Lecturer in Contemporary Art Theory and Curating - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Academy of Fine Arts at the University of the Arts Helsinki is seeking a

Lecturer in Contemporary Art Theory and Curating

for a part-time (50%) permanent position starting on 1 October 2026 (or as agreed).

At the Academy of Fine Arts, theory and practice are closely integrated to foster students’ artistic and intellectual development. The Academy offers four degree programmes: the Bachelor’s/Master’s Programme in Fine Arts, the Bachelor’s Programme in Contemporary Art History and Theory, the Master’s Programme in Praxis – curating and writing in contemporary art, and the Doctoral Programme in Fine Arts.

The position of lecturer is situated within the art mediation education and theoretical studies of the Academy of Fine Arts. Through teaching and curriculum development responsibilities, the lecturer will contribute to the activities of the entire Academy.

Job description

The lecturer will provide teaching in curating and contemporary art theory across all Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes at the Academy of Fine Arts. The role also includes participation in the planning and development of teaching as part of the Academy’s and the University of the Arts Helsinki’s educational activities.

The position includes participation in university community duties, such as membership in various working groups. The lecturer is expected to maintain their own research and/or curatorial practice, and to actively follow the international field of contemporary art.

Qualification Requirements and Selection Criteria

Applicants must hold an appropriate Master’s degree or Doctorate and demonstrate experience in curating or research activity in the field of contemporary art. They are expected to have knowledge of exhibition practices and their history, as well as a strong understanding of contemporary art and its contexts.

The successful candidate must demonstrate versatile teaching skills, pedagogical studies or otherwise proven pedagogical competence, and the ability to provide high-quality teaching and supervision.

Candidates should have two or more expertise in the following areas:

• minimum of 5 years’ experience in curating in institutional or other contexts
• contemporary art research
• writing on fine arts
• contemporary platforms for art presentation and publication

Interest in the development of the university community and societal engagement will also be considered an advantage. Excellent collaboration skills are essential for successfully carrying out the duties of the position.

Applicants will be assessed holistically, taking into account:

• experience in the teaching field
• pedagogical and teaching competence
• research and/or curatorial qualifications
• collaboration skills
• motivation and skills to develop the field

Teaching competence will be evaluated based on submitted documentation and, for shortlisted candidates, through a teaching demonstration and an interview to be held on Wednesday 2.9.2026 in the Uniarts Helsinki premises.

Language requirements

The teaching languages at the University of the Arts Helsinki are Finnish, Swedish, and English.

All applicants must have excellent proficiency in Finnish and English. Domestic applicants are additionally required to have satisfactory skills in the second national language (Finnish or Swedish, depending on the applicant’s native language). Language skills will be assessed in relation to the duties of the position.

Salary and working hours

The annual working time for a part-time (50%) lecturer position is 806 hours, in accordance with the collective agreement.

The salary is based on level 6 of the universities’ salary system for teaching and research staff, with an additional personal performance-based component. The starting monthly salary for the part-time (50%) position is approximately €2,150–2,350.

The position requires working in Helsinki for the duration of the employment relationship. Accordingly, the lecturer is expected to reside in Finland throughout the period of employment.

Application procedure

Please submit your application no later than 9.8.2026 at 23:59 (UTC +2) via the University of the Arts Helsinki’s electronic recruitment system.

Attach the following documents in Finnish or English as PDF files:

1. A free-form motivation letter (max. 2 pages)
2. Curriculum vitae (CV)
3. Artistic or research portfolio including 3–5 key work samples
4. Teaching portfolio

Without compromising equal treatment of applicants, the University of the Arts Helsinki reserves the right to leave the position unfilled or to extend the application period.

Further information

For further details about the position, please contact Professor Hanna Johansson, and regarding the recruitment process, HR Specialist Minna Immonen.

Email addresses are in the format: firstname.lastname@uniarts.fi