/fi
https://www.invest-alliance.eu/fi/Home/Texts?link=62-center-of-excellence---research---innovation

We expect you to have:
- a suitable Master’s degree
- experience in international higher education cooperation and in the preparation, implementation and coordination of projects
- evidence of successful development work
- good knowledge of key EU-funded development programs, and experience in project funding application processes
- readiness to work in international networks, and an understanding of different operating cultures
- the ability to purposefully promote common goals in cooperation with colleagues and stakeholders
- the ability to manage several simultaneous task areas, and prioritize your own work
- good oral and written Finnish language skills (at least B1) and excellent English language skills (C1-C2)
- readiness to travel in Finland and abroad for work assignments

In addition, we consider the following advantages:
- a suitable doctoral degree
- knowledge of RDI activities and the operating environment of higher education institutions
- versatile language skills in addition to Finnish and English

Employment details:
- Collective agreement: Collective agreement for Universities of Applied Sciences (Sivista ry)
- Salary: according to your previous work experience, 3 842,18-5 093,84 €/month.
- Trial period: 6 months
- Working hours: 36.25 hours per week (7.25 hours/day), flexible working hours
- The position requires on-site work at Karelia UAS campuses in Joensuu, with a partial remote work option

We will conduct a background check on the person selected for the position to ensure research security.

Applying:

Please submit your application and CV through Kuntarekry by Sunday 20 September at 20:00. You may complete your application either in Finnish or in English.

Interviews will be held in Joensuu on 5 October 2026. We will contact those invited to interview by phone during week 44.

We are committed to equality and non-discrimination in our recruitment processes and welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds. Our application form is based on the researcher CV template recommended by the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity (TENK). Candidates invited to interview will be selected based on the information and evidence presented in their applications.

For further information, you may contact:

Regarding the position:
Anne Ilvonen (anne.ilvonen@karelia.fi), RDI Director
Liisa Timonen (liisa.timonen@karelia.fi), Director, Internationalisation

Regarding employment:
Jaana Tolkki (jaana.tolkki@karelia.fi), Director of Human Resources and Corporate Responsibility

Karelia Ammattikorkeakoulu Oy

At Karelia UAS, we research, develop, and educate for the skills of tomorrow. We are an international and attractive higher education community that is not afraid of developing better solutions for the future. Karelia has approximately 4,500 students enrolled in bachelor's and master's degree programs, and we also offer degree programs taught in English. We work closely with local businesses to ensure the vitality of North Karelia. Our values are responsibility, taking bold initiative, and proximity to working life.