Professor of Dance Pedagogy

The Theatre Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki is seeking a

Professor of Dance Pedagogy

for a full-time, permanent position starting on 1 August 2026.

Job Description

The professor is responsible for teaching and research in dance pedagogy at the University of the Arts Helsinki. The professor plans, develops, and evaluates teaching and promotes education in dance pedagogy. Duties include participating in entrance examination planning and jury work, teaching, supervising, and assessing theses.

The professor will also take part in the administration and decision-making bodies of the Theatre Academy and contribute to the development of the University of the Arts Helsinki. In addition, the professor is expected to actively follow developments in the field of dance art and pedagogy and engage in societal and international interaction.

Position and Context

The professorship in dance pedagogy is located within the Master’s Programme in Dance Pedagogy. The programme emphasizes interdisciplinarity, the seamless connection between different forms of performing arts, and the creation and critical examination of new performance formats. Pedagogical practice arises from artistic activity, grounded in an understanding of the qualities of interaction. The education considers diverse backgrounds and readiness for participation in arts pedagogy.

The programme includes 60 credits of teacher pedagogical studies.

Qualifications and Selection Criteria

The minimum criteria for appointment as a professor (full professor) at the University of the Arts Helsinki are defined in the university’s academic career system:
Academic career system | Uniarts Helsinki

Applicants must hold a suitable doctoral degree, have extensive pedagogical experience, and be able to provide teaching based on insightful artistic practice and research, as well as demonstrate experience in developing education.

The position requires experience in various areas of dance art and pedagogy and familiarity with the field of arts pedagogy.

Additional merits include evidence of developing and leading artistic, research, and pedagogical activities; securing competitive funding; domestic and international collaboration and networking; and societal impact.

The successful candidate is expected to commit to teaching, developing, renewing, and researching the field. Further merits include experience in research projects and their leadership, as well as publishing activity in the field.

Teaching skills will be assessed based on available documentation and, for shortlisted candidates, through a teaching demonstration and interview. Teaching demonstrations will take place on 23 and 24 March 2026 at the Theatre Academy in Helsinki.

Language Requirements

The teaching languages of the University of the Arts Helsinki are Finnish, Swedish, and English. For this professorship in dance pedagogy, the teaching languages are Finnish and/or English. All applicants must have excellent proficiency in English.

Working time and salary

The position follows the collective agreement for Finnish universities, with an annual total working time of 1,612 hours. The salary is based on the Finnish universities’ salary system for teaching and research staff, levels 8–9, plus a performance-based component. The gross annual salary for a full-time position at the start of employment is approximately €75,000–€90,000.

The position requires regular on-site presence and contact teaching. The work must be carried out in Finland, and the professor must officially reside in Finland for the duration of the employment relationship.

Application

Apply by 1 February 2026 at 23:59 (UTC +3) via the University of the Arts Helsinki’s electronic recruitment system. Attach the following documents in English as PDF files:

• A free-form motivation letter
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• List of publications
• Presentation of your artistic and/or artistic-pedagogical work through three projects most relevant to this position
• Teaching portfolio

Further Information

About the position: Vice Dean responsible for teaching, Riku Saastamoinen

About the application process: Service and HR Manager, Laura Jännes

Email addresses follow the format firstname.lastname@uniarts.fi