The University of Helsinki, consistently ranked among the world’s leading research institutions, invites applications for the positions of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor of Clinical Pharmacy and Social Pharmacy. This recruitment cycle offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research and education in areas such as personalized healthcare, digital pharmacy services, and patient-centred pharmacotherapy—fields that are increasingly critical in modern health systems. Whether you are a recent PhD graduate seeking to establish your academic career, an early-career researcher aiming to expand your research portfolio, or an industry expert ready to transition into academia, this role provides exceptional opportunities for professional growth, collaborative networks, and global engagement [1].
About the Program
Official Position Title
Assistant Professor / Associate Professor / Professor of Clinical Pharmacy and Social Pharmacy
Current Status
Open for applications in the 2025–2026 recruitment cycle
Program Objective
To foster excellence in teaching and research within Clinical Pharmacy and Social Pharmacy. The successful candidates will advance knowledge and practice in digital health innovations, pharmacovigilance, patient-centred care models, and related healthcare technologies, thereby strengthening the Faculty’s leadership in pharmaceutical sciences.
Duration
- Assistant/Associate Professor: Fixed-term, tenure-track appointments with the prospect of permanent employment upon positive review.
- Professor: Permanent appointment.
Mode
Full-time, on-campus in Helsinki, Finland.
Key Focus Areas
- Personalized Drug Therapy development and implementation
- Pharmacy Informatics and digital record systems
- Medication Therapy Management for chronic conditions
- Pharmacoepidemiology and digital health research
- Pharmaceutical care practices and strategies to enhance medication safety
Eligibility Criteria
The University employs a rigorous assessment process to identify candidates with outstanding potential and proven achievements.
Educational Qualifications
- A doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) in Clinical Pharmacy, Social Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a closely related field.
- Assistant/Associate Professor candidates must demonstrate strong potential for developing an independent academic career; full Professors should possess an already established international research reputation.
Fields of Study
- Clinical Pharmacy
- Social Pharmacy
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Public Health or Health Services Research (interdisciplinary backgrounds are particularly welcome)
Professional Experience
- Assistant/Associate Professor: Documented success in leading research projects, securing external funding, and supervising doctoral students.
- Professor: Extensive leadership roles in scientific research, significant grant acquisition, and a substantial record of doctoral supervision.
Language Proficiency
- Proficiency in English (written and spoken) is mandatory.
- Commitment to learning Finnish within five years, with institutional language support provided.
Additional Requirements
- Demonstrated experience in national and international research collaborations.
- A strong commitment to academic excellence and societal impact.
- Open to applicants of all nationalities; no age restrictions, though the roles are best suited for early- to mid-career academics.
Application Process
To ensure your application is complete and properly considered, follow these steps:
- Prepare all required documents (see Required Documents below).
- Combine materials into a single PDF file, ensuring each section is clearly labeled.
- Visit the University of Helsinki Recruitment Portal and select the relevant position.
- Upload your PDF package before the closing date.
- Retain the confirmation email and reference number for future correspondence.
Required Documents
Applications must include the following, all in English:
- Cover Letter (maximum 1 page)
Describe your motivation for applying, how your experience aligns with the Faculty’s mission, and your long-term career aspirations. - Curriculum Vitae (maximum 5 pages)
Provide a detailed academic and professional history, including positions held, awards, project leadership roles, and research activities. - Teaching Skills Report (maximum 4 pages)
Outline your teaching philosophy, methods, experience in curriculum development, and student supervision. - Complete Publication List
A numbered list of all peer-reviewed articles, books, and conference papers. - Highlights of Five Key Publications (maximum 2 pages)
Summarize the objectives, methodologies, and impact of your most significant works. - Citation Report (maximum 1 page)
Provide citation metrics sourced from Scopus, Web of Science, or equivalent databases. - Plan for Advancing Teaching and Research (maximum 3 pages)
Present your vision for future research directions, teaching innovations, and strategies for securing external funding.
Templates for CV format and publication classification are available on the University’s applicant instructions page.
