Multiple short-term doctoral researcher positions in health and biosciences

The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary, international research university, with about 4000 employees who produce new knowledge based on high-standards research and provide research based education to build a more sustainable, smarter, and more humane world. The University of Oulu community has about 17,000 people in total. Our northern scientific community operates globally and creates conditions for the emergence of innovations.  

We are now looking for applicants for

Multiple short-term doctoral researcher positions

in the health and biosciences research area at the University of Oulu. The positions are fully funded by the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS) and the research units.

About the positions

The doctoral education committee of Health and Biosciences funds doctoral research in the following doctoral degree programmes: medicine, biochemistry and molecular medicine, dentistry and health sciences. In the current call, short-term doctoral researcher positions ranging from 3 to 6 months will be available for the year 2027 (up to 5 person-years in total). These doctoral researcher positions are primarily intended for doctoral researchers working as professionals in healthcare. The positions are fixed-term for 3 to 6 months, starting at the earliest on 1.1.2027 and ending at the latest on 31.12.2027.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including people of different ages, genders, and members of different languages, cultures, or minority groups.

What we offer?

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic community where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
• Clear opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the university.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covers sports, culture, and well-being. Read more about our staff benefits.
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Learn more about working at the University of Oulu

Who are you?

You are expected to have the ability to pursue independent research, work productively in a team of various backgrounds, and potentially supervise undergraduate students. Specifically, you must have:

• A Master’s degree in a relevant field. Priority will be given to doctoral researchers working as professionals in healthcare, for example those holding a degree of Licentiate of Medicine, Licentiate of Dentistry, or Master of Health Sciences.
• Doctoral study right at the University of Oulu.

Additional conditions:

• Your principal supervisor can sign a commitment letter for only one applicant.
• Applicants who have received more than one-year doctoral researcher position from the University of Oulu are not eligible to apply.

Salary

The successful candidate will be employed at the University of Oulu. The salary will be based on levels 2–4 of the demand level chart for Finnish universities' university-level teaching and research staff. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (a maximum of 50% of the job-specific component). The starting gross salary will be approximately €2500–3200 per month, depending on the qualifications. 

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 31.08.2026 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

The application must be written in English (in University’s Varbi recruitment system) and include the following attachments:

1. Cover letter (max. 1 page), which should include an introduction of yourself and your academic background, and a description of your research interests and motivation towards doctoral studies.
2. CV following the guidelines of the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity TENK(max. 3 pages)
3. Research plan following the guidelines of the Academy of Finland (use template for Academy Research Fellowships 2026, all research fields; max. 4 pages + references) 
4. Commitment form signed by the supervisor (download here the pre-formulated form that must be used): Commitment letter must include the supervisor’s assurance that the research unit director is aware of and committed to the financial obligations related to these positions.

Selection criteria

Applicants will be evaluated and ranked based on the following criteria:

• Motivation: interest in and commitment to the research topic and doctoral training
• Competence of the applicant: academic background, relevant skills, previous research experience
• Quality of research: scientific quality, novelty, innovativeness of the research
• Implementation: feasibility of the research plan, including methodology, timeline, and resources.

=> Overall rating based on a combined assessment of all criteria.

Priority will be given to doctoral researchers working as professionals in healthcare. Ineligible or incomplete applications are rejected, and selection is then made by the selection panel. All applicants will be informed of the selection by e-mail.

Contact Information

For information about admission and doctoral study rights in the University of Oulu, please see the UniOGS's webpages.

For questions about salary, other conditions of employment and matters related to work permits, please contact [email protected].

For questions regarding the selection process, please contact Coordinator Emmi Alakärppä, [email protected]. Please note that inquiries will not be responded to between 9 July and 2 August 2026.

1. Emmi Alakärppä,