About the opportunity
The University of Helsinki Doctoral School (UHDS) is offering 30 salaried doctoral researcher positions as part of the international, interdisciplinary RESDOC doctoral training project. Co-funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) COFUND scheme and the University of Helsinki, the project focuses on four key themes: (i) Infectious Diseases and Antimicrobial Resistance in Changing Environment, (ii) Biodiversity and Nature’s Resilience, (iii) Secure and Sustainable Food and Water Systems, and (iv) Just Socio-Ecological Transition. Researchers will conduct full-time research leading to a PhD, be enrolled in one of the university’s 14 doctoral programmes, and receive training in AI, systems thinking, and innovation, while building expertise in sustainable development, social responsibility, and policy frameworks.
Salary and benefits
- Competitive salary of approximately € 2,900 gross per month.
- Family or special needs allowance may be paid where applicable.
- Comprehensive occupational health care and staff benefits.
- Support for relocation and integration into Finland and the University of Helsinki.
- Employment in an international, multidisciplinary research community with high-quality infrastructure and professional support services.
Who can apply?
- Hold a Master’s degree or equivalent qualifying for doctoral studies.
- Must not hold a PhD degree.
- Early-stage researcher with less than 4 years of research experience.
- Comply with the MSCA mobility rule: not more than 12 months in Finland in the 36 months preceding the call deadline (31 August 2026).
- Propose a research topic fitting the RESDOC themes and supervision.
- Must not be permanently employed by the University of Helsinki.
- Fulfil English language requirements according to University of Helsinki’s requirements.
- Willing to reside in Finland for the full 4-year duration.
Required documents
- Research plan (assessed for quality, feasibility, and relevance).
When to apply
- Application deadline: 31 August 2026 23:59 EET.
- Academic alignment interviews for shortlisted candidates: October 2026.
- Notification of results: by the end of November 2026.
- Employment start date: between 1 January and 31 March 2027.
How to apply
- Submit application via the University of Helsinki online recruitment system.
- Applicants residing in Iran must contact resdoc-dp@helsinki.fi for specific submission instructions.
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 Master's degree and less than four years of research experience.
- Those whose research interests align with the RESDOC themes (e.g., Biodiversity, Food/Water Systems, Socio-Ecological Transition).
- International researchers looking for a fully funded, four-year PhD path in Finland.
What should you think carefully about?
- The strict MSCA mobility rule applies: you must not have resided in Finland for more than 12 months in the last three years.
- The role requires a full four-year commitment to residing in Finland.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This is a high-prestige opportunity for those seeking a competitive salary and specialized training in AI, systems thinking, and innovation. It is ideal for those aiming to build a global research profile in sustainable development or infectious diseases.
Our take
Early-stage researchers with a strong interdisciplinary focus on sustainability and resilience are strong candidates for these MSCA-funded positions.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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