Eligible Fields / Disciplines
The Faculty particularly welcomes applications from candidates specializing in:
- Clinical Pharmacy
- Social Pharmacy
- Pharmaceutical Research and Development
- Health Technology and Pharmacy Informatics
- Medication Safety and Pharmacoepidemiology
- Public Health related to drug use and safety
- Pharmacoeconomics and health outcomes research
- Interdisciplinary research areas integrating data science, artificial intelligence in healthcare, or health services research
Financial Support & Benefits
The University of Helsinki offers a competitive compensation package and a comprehensive benefits program:
- Annual Gross Salary
- Assistant/Associate Professor: €57,000–€74,000
- Professor: €69,000–€90,000
- Start-Up Package
Funding to support the initiation of research activities. - Health and Well-Being
Comprehensive occupational health services, general medical care, employee accident insurance, and pension coverage. - Work-Life Balance
Six weeks of paid annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and support for parental leave. - Professional Development
Opportunities for staff training, grant-writing support, and language courses. - Relocation Support
Assistance with visa procedures, housing search, and orientation services for international staff.
Selection Process
- Application Review
Initial screening for eligibility criteria. - Shortlisting
Evaluation by an appointment committee based on research achievements, teaching experience, and leadership potential. - External Assessment
Independent evaluation of scholarly merits by at least two external experts. - Interviews and Teaching Demonstration
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview and may deliver a sample lecture. - Final Decision
The committee makes the appointment decision based on assessments and demonstrations.
Important Dates
- Application Open: Immediately
- Submission Deadline: 5 May 2025, 23:59 EEST
- Interviews: Scheduled after shortlisting
- Appointment Announcement: To be confirmed
- Start Date: Agreed upon with the successful candidate
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
- Statement of Purpose: Clearly express your research interests and their alignment with the Faculty’s objectives.
- Tailoring: Adapt each document to the specific requirements of the Clinical and Social Pharmacy roles.
- Completeness: Verify that all required documents are included and correctly formatted.
- References: Request detailed recommendation letters from referees familiar with your scholarly and teaching accomplishments.
Contact Details
- Academic Queries
Professor Tomi Rantamäki
Division Director, Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy
tomi.rantamaki@helsinki.fi - Recruitment Process
Heidi Kauppinen
HR Specialist, Faculty of Pharmacy
heidi.m.kauppinen@helsinki.fi
+358 50 415 5341
Conclusion
The Assistant/Associate Professor and Professor positions in Clinical Pharmacy and Social Pharmacy at the University of Helsinki present an outstanding pathway to advance your academic career within an internationally recognized institution. Applicants will benefit from a transparent tenure-track system, substantial research support, and a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment. Prospective candidates are encouraged to prepare their complete application package and submit it via the University’s recruitment portal by the deadline of 5 May 2025 [2].
Quick Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
| Program Name | Assistant/Associate Professor of Clinical Pharmacy and Social Pharmacy |
| Host Country/Region | Finland |
| Organization | University of Helsinki |
| Eligible Candidates | Doctoral graduates, early-career researchers, industry professionals seeking academia |
| Financial Benefits | Annual salary (€57,000–€90,000), health services, start-up package, relocation support |
| Application Deadline | 5 May 2025 (23:59 EEST) |
| Appointment Duration | Fixed-term tenure-track (Assistant/Associate) or Permanent (Professor) |
| Official Application URL | https://jobs.helsinki.fi/job/Helsinki-Assistant-Professor-Associate-Professor-Professor-of-Clinical-Pharmacy-and-Social-Pharmacy/816392002/ |
Citations
- University of Helsinki Job Posting: Assistant/Associate Professor of Clinical Pharmacy and Social Pharmacy, https://jobs.helsinki.fi/job/Helsinki-Assistant-Professor-Associate-Professor-Professor-of-Clinical-Pharmacy-and-Social-Pharmacy/816392002/
- University of Helsinki Careers Portal, https://www.helsinki.fi/en/careers
FAQs
Applicants must hold a relevant doctoral degree and demonstrate teaching skills, research experience, and the ability to conduct independent scholarly work.
While not mandatory, international research collaboration and experience are considered advantageous for applicants.
Applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, teaching skills report, publication list, synopsis of key publications, citation report, and a plan for advancing teaching and research.
Fluency in English is required. Additionally, appointees are expected to acquire proficiency in Finnish within five years of appointment.
The tenure track includes initial appointment, assessment of performance, and potential promotion to a permanent professorship based on evaluations
Key research areas include personalized drug therapy, medication safety, pharmacy informatics, and public health aspects of pharmacy practice.
