Research Assistant, project SPROK

Åbo Akademi University seeks a  Research Assistant for our Research to Business project SPROK. The Research Assistant will join the team to help prepare for the commercialisation of SPROK – a digital language learning game. The position is located at the Faculty of Education and Welfare Studies in Vaasa, Finland.

SPROK is a digital language learning material that facilitates language learning in immigrant preparatory and mainstream second language classrooms. It is based on the Finnish curriculum and the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The project has received Research to Business funding from Business Finland for two years (1.9.2023-31.8.2025).  

The project’s main aim is to determine the best commercialisation route for the game. This is carried out by performing market analysis, carrying out applied research and design, and developing prototypes. The position is full-time employment for the time 1.9.2024-31.7.2025, or by agreement.

Responsibilities and tasks

• Data collection regarding the SPROK’s linguistic content to ensure commercial success by scheduling, conducting, translating, and/or transcribing interviews with: 
  • Finnish, Swedish, and English second language teachers within Finland. 
  • Second language teachers throughout select EU countries. 
  • Immigrant students who are learning, or who have learned languages, within Finland and the EU.
  • School administrators and counsellors within Finland and the EU.
  • Documents or audio files are already in the team’s possession. (Note: Interviews may be conducted in person or via conferencing software as required.)
• Write and apply for permits for the data collection mentioned above as necessary and in compliance with ÅAU and GDPR standards. Manage the data collection process in accordance with ÅAU and GDPR standards.  
• Attend and/or present meetings, conferences, seminars, or other relevant events in Finland to develop SPROK’s academic and potential testing network.
• Collaborate with team members in the compilation and processing of data to disseminate research relevant to the project and its commercial future.  
• Collaborate with the WP2 members to create and/or translate materials directly related to the collected data necessary for WP2’s completion.  

Qualifications 

• Education: Master’s Degree in Education or Linguistics. 
• Work experience: Some direct experience with second language acquisition teaching is preferable.  
• Fluent Finnish and Swedish are required, with a native level in one preferred.
• Communication with project colleagues requires knowledge of English.

Preferred Knowledge

• Command of Windows Office software, including Word, Excel, and Teams.
• Data processing tools regarding translation, transcription, and analysis (e.g., NVivo).

Skills and interests
The optimal applicant would have: experience in Second Language Acquisition methodologies, either through work experience; an interest in digital games, gamification, e-learning, and AI solutions; knowledge of the Finnish education system and its curriculum; good communication and time management skills; and an ability to work independently. Preference will be given to those with specializations in teaching second languages.

Terms of employment
The Research Assistant’s salary is based on levels 2–3 of the job demand levels for teaching and research staff, depending on the Applicants' qualifications. In addition, an individual salary component based on personal work performance is added to the salary. Please see the salary chart for teaching and research personnel.

Researchers have a total working time of 1,612 hours per year. A trial period of five months applies to the position. The person’s appointed will have access to occupational health care-services.

Application
The application is submitted through the electronic application form below no later than 2.8.2024 at 3 p.m. (Finnish time). 

The following appendices are attached to the application in English:

• A free-form application letter 
• Copies of diplomas, including transcripts of records
• A curriculum vitae 

During the selection process, the applicants can be invited to an interview.

Further information
For further information, contact Associate Professor Emmanuel Acquah, emmanuel.acquah[a]abo.fi, Anette Bengs (available 29.7-2.8), anette.bengs[a]abo.fi.