University-funded doctoral researcher positions

Official university vacancy imported from University of Helsinki. Details are presented for discovery and may change. Confirm the latest requirements and apply on the official source.

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.

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.

• 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.

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. JOIN US TO BUILD A BETTER WORLD – TOGETHER!#HelsinkiUniCareers

Do you have a helsinki.fi username and a valid employment contract, a grant researcher's contract, a visiting researcher's or visiting professor's contract at the University of Helsinki? Log in here to apply to our open positions.

Open position

(23.59 Europe/Helsinki time)

Working for the world

Science has the power to change the world. Join one of the best research universities in the world – an international community united through bold thinking, science, research, and learning, with over 30,000 students and 8,000 employees.

We are defined by our multidisciplinary approach. This, combined with a dedication for cross-border collaboration, gives us our potential to find real solutions and build hope for a better, more sustainable future.

We are united by our values – truth, bildung, freedom, and inclusivity – as well as our passion for work that truly matters.

Join us: work for the future – work for the world.

Any questions?

See our recruitment system FAQ

• Opens in a new tab.

© University of Helsinki 2022

Cookie Consent Manager

When you visit any website, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Because we respect your right to privacy, you can choose not to allow some types of cookies. However, blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.

Required Cookies

These cookies are required to use this website and can't be turned off.

• "route" is used for session stickiness
• "careerSiteCompanyId" is used to send the request to the correct data centre
• "JSESSIONID" is placed on the visitor's device during the session so the server can identify the visitor
• "Load balancer cookie" (actual cookie name may vary) prevents a visitor from bouncing from one instance to another

Advertising Cookies

These cookies serve ads that are relevant to your interests. You may freely choose to accept or decline these cookies at any time. Note that certain functionality that these third parties make available may be impacted if you do not accept these cookies.