University-funded Doctoral Researcher Positions
UNIVERSITY OF HELSINKI, Finland
- Institution
- UNIVERSITY OF HELSINKI
- Country
- Finland
- Position type
- PhD
- Application deadline
- 7 September 2026
- Salary
- €2,500 and €2,800 per month
- Hours
- Full Time
- Location
- FI
- Funding
- Fully funded position
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About this position
Salaried doctoral researcher positions in various disciplines
The University of Helsinki Doctoral School (UHDS) is inviting applications for fixed-term university-funded doctoral researcher positions starting from 1 January 2027. Doctoral researchers at the University conduct their doctoral research as part of an international scholarly community under the supervision of the best researchers in their respective fields.
About the position
You are tasked with completing your doctoral thesis and your doctoral degree in accordance with the curriculum of your doctoral programme. Your duties may also include teaching and other duties up to 5% of your annual working hours. The duration of the employment is no more than four years depending on the stage of your doctoral thesis and will include a six-month trial period.
We will offer you:
- The 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 your place and integrating in Finland and the University of Helsinki
- A competitive salary
The salary of a new doctoral researcher is typically between €2,500 and €2,800 per month. The requirement level of the position increases as the work on the doctoral thesis progresses. The salary for the post of a doctoral researcher is based on levels 2 to 4 of the job requirement chart for teaching and research staff in the salary system of Finnish universities. In addition, the appointee will be paid a salary component based on personal work performance.
The University of Helsinki Doctoral School has 14 doctoral programmes. Over 500 doctoral degrees are completed at the University every year.
Requirements for successful applicants
Doctoral researchers must receive the right to complete a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki during their trial period at the latest. The employment cannot commence before the applicant has completed a degree entitling them to pursue doctoral studies (second-cycle higher education degree or equivalent).
The applications are assessed based on the quality and feasibility of the research plan. The abilities and motivation demonstrated in the completion of a previous degree or in another manner to complete a doctoral degree in accordance with a research plan are also assessed based on the application. Many doctoral programmes will also conduct interviews with the applicants. The topic of the research plan must suit the profile of the doctoral programme.
Successful applicants will become university-funded doctoral researchers at the University of Helsinki. They will be expected to reside in Finland during their employment at the University of Helsinki. Each position and employee will be assigned to a suitable faculty, faculty unit or independent institute. The employment of the PhD researcher must be full-time (100%) and continuous.
Research or part of it can be conducted outside the University of Helsinki, for example, in a governmental research institute, a company or other organisation in Finland but the employment contract is concluded with the University of Helsinki, which will also provide the academic supervision. Temporary international travel for research purposes is possible when separately agreed upon.
Interested?
The application deadline is 7 September 2026. Applicants will be notified of the decisions by the end of December 2026.
Read the instructions for completing the application form and required attachments through this link: University-funded doctoral researcher positions. Remember to select a suitable doctoral programme from the drop-down menu at the top of the page to see detailed instructions.
Should you have any questions, need assistance or adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact phd-positions@helsinki.fi – we’re here to support you.
A diverse and equitable study and work culture is important to us. That is why we do our best to promote an inclusive university community. We encourage all qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply for our positions.
Click this link to read about accessibility and inclusivity at our University.
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Apply directly to UNIVERSITY OF HELSINKI
Emerging Scholars Council is not the employer and does not recruit for this position. It is advertised by UNIVERSITY OF HELSINKI, and your application goes to them. We help students prepare and strengthen their applications.
Go to the official application page →Applications close 7 September 2026.
Contact listed in the advert
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