30 PhD Fully Funded Positions at the University of Helsinki, Finland

The University of Helsinki Doctoral School (UHDS) is inviting applications for 30 salaried doctoral researcher positions across various disciplines in Finland. These are full-time, four-year fixed-term positions, with employment expected to begin between 1 January and 31 March 2027.

The positions are offered through the RESDOC doctoral training project, an international and interdisciplinary doctoral programme co-funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) COFUND scheme and the University of Helsinki.

RESDOC is designed for early-stage researchers who want to pursue a PhD while working in an international research environment. Selected doctoral researchers will conduct full-time doctoral research, receive academic supervision, and participate in advanced training focused on sustainability, innovation, interdisciplinary research, and societal impact.

Key Details

Details	Information
Host Institution	University of Helsinki
Country	Finland
Programme	RESDOC Doctoral Training Project
Positions	30 Doctoral Researchers
Degree	PhD / Doctoral Degree
Employment Type	Full-time, fixed-term
Duration	4 years, 2027–2030
Approx. Salary	€2,900 gross per month
Trial Period	6 months
Application Deadline	31 August 2026, 23:59 EET
Start Date	Between 1 January and 31 March 2027
Location	Finland
Eligible Applicants	Early-stage researchers with a qualifying Master’s degree
PhD Required?	No; applicants must not already hold a PhD

About the Doctoral Researcher Positions

Successful candidates will be employed by the University of Helsinki and undertake doctoral research leading to a PhD degree. Researchers must also be enrolled in one of the University of Helsinki’s 14 doctoral programmes, depending on their research field and proposed topic.

The doctoral researchers will become part of the international and multidisciplinary RESDOC training project. They will work under the guidance of experienced academic supervisors and have access to the University’s research infrastructure, professional support services, and international research networks.

The programme may also include temporary research visits or secondments outside the University of Helsinki at RESDOC associated partner organisations. Any such secondment or research visit will be agreed separately, while the employment contract remains with the University of Helsinki.

RESDOC Research Themes

Applicants must propose a research topic that fits within one of the four central RESDOC themes. These themes bring together researchers from different disciplines to address major environmental, societal, health, and sustainability challenges.

1. Infectious Diseases and Antimicrobial Resistance in a Changing Environment

This theme focuses on infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and the ways environmental change can influence health risks and disease patterns.

2. Biodiversity and Nature’s Resilience

Research in this area explores biodiversity, ecosystems, environmental change, and the ability of natural systems to adapt and remain resilient.

3. Secure and Sustainable Food and Water Systems

This theme addresses challenges related to food security, water systems, sustainability, resource management, and resilient societies.

4. Just Socio-Ecological Transition

Research under this theme examines how societies can transition toward more sustainable systems while considering fairness, inclusion, social responsibility, and policy.

Alongside disciplinary research, RESDOC provides training in areas such as artificial intelligence, systems thinking, innovation, sustainable development, social responsibility, risk management, and policy frameworks. The programme aims to help researchers develop solutions that can create meaningful impact in academia, industry, government, and wider society.

What the University of Helsinki Offers

Doctoral researchers will join an international research community and benefit from a range of academic and professional resources. The University of Helsinki offers high-quality research infrastructure, supervision, professional support, and opportunities for international collaboration.

The programme also provides support for relocation and integration into Finland and the University environment. Researchers will receive a competitive salary based on MSCA COFUND principles, together with comprehensive occupational health care and staff benefits.

A family or special needs allowance may also be available to eligible researchers.

Salary and Employment Conditions

The doctoral researcher positions are four-year fixed-term appointments covering 2027–2030. The employment includes a six-month trial period. The approximate salary is €2,900 gross per month. Taxes and other applicable deductions are handled automatically, so the final net salary will depend on the individual researcher’s tax rate and circumstances.

Researchers are expected to reside in Finland throughout their employment. Employment can begin only after the researcher has arrived in Finland. The salary is determined according to the principles applicable to the Horizon Europe MSCA COFUND programme.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet all mandatory eligibility requirements established by the MSCA COFUND programme and the University of Helsinki by the application deadline of 31 August 2026.

