Job Description

Would you like to dive into the world of open science and publishing — and help shape how Finnish universities support open access in practice? Here's your chance!

We’re looking for a motivated and curious Trainee to join the FinELib team at the National Library Traineeship of Finland for autumn 2026. This traineeship is part of the University of Helsinki Trainee Programme for International Master’s Students, which is open to all international students enrolled in a University of Helsinki master’s programme.

About FinELib

FinELib is a national consortium coordinated by the National Library of Finland We negotiate e-resource (journals, e-books, databases) and open access agreements on behalf of Finnish universities, universities of applied sciences, research institutions, and public libraries. Our goal is simple: to secure access to high‑quality research on fair and affordable terms while advancing open access to publicly funded research.

Our team consists of eight specialists working closely with national and international stakeholders. As a trainee, you’ll be welcomed into a friendly and supportive community in the heart of Helsinki.

About the traineeship

You will carry out an independent project on institutional rights retention policies (IRRP) at Finnish institutions — an approach intended to support researchers in retaining rights to their own work and to help make research findings openly available via repositories under a CC BY licence.

Your main tasks will include:

• Producing an overview of the Finnish IRRP landscape in late 2026
• Mapping experiences, best practices, implications for consortia, and challenges related to IRRPs both in Finland and abroad
• Designing and conducting interviews and/or surveys with librarians and researchers
• Summarizing your findings into a concise, useful report for FinELib and its member organisations
• Sharing your insights with FinELib and the broader community

You’ll work independently but with the support of a supervisor, the FinELib team, and a designated project group. We value curiosity, initiative, and willingness to explore a new area of scholarly communication.

What we offer

• A meaningful project that contributes to advancing open science – and that you can showcase in your CV
• A friendly and supportive team
• Regular check-ins and support for project design
• Insights into how open science and license negotiations are implemented in Finland
• Unlimited caffeine from our premium coffee machine, an impressive collection of office plants, and Casual Fridays (and Mondays and Tuesdays...)
• Flexible hours and hybrid working opportunities when needed — but we'd love to see you on site at the National Library as much as possible
• A unique working environment right in the historic centre of Helsinki (Did we mention that we have a high-end coffee machine and a curated office jungle?)

What we expect from you

• You are an international master’s student at the University of Helsinki and eligible for the Trainee Programme
• Genuine interest in open science, scholarly communication, or similar topics
• Demonstrated project management skills, and the ability to work independently and manage a small research-style project
• Fluent written and spoken English
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• No prior experience with rights retention is required — curiosity and initiative matter most!

Practical details

• Workload: part-time, 55 % (20 h/week)
• Duration: 1 September – 31 December 2026
• Salary: €825/month (55 % traineeship)
• Location: National Library of Finland (Helsinki), with hybrid options

Interested?

For more information, please contact:
Timo Vilén, Head of FinELib Services
Phone: +358 2941 44621
Email: timo.vilen@helsinki.fi

The application period is from 8 April to 29 April 2026.

You are eligible to apply if you are an international student enrolled in a University of Helsinki Master’s programme. Apply for the position via our recruitment system by April 29th 11:59 PM If you encounter technical issues, contact uni-help@helsinki.fi

Read more on the programme and its eligibility criteria on the website of the traineeship programme

The University of Helsinki welcomes applicants of all genders, backgrounds, cultures and minority groups.

Join us and help shape a more open research world — together!

#helsinkiunicareer

About the National Library of Finland

The National Library of Finland is a cultural heritage organisation that is open to all and provides nationwide services to citizens, research communities, and society at large. We secure the availability of cultural heritage published in Finland or relating to Finland and transmit and produce information content for research, studies, citizens and society. We develop services in cooperation with libraries, archives, museums and other operators. The National Library is part of the University of Helsinki, one of the world’s leading multidisciplinary research universities.