Researcher in Sociology

Position Overview

The University of Helsinki Doctoral School (UHDS) invites applications for 30 salaried doctoral researcher positions in various disciplines.

These are four-year fixed-term, full-time employment contracts, starting between 1 January and 31 March 2027.

The positions are part of the international, interdisciplinary 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.

About the Position

Doctoral researchers will:

• Conduct full-time doctoral research leading to the completion of a PhD degree

• Be enrolled in one of the 14 doctoral programmes of the University of Helsinki corresponding to their research field

• Work as part of an international and multidisciplinary RESDOC doctoral training project

• Receive academic supervision from leading researchers in their respective fields

Research may include temporary secondments or research visits outside the University of Helsinki in RESDOC-associated partner organizations when separately agreed. The employment contract will always be concluded with the University of Helsinki.

What We Offer

RESDOC is an interdisciplinary doctoral training project structured around four themes:

1. Infectious Diseases and Antimicrobial Resistance in Changing Environment

2. Biodiversity and Nature’s Resilience

3. Secure and Sustainable Food and Water Systems

4. Just Socio-Ecological Transition

It combines world-class research with training in AI, systems thinking, innovation, sustainable development, social responsibility, risk management, and policy frameworks. Through international and intersectoral collaboration, RESDOC prepares doctoral researchers to create impactful solutions across academia, industry, and society.

Additional benefits include:

• Employment in 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

• Competitive salary in accordance with MSCA COFUND principles

• Comprehensive occupational health care and staff benefits

Salary and Employment Conditions

• Duration: 4 years (fixed-term 2027–2030), including a six-month trial period

• Location: Researchers are expected to reside in Finland during employment

• Start condition: Employment can begin only after arrival in Finland

• Salary: Approximately €2,900 gross/month (taxes deducted automatically)

  • Net salary depends on personal tax rate

  • Family or special needs allowance may be paid where applicable

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all MSCA COFUND eligibility requirements at the call deadline (31 August 2026):

• Hold a Master’s degree or equivalent qualifying for doctoral studies

• Not hold a PhD degree

• Be an early-stage researcher (less than 4 years of research experience)

• Comply with MSCA mobility rule (≤12 months in Finland in past 36 months)

• Propose a research topic aligned with RESDOC themes

• Not be permanently employed by the University of Helsinki

• Fulfil English language requirements of the University of Helsinki

• Be willing to reside in Finland for the full 4-year duration

Selection Process

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Compliance with MSCA COFUND and University of Helsinki eligibility criteria

• Quality, feasibility, and relevance of the research plan

• Academic performance and motivation

• Alignment with RESDOC thematic areas and doctoral programmes

Shortlisted candidates may be invited to interviews.

Successful candidates must obtain study rights for a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki no later than during the six-month trial period of employment.

How to Apply

• Application deadline: 31 August 2026 (23:59 EET)

• Applications must be submitted via the University of Helsinki online recruitment system only

• Applicants residing in Iran must contact: resdoc-dp@helsinki.fi for submission instructions

Academic alignment interviews will be held online in October for shortlisted candidates. Results will be announced by the end of November 2026.

About the University of Helsinki

The University of Helsinki is Finland’s largest and oldest academic institution, ranked among the leading research universities in Europe. It awards approximately 500 doctoral degrees annually and hosts 14 doctoral programmes.

Doctoral researchers are integrated into high-quality research environments with strong supervision, infrastructure, and international networks.

The University promotes an inclusive, diverse, and equitable academic culture and encourages applications from all backgrounds.

Further Information

For assistance or recruitment questions:
???? resdoc-dp@helsinki.fi

The RESDOC project is funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme under MSCA Grant Agreement No. 101261796.

University Vision

Science has the power to change the world. Join an international community committed to research, learning, and solving global challenges through collaboration and innovation.

In your application, please refer to Professorpositions.com