Career stories

The University of Eastern Finland’s campuses in Joensuu and Kuopio are home to more than 3,000 experts in different fields. All in all, there are 255 different professional titles in our work community. We are also a genuinely international academic community: our employees hail from 77 different countries.

On this website, our employees talk about their work and about the university as a work community. Join us!

A systems analyst’s trouble-shooting is supported by a good team

Working in the customer service team at Digital Services, Tommi Eskelinen helps to resolve even the trickiest problems.

Big employer, good benefits

Working in Digital Services of the University of Eastern Finland, Mari Lackman is pleased with the university's equal and open-minded atmosphere.

Tomi Oinas gets to develop research methodology on a full-time basis

The Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies’ very own Staff Scientist is tasked with developing the faculty’s data-intensive research infrastructures and methodological expertise.

Everyday life in the teacher training school is diverse

For teacher Mari Hakanen at the Rantakylä Teacher Training School, the success of her pupils and smooth interaction with them is an important motivator.

An interdisciplinary community sparks innovative research

Professor of Chemical Ecology James Blande and his research group at the University of Eastern Finland focus on plant stress responses and plant-to-plant interactions.

Drawn to neuroscience by curiosity, brought to Kuopio by lucky chance

Associate Professor Alina Solomon conducts international brain research at the University of Eastern Finland – while enjoying the quiet and nature.

An IT Solutions Architect likes the company of people best

Successful process and technology solutions bring added value to the everyday life of their users. For Tomi Kontio, that’s rewarding.

New staff scientist role allows Kimmo Jokivarsi to focus on imaging equipment for research

The University of Eastern Finland has recruited new staff scientists who specialise in research infrastructure and research methodology.

Making teachers’ voice better heard

The Facilitators are working to reform the university's teaching in a more blended and flexible direction. One of them is University Lecturer in English Susanna Kohonen at the Language Centre.

An electronics tinkerer builds, maintains and teaches – and busts some myths along the way

Senior Laboratory Technician Tommi Itkonen found his field through studies in physics and interest in electronics.

Smooth transition from studying law to teaching and studying it

Anu Puustinen worked in the restaurant industry for a long time before finding a new career path, thanks to studies in law.

From chauffeuring the Rector to keeping the keys to the university

Facility Secretary Kjell Grinden enjoys the university's international atmosphere and concrete, varied work.

Learn more about our new professors

Sonja Kosunen appointed Professor of General Education

Sonja Kosunen, new professor of general education, has studied the relationship between social class and school in Finland. The topic evokes many emotions but offers an important perspective on the discussion on education policy.

Tomi Mäki-Opas appointed as Professor of Social and Public Policy

New indicators and methods are constantly being developed to assess the effectiveness of measures taken to promote well-being and health.

Tommi Hakala appointed as Professor of Experimental Nanophotonics

According to Professor Tommi Hakala, nanophotonics is a field of science that aims at smaller optical devices and diverse harnessing of light for technology.

Jussi Laine as appointed as Professor of Multidisciplinary Border Studies

The narrative relating to the fence to be built on Finland’s border with Russia is manipulative – and one that has become hegemonic in Finland, says Professor Jussi P. Laine.

Marjut Roponen appointed as Professor of Toxicology of Environmental Exposures

The focus of Professor Marjut Roponen’s research has always been on inhaled exposures and, in particular, on their impact on children’s health. Studies concerning exposures during pregnancy are still rather limited.

Kati Launis appointed as Professor of Literature

Studying 19th century fiction can uncover details hidden in the margins of history that are enough to rewrite the whole story.

Hille Janhonen-Abruquah appointed as Professor of Home Economics

Home economics helps our everyday life in a changing world.

Katja Kanninen appointed as Professor of Cellular Neurobiology

“In Alzheimer's disease, the olfactory mucosa is affected by similar changes as those occurring in the brain,” Katja Kanninen says.

Jani Saastamoinen appointed as Professor of Business Studies

Finland’s unique and extensive sets of register-based data provide researchers with the opportunity to explore people’s risk-taking behaviour in a genuine market environment.

Jari Vauhkonen appointed as Professor of Forest Planning

Appointed as Professor of Forest Planning at the University of Eastern Finland this November, Jari Vauhkonen says that collaboration between forest owners should be incentivised.