The University of Eastern Finland (UEF) is offering a fully funded doctoral researcher position for international applicants interested in biomass chemistry, sustainable materials, chemical engineering, natural products research, and forest-based bioeconomy development.

This PhD opportunity is part of the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions COFUND Doctoral Programme for Advancing Forest-Based Bioeconomy (DP-FOBI).

The selected researcher will join the Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology, Department of Chemistry, at the Joensuu campus in Finland.

The four-year doctoral project focuses on isolating, characterizing, and applying valuable chemical compounds obtained from biomass-derived fractions, particularly forest-based side streams such as bark and other lignocellulosic residues.

The research aims to discover bioactive compounds with antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral properties while exploring their potential use in sustainable material applications, including protective coatings and functional surfaces. The application deadline is 10 August 2026.

PhD Scholarship Overview

Category	Details
Host University	University of Eastern Finland
Country	Finland
Campus	Joensuu Campus
Faculty	Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology
Department	Department of Chemistry
Research Area	Biomass Chemistry, Sustainable Materials, Bioactive Compounds
Programme	MSCA COFUND DP-FOBI Doctoral Programme
Degree	Doctoral Degree (PhD)
Duration	4 Years
Position Type	Full-time Temporary Employment
Starting Date	By 1 April 2027
Application Deadline	10 August 2026

Research Topic: Unlocking the Value of Biomass-Derived Chemical Compounds

The transition toward a sustainable bioeconomy requires innovative ways to use renewable resources efficiently. Forest biomass contains many valuable chemical compounds that are often underutilized. By-products such as bark and lignocellulosic residues contain natural molecules with potential applications in:

Sustainable materials
Functional coatings
Antimicrobial technologies
Bio-based products
High-value chemical applications

This doctoral project investigates how these compounds can be extracted, purified, understood, and transformed into useful sustainable solutions.

Research Objectives of the PhD Project

The research focuses on two interconnected areas:

1. Identification of Bioactive Biomass Compounds

The doctoral researcher will study chemical fractions obtained from biomass sources to identify compounds responsible for biological activity.

The research will investigate:

Which chemical compounds provide antimicrobial effects
Which fractions demonstrate antiviral properties
How molecular composition influences biological performance
How different compounds interact through possible synergistic effects

2. Development of Sustainable Material Applications

The project will explore how selected biomass-derived fractions can be used in material technologies.

Potential applications include:

Protective surface coatings
Biodegradation-resistant materials
Hydrophobic surface treatments
Improved material durability
Extended product service life

The goal is to transform forest-based side streams into valuable sustainable products.

Research Methods and Scientific Approach

The doctoral researcher will use advanced laboratory and analytical methods, including:

Biomass Fractionation and Purification

The research will involve separating complex biomass extracts into individual chemical fractions to identify valuable compounds.

Methods may include:

Extraction processes
Separation techniques
Purification approaches
Chemical fraction analysis

Chemical Characterization

The project will analyse molecular structures and chemical properties using advanced characterization techniques.

The research will investigate relationships between:

Chemical composition
Molecular structure
Biological activity
Material performance

Bioactivity Testing

Selected fractions will be evaluated for:

Antifungal activity
Antimicrobial activity
Antiviral activity

The research aims to understand the mechanisms behind biological effects.

Expected Research Outcomes

The project aims to deliver:

New Knowledge About Biomass Chemistry

The research will improve understanding of how natural compounds from forest resources contribute to biological functionality.

Sustainable Material Innovations

The project may lead to new bio-based materials with improved:

Durability
Biological resistance
Surface properties
Environmental performance

Commercialization Potential

The research supports the development of high-value applications for biomass-derived chemicals within a sustainable and resource-efficient bioeconomy.

Why This PhD Opportunity Is Valuable

This doctoral position offers an opportunity to work on emerging challenges in sustainable technology and renewable materials.

The research combines:

Chemistry
Materials science
Biotechnology
Forest bioeconomy
Green technology

The project has both fundamental scientific importance and practical industrial relevance.

Academic and Professional Benefits

Selected researchers will receive:

Expert Scientific Supervision

The doctoral candidate will receive guidance from experienced researchers specializing in sustainable technologies, biomass chemistry, and material applications.

International Doctoral Training

The DP-FOBI programme provides access to:

Scientific workshops
Summer schools
Research visits
International secondments
Career development activities

Research Collaboration Opportunities

The researcher will become part of the FOBI research community and the Sustainable Technologies research group, enabling collaboration with:

International researchers
Industry partners
Sustainable technology organizations

Salary and Funding Benefits

The position is funded through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions COFUND programme.

