About the opportunity
The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network INFLUENCE invites applications for a full-time Doctoral Researcher position at the University of Helsinki, starting in October 2027. The INFLUENCE network unites five European universities to study Russian influence across the dimensions of legacies, interdependencies, and power. The specific project at Helsinki examines how Russian state-controlled media and social media exploit migration-related societal divisions to fuel polarisation, undermine social cohesion, and erode trust in democratic institutions. The appointee will benefit from joint international supervision, advanced methodological training, professional development, and mandatory intersectoral secondments of at least six months at academic and non-academic partner institutions.
Salary and benefits
- 36-month full-time EU MSCA contract and fully funded doctoral position
- Monthly living allowance of 3,639.85 € per month before taxes
- Monthly mobility allowance of 546.15 € per month before taxes
- Conditional monthly family allowance of 507.69 € per month before taxes, if applicable
- Joint international supervision and advanced research, methods, and transferable skills training
- Research visits and intersectoral secondments
- Standard Finnish pension benefits and occupational health care provided by the University of Helsinki
Who can apply?
- Must hold a relevant Master’s degree or equivalent formally entitling them to start a doctorate at the time of application
- Must not have been awarded a doctoral degree
- Must comply with the MSCA mobility rule: must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Finland for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before recruitment
- Must possess excellent English-language skills (knowledge of Russian and/or Baltic or Western Balkan languages is advantageous)
- Must be ready to work in a team, travel to conferences and network events, and participate in international academic and non-academic secondments
- Must obtain the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki and approval by a suitable doctoral programme by the end of the standard six-month probationary period
Required documents
- Cover letter
- Prospective research proposal outlining interest in the specific project
- Curriculum Vitae
- Degree certificates and academic transcripts
When to apply
- Call opens: 12 October 2026
- Application deadline: 15 December 2026 at 23:59 (Europe/Helsinki time)
- Shortlist of candidates prepared: February 2027
- Interviews with shortlisted candidates: February – March 2027
- Results communicated: By 30 April 2027
- Employment commences: 1 October 2027
How to apply
- Prepare all required application documents in PDF format
- Access the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the official Apply Now button or employee login
- Submit the application and documents prior to the deadline on 15 December 2026
Additional information
- The position is part of the MSCA Doctoral Network INFLUENCE involving Vilnius University, University of Glasgow, University of Helsinki, University of Sarajevo, and University of Warsaw.
- For enquiries about the position, contact Ira Jänis-Isokangas via email at ira.janis-isokangas@helsinki.fi.
- For recruitment system enquiries, contact recruitment@helsinki.fi indicating the call title in the email heading.
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…
- Early-stage researchers with a strong background in political science, international relations, area studies, sociology, or media studies seeking a structured international PhD framework.
- Candidates interested in interdisciplinary approaches combining discourse analysis, media monitoring, and policy engagement.
- Scholars eager to gain cross-sectoral experience through extended international secondments at partner institutions.
What should you think carefully about?
- Strict adherence to the MSCA mobility rule regarding prior residence in Finland is mandatory.
- The position requires a firm commitment to relocate to Finland and undertake mandatory international travel and secondments lasting at least six months.
- Applicants must successfully secure official doctoral study rights at the University of Helsinki during the initial six-month probationary period.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This three-year fully funded doctoral position offers an exceptional environment for individuals looking to build an academic research career or pivot into policy practice within European security, media studies, and geopolitical research. The combination of guaranteed funding, joint supervision, and structured international secondments supports both deep disciplinary expertise and versatile professional development.
Our take
This opportunity is ideal for ambitious early-stage researchers with strong English proficiency and a relevant Master's degree who want to investigate contemporary information warfare and migration politics in Europe. Anyone unable to meet the MSCA mobility rule or commit to extended international secondments should consider alternative funding routes.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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