Applications are now open for 30 salaried Doctoral Researcher positions in various disciplines at the University of Helsinki, Finland. This is one of the largest doctoral recruitment drives in Finland this year, offering four year fixed term, full time employment contracts starting between 1 January and 31 March 2027.
These positions are part of the RESDOC doctoral training project, co funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions (MSCA) COFUND scheme and the University of Helsinki. If you are searching for fully funded PhD positions in Finland 2027, this opportunity offers a salaried research career combined with world class academic supervision and international training. For more BS, MS,Phd, Postdoc Positions visit here.
Key Details:
- Host institution: University of Helsinki, Finland
- Programme: RESDOC Doctoral Training Project (MSCA COFUND)
- Number of positions: 30 Doctoral Researcher posts across various disciplines
- Contract type: Four year fixed term, full time employment
- Start date: Between 1 January and 31 March 2027
- Monthly salary: Approximately €2,900 gross (before tax)
- Application deadline: 31 August 2026, 23:59 EET (Eastern European Time)
About the University of Helsinki Doctoral Researcher Programme:
The University of Helsinki Doctoral School (UHDS) is recruiting 30 doctoral researchers for an international, interdisciplinary training programme called RESDOC. Doctoral researchers will conduct full time research leading to a PhD degree, while being enrolled in one of the university’s 14 doctoral programmes that match their research field.
Selected candidates will receive academic supervision from leading researchers in their area of study and will work within an international and multidisciplinary research community. The role may also include temporary secondments or research visits to RESDOC associated partner organizations outside Finland, when separately agreed. Regardless of any secondment, the employment contract remains with the University of Helsinki throughout.
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Research Themes Under RESDOC:
Every applicant must propose a research topic that fits within one of these four RESDOC themes.
- Infectious Diseases and Antimicrobial Resistance in Changing Environment
- Biodiversity and Nature’s Resilience
- Secure and Sustainable Food and Water Systems
- Just Socio Ecological Transition
The programme combines cutting edge research with training in artificial intelligence, systems thinking, and innovation. Doctoral researchers also build expertise in sustainable development, social responsibility, risk management, and policy frameworks, preparing them for impactful careers across academia, industry, and society.
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What This Fellowship Offers:
- Employment within an international, multidisciplinary research community
- High quality research infrastructure and professional support services
- Support for relocation and integration into Finland and the University of Helsinki
- A competitive salary in accordance with MSCA COFUND principles
- Comprehensive occupational health care and staff benefits
- A family or special needs allowance, where applicable
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Salary and Employment Conditions:
- Duration: Four years fixed term (2027 to 2030), including a six month trial period
- Location: Doctoral researchers must reside in Finland during employment. The contract can only begin after arrival in Finland
- Salary: Approximately €2,900 gross per month, with taxes deducted automatically. Net salary depends on your personal tax rate
- Salary is set according to Horizon Europe MSCA COFUND principles
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Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must meet all of the following mandatory MSCA COFUND eligibility rules by the call deadline of 31 August 2026.
- Hold a Master’s degree or an equivalent qualification for doctoral studies
- Must not already hold a PhD degree
- Be an early stage researcher with less than four years of research experience
- Comply with the MSCA mobility rule, meaning no more than 12 months of residence in Finland during the 36 months before the call deadline
- Propose a research topic that fits one of the RESDOC themes and available supervision
- Not be permanently employed by the University of Helsinki
- Meet the University of Helsinki’s English language requirements
- Be willing to reside in Finland for the entire four year duration
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Selection Process:
Applications are evaluated based on the following factors.
- Fulfilment of MSCA COFUND and University of Helsinki Doctoral School eligibility criteria
- The quality, feasibility, and relevance of the proposed research plan
- Academic performance and motivation shown in previous studies or relevant experience
- Suitability of the research topic for the RESDOC thematic areas and the university’s doctoral programmes
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to online academic alignment interviews in October. Successful candidates must also receive the official study right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki no later than the end of their six month trial period of employment.
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How to Apply:
- Applications must be submitted only through the University of Helsinki’s online recruitment system
- Application deadline: 31 August 2026, 23:59 EET
- Applicants residing in Iran should contact resdoc-dp@helsinki.fi directly for instructions, due to restricted system access
- Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed online in October 2026
- Final results will be announced by the end of November 2026
Frequently Asked Questions:
How many Doctoral Researcher positions are available at the University of Helsinki?
There are 30 fully funded Doctoral Researcher positions available across various disciplines under the RESDOC project.
What is the salary for Doctoral Researchers at the University of Helsinki?
Doctoral researchers receive approximately €2,900 gross salary per month, determined according to Horizon Europe MSCA COFUND principles. Taxes are deducted automatically, and net pay depends on your personal tax rate.
What is the application deadline for this programme?
The application deadline is 31 August 2026 at 23:59 EET (Eastern European Time).
When do the positions start?
Selected doctoral researchers will start their contracts between 1 January and 31 March 2027.
Do I need to already live in Finland to apply?
No, but you must comply with the MSCA mobility rule, meaning you should not have lived in Finland for more than 12 months during the 36 months before the application deadline. You must also be willing to reside in Finland for the full four year contract.
Can I apply if I already hold a PhD degree?
No, this programme is only open to early stage researchers who do not currently hold a PhD degree and have less than four years of research experience.
How do I submit my application?
Applications must be submitted through the University of Helsinki’s official online recruitment system. Applicants residing in Iran should contact resdoc-dp@helsinki.fi for alternate instructions due to restricted system access.
What research areas can I apply under?
Your proposed research topic must fit one of four RESDOC themes: Infectious Diseases and Antimicrobial Resistance in Changing Environment, Biodiversity and Nature’s Resilience, Secure and Sustainable Food and Water Systems, or Just Socio Ecological Transition.
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