About the opportunity
The Faculty of Law at the University of Helsinki is seeking one to two Research Assistants for fixed-term, one-year positions starting between December 2026 and January 2027, with the possibility of extension. Appointees will assist with several research initiatives, including the Agency in Law (LEGACY) project on evolving legal agency, the HUMAN-BIO project on alternatives to animal experimentation, an upcoming initiative examining the legal status of AI systems and digital minds, and the Helsinki Animal Law Centre. Responsibilities involve communications and social media, event organization, practical and administrative assistance, and research support tasks such as drafting, editing, and proofreading documents.
Salary and benefits
- Hourly gross salary ranging from €16.04 to €17.03, determined by prior relevant work experience
- Part-time schedule of approximately 5–20 hours per week designed to be compatible with degree studies and potentially summer employment
- One-year fixed-term appointment with the possibility of extension
- Opportunity to participate in international academic networks and an active research environment operating primarily in English
Who can apply?
- Must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate or master's degree student at the University of Helsinki
- Basic familiarity with the academic research process
- Good command of written and spoken English
- Strong practical organizational skills and a proactive, creative approach to digital communications and social media
- Positive, solution-oriented attitude and availability to work on-site in Helsinki (cannot be performed entirely remotely)
- Assets (not required): experience organizing events, proficiency in Finnish or other languages, familiarity with graphic design software (such as Canva), or academic interest in legal theory, animal law and ethics, or artificial intelligence
Required documents
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter (or a clear explanation of motivation submitted within the application letter)
- Official transcript of academic records
When to apply
- Application deadline: November 2, 2026, at 23:59 Helsinki time (Europe/Helsinki)
- Anticipated start date: Earliest in December 2026, latest in January 2027
- Event availability requirement: Candidates should be available to assist with scheduled summer events on June 16–18, 2027, and June 21–23, 2027
How to apply
- Access the official University of Helsinki recruitment system via the job announcement portal
- Log in using a personal email address rather than an institutional @helsinki.fi account
- Complete the application profile and upload your CV, motivation letter, and academic transcript before the November 2, 2026, deadline
Additional information
- The university plans to recruit up to two assistants with complementary skills, with at least one focused strongly on communications and social media
- Questions regarding the role should be sent to Visa Kurki (visa.kurki@helsinki.fi) or current assistant Amanda Vilén (amanda.vilen@helsinki.fi); recruitment portal technical inquiries should be directed to recruitment@helsinki.fi
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- University of Helsinki bachelor's or master's students interested in animal law, legal theory, or the intersection of law and artificial intelligence
- Students with demonstrated aptitude for social media management, science communication, and graphic design tools such as Canva
- Applicants with event organization experience who seek flexible, on-campus employment that accommodates their course timetable
What should you think carefully about?
- The role requires physical on-site presence in Helsinki for practical tasks and event support, ruling out fully remote participation
- Working hours fluctuate between 5 and 20 hours per week, which may lead to varying monthly income
- Selected candidates must be available to assist on-site during designated summer event dates in mid-to-late June 2027
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This position offers University of Helsinki degree students direct exposure to active academic research, faculty mentorship, and international academic networks. It serves as an effective stepping stone for students considering graduate research, academic careers in legal studies, or communications and project management roles within research institutes.
Our take
Enrolled University of Helsinki undergraduate and master's students seeking paid, flexible research and communications experience in cutting-edge legal fields should apply. It is not suitable for applicants not enrolled at the university or those requiring entirely remote work.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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