Applicants must:

• Hold a Master’s degree or another equivalent qualification that gives access to doctoral studies.
• Not already hold a PhD degree.
• Qualify as an early-stage researcher with less than four years of research experience.
• Meet the MSCA mobility rule, meaning they must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Finland for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately preceding the call deadline.
• Propose a research topic that fits one of the RESDOC research themes and can be supported by appropriate supervision.
• Not be permanently employed by the University of Helsinki.
• Meet the University of Helsinki’s English-language requirements for doctoral education.
• Be willing to reside in Finland for the full four-year employment period.

Applicants should carefully review the mobility and research-experience requirements before submitting an application because these are mandatory MSCA eligibility conditions.

Selection Process

Applications will be evaluated according to the eligibility requirements established by MSCA COFUND and the University of Helsinki Doctoral School. The selection process will consider the quality, feasibility, and relevance of the proposed research plan, as well as the applicant’s academic background, motivation, previous studies, and other relevant experience. The suitability of the proposed research topic for the RESDOC thematic areas and the relevant University of Helsinki doctoral programme will also be assessed.

Shortlisted applicants may be invited to participate in interviews. Academic alignment interviews are expected to take place online in October 2026. Successful applicants must obtain the study right required to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki no later than during the six-month trial period of employment.

Important Information for Applicants

Before applying, candidates should carefully check their eligibility under the MSCA COFUND mobility rules, early-stage researcher requirements, doctoral admission conditions, and English-language requirements.

Applicants should also make sure that their proposed research fits clearly within one of the four RESDOC themes. A strong application should demonstrate both academic potential and a convincing connection between the proposed research and the objectives of the doctoral training project.

The position offers more than doctoral funding alone. Researchers will become employees of the University of Helsinki, receive a salary and staff benefits, and participate in an international training environment designed to develop research, innovation, interdisciplinary, and transferable skills.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the APPLY NOW system.

The application deadline is:

31 August 2026 at 23:59 EET (Eastern European Time).

Applicants should ensure that their research proposal and supporting documents demonstrate a clear connection between their proposed research and one of the four RESDOC themes. Academic alignment interviews for shortlisted candidates will be conducted online in October. Applicants are expected to receive notification of the results by the end of November 2026.

Because of restricted access to the University’s recruitment system, applicants residing in Iran are requested to contact resdoc-dp@helsinki.fi for instructions on submitting an application.

About the University of Helsinki

The University of Helsinki is Finland’s largest and oldest university and is internationally recognised for its research and education. Around 500 doctoral degrees are awarded annually across a wide range of disciplines. The University offers 14 doctoral programmes covering diverse research fields. Doctoral researchers work in high-quality research environments and have access to modern infrastructure, academic supervision, international networks, and interdisciplinary research opportunities. The University of Helsinki also places strong emphasis on diversity, equality, and inclusion. Qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

APPLY NOW

Frequently Asked Questions

How many doctoral researcher positions are available at the University of Helsinki?

There are 30 salaried doctoral researcher positions available through the RESDOC doctoral training project.

What is the duration of the doctoral researcher positions?

The positions are full-time, fixed-term appointments for four years, covering the period from 2027 to 2030.

What is the salary for the University of Helsinki doctoral researcher positions?

The approximate gross salary is €2,900 per month. The actual net salary depends on the researcher’s personal tax rate. A family or special needs allowance may be available where applicable.

Do applicants need to have a PhD?

No. Applicants must not already hold a PhD degree. They must qualify as early-stage researchers with less than four years of research experience.

What degree is required to apply?

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or an equivalent qualification that gives eligibility for doctoral studies.

What are the RESDOC research themes?

The four themes are Infectious Diseases and Antimicrobial Resistance in a Changing Environment; Biodiversity and Nature’s Resilience; Secure and Sustainable Food and Water Systems; and Just Socio-Ecological Transition.

Do applicants need to live in Finland?

Yes. Selected doctoral researchers are expected to reside in Finland for the full four-year employment period, and employment can begin only after arrival in Finland.

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is 31 August 2026 at 23:59 EET.

When will shortlisted applicants be interviewed?

Academic alignment interviews are planned to take place online in October 2026. Applicants are expected to be notified of the results by the end of November 2026.

Where can applicants get further information?

Applicants can consult University of Helsinki RESDOC applicant guidance and doctoral training information. Questions, assistance requests, or requests for adjustments during the recruitment process can be directed to resdoc-dp@helsinki.fi.