The four-year employment package includes:

Living allowance: EUR 3,200 per month
Mobility allowance: EUR 87 per month
Family allowance: EUR 300 per month for eligible researchers
Paid annual leave
Additional summer holiday bonus

Additional funding support includes:

Conference travel allowance: EUR 1,500 per year
Secondment and research visit allowance: EUR 10,500 total
Research expenses: EUR 6,000 total
Special needs support where applicable

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must have:

Academic Qualifications

A Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in:

Biorefining engineering
Chemistry
Chemical engineering
Material science
Related disciplines

Applicants must not hold a doctoral degree at the application deadline.

MSCA Mobility Requirement

Applicants must meet the MSCA mobility rule:

Less than 12 months of residence or work experience in Finland during the previous three years before the deadline.

Required Skills and Experience

Applicants are expected to have:

Experience with experimental laboratory work
Knowledge of chemical analysis
Understanding of material science principles
Interest in natural products chemistry or biomass chemistry

Additional advantages include:

Chemical characterization experience
Chemical engineering separation methods
Biomass processing knowledge
Independent laboratory research skills

Successful candidates should demonstrate:

Problem-solving ability
Creativity
Strong collaboration skills
Ability to work independently
Willingness to participate in international research activities

Responsibilities of the Doctoral Researcher

The selected researcher will:

Conduct original PhD research
Perform laboratory experiments
Develop scientific publications
Complete doctoral studies
Participate in DP-FOBI training activities
Prepare research and career development plans
Participate in research collaborations and dissemination activities

The researcher must enroll in the University of Eastern Finland Doctoral Programme in Science, Forestry and Technology.

Selection Process

The selection process includes five stages:

1. Eligibility and Ethics Review

Applications are checked for academic requirements and ethical standards.

2. External Evaluation

Independent experts assess applications based on academic quality and research potential.

3. Interviews

The highest-ranked candidates are invited for interviews.

4. Final Selection Decision

The final candidate is selected after reviewing evaluation results.

5. Appointment

The successful researcher receives an employment contract and begins doctoral studies.

Research Environment at the University of Eastern Finland

The University of Eastern Finland provides an international and multidisciplinary research environment focused on innovation and sustainable solutions. Researchers benefit from:

Modern laboratory facilities
International academic networks
Professional training opportunities
Healthcare services
Supportive research culture

Finland offers a safe, innovative, and internationally recognized environment for scientific research.

Why Apply for This Biomass Chemistry PhD Scholarship?

This PhD opportunity is ideal for graduates interested in developing sustainable alternatives to traditional materials and chemical products. The project combines:

Biomass valorization
Green chemistry
Natural product research
Sustainable materials
Forest-based innovation

Researchers will contribute to creating new high-value applications from renewable forest resources while supporting the global transition toward a circular bioeconomy.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted in English through APPLY NOW. Application Deadline 10 August 2026 at 24:00 Finnish time (UTC+3) Required Application Documents; Applicants must submit:

Certified copy of Master’s degree diploma
Academic transcript of records
Curriculum vitae (CV)
Electronic copy of Master’s thesis
Two-page English summary of Master’s thesis
Ethics Self-Assessment form
Motivation letter
Proof of English proficiency when required

Applicants must use the official application templates. Applications that do not follow required formatting or language instructions may not be considered.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is this PhD scholarship in Finland fully funded?

Yes. The position provides a four-year MSCA COFUND employment package including salary, research funding, travel support, and employee benefits.

2. Who can apply for this biomass chemistry PhD position?

Applicants with a Master’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, biorefining engineering, material science, or related fields can apply.

3. What is the main research focus?

The research focuses on extracting, identifying, and applying bioactive chemical compounds from biomass-derived fractions.

4. What types of biomass materials will be studied?

The project focuses especially on forest-based side streams such as bark and lignocellulosic residues.

5. What biological activities will be investigated?

The research will examine antifungal, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties of biomass-derived chemical compounds.

6. Will the research involve laboratory experiments?

Yes. The project requires experimental laboratory work involving chemical analysis, fractionation, characterization, and material testing.

7. Can international students apply?

Yes. International applicants who meet academic and MSCA mobility requirements are encouraged to apply.

8. What skills improve the chances of selection?

Experience in chemical analysis, biomass chemistry, natural products research, and material science will be beneficial.

9. Where is the PhD position located?

The position is based at the University of Eastern Finland’s Joensuu campus.

10. What is the application deadline?

The deadline is 10 August 2026.

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