University-funded doctoral researcher positions

About the opportunity

The University of Helsinki Doctoral School (UHDS) is inviting applications for fixed-term, salaried doctoral researcher positions starting January 1, 2027. Doctoral researchers conduct their research as part of an international scholarly community under the supervision of leading researchers in their respective fields. The role involves completing a doctoral thesis and degree according to the doctoral programme’s curriculum, with potential teaching and other duties comprising up to 5% of annual working hours. Employment is full-time and continuous, lasting up to four years depending on the thesis stage, and includes a six-month trial period. Researchers are expected to reside in Finland during their employment.

Salary and benefits

• Competitive salary: typically between €2,500 and €2,800 per month for new researchers.
• Salary based on levels 2 to 4 of the job requirement chart for teaching and research staff in the Finnish university salary system.
• Additional salary component based on personal work performance.
• Opportunity to work in an international multidisciplinary research community.
• High-quality research infrastructure and support.
• Occupational health services and other comprehensive staff benefits.
• Support in finding housing and integrating into Finland and the University of Helsinki.

Who can apply?

• Must have completed a degree entitling them to pursue doctoral studies (second-cycle higher education degree or equivalent) before employment commences.
• Must receive the right to complete a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki during the trial period at the latest.
• The research plan topic must suit the profile of the doctoral programme.
• Must be able to commit to full-time (100%) and continuous employment.
• Must reside in Finland during the employment period.

Required documents

• Research plan (assessed on quality and feasibility).
• Application form and other attachments as specified in the detailed instructions for the chosen doctoral programme.

When to apply

• Application deadline: 7 September 2026 (23:59 Europe/Helsinki time).
• Decisions will be notified by the end of December 2026.

How to apply

• Read the detailed instructions for completing the application form and required attachments via the provided link.
• Select the suitable doctoral programme from the drop-down menu on the instructions page to see programme-specific requirements.
• Submit the application through the official recruitment system.