Doctoral Researcher, University of Vaasa (Entrepreneur)

The University of Vaasa creates an inspiring environment for meaningful work as part of a thriving and diverse university community. Our open-minded, multidisciplinary research responds to the challenges of our time and creates a more responsible future. Our internationally respected education gives students the skills and attitude to change tomorrow. The core of our university is made up of high-level expertise in business sciences, technology, and administration and communication sciences. Science-specific research is complemented by our phenomenon-oriented research platforms.

The University of Vaasa is piloting a new and unique entrepreneurial PhD track. Within this track, you will conduct your doctoral research with commercialization of the research as the main target from the first day. The position will be co-funded by an angel investor who will also join as a third supervisor of the dissertation. This will ensure not only focus but also necessary guidance for the commercialization activity. Additionally, you will get support from the University internal research commercialization support processes including getting access to pilot cases, market validation, and obtaining additional funding.

We are now inviting applications for the position of Doctoral Researcher. The position are for a fixed term of 4 years with a starting date in October 2025 or as agreed. Those selected for the position must be eligible and apply to the University of Vaasa's doctoral program in autumn 2025 at the latest. Those applicants who started their doctoral studies on or after 1.1.2025 can also apply for the position.

Fields and themes

The positions are located in the four schools of the University of Vaasa: School of Accounting and Finance, School of Management, School of Marketing and Communication, School of Technology and Innovations.

The research related to the positions is focused on one of the following multidisciplinary research themes:

1. Smart Electric Systems
   1. Electrical Engineering
2. Cyber-Physical Systems
   1. Automation Technology
   2. Computer Science
   3. Information Systems Science
   4. Telecommunication Engineering
3. Renewable Energy
4. Networked Value Systems
   1. Industrial Engineering
   2. Industrial System Analytics
   3. Industrial Management
5. Financial Technology

Your Role

Your tasks include research work related to the doctoral degree in your field and studies in the doctoral program of the University of Vaasa. Other tasks are arranged so that it is possible to complete the doctoral dissertation work within three years.

The annual working time of Doctoral Researcher is 1612 hours based on the general collective agreement for universities. More detailed task description is agreed in the Annual Work Plan.

Requirements

As a Doctoral Researcher, you have completed a higher university degree and are a doctoral student at the University of Vaasa when the work contract begins, or you are applying for doctoral study right during autumn 2025. The aim is to organize the doctoral research and guidance of the selected Doctoral Researcher in such a way that the doctoral thesis can be submitted for pre-examination within three years of starting the doctoral education.

Those selected for the position must be eligible to apply to the doctoral program of the University of Vaasa and receive the right to study in the doctoral program before the start of the employment relationship, but no later than during the fall of 2025. Those who started their doctoral studies on or after 1.1.2025 can also apply for the position. 

More information about applying for doctoral education: Admission to doctoral studies | University of Vaasa.

The main selection criteria are having the right mindset for commercialization of research, high-quality research plan suitable for commercialization, an initial business idea/plan, and previous evidence of research work and/or entrepreneurial activities. Additionally, we expect a high level of flexibility in terms of the research topics as the topic might be slightly adjusted to ensure commercial feasibility.

Personnel recruited to fill teaching and research positions are to be proficient in Finnish. However, the University may grant an exemption from the Finnish language proficiency requirement. Strong English language skills are a prerequisite to succeed in the position. More information about the application process and language requirements: https://www.uwasa.fi/en/open-positions/application-and-selection-process

We offer

A unique opportunity to start a deep-tech, research-based startup with an investor onboard from day one. 

We promote the overall well-being of our employees at work by, among other things, offering fitness and cultural benefits, extensive occupational health care services, and versatile opportunities for continuous learning. Flexible working time arrangements and the possibility of partial remote work also support the balance of work and free time.

The salary is based on both the job requirement and the employee’s personal performance in accordance with the Finnish University Salary System (YPJ). The salary for a Doctoral Researcher is based on demand levels 2-4 (starting approximately 2225-2775 euros/month). An additional personal salary component is paid based on the experience and skills of the person selected for the position.

The 5,000 students and 650 employees of the University of Vaasa thrive on the most beautiful campus in Finland, at the seaside. The campus has numerous meeting places and modern workspaces for both staff and students. Our university community is international: we come from over 80 countries. Read more about us: https://www.uwasa.fi/en/open-positions

Applications:

To apply for the position, please use our online application system (using the "Submit an application" button below). The application, including annexes, has to be in our online application database by midnight   31th August 2025 (EEST). Please note! In order for us to process your application, please ensure that you fill in the fields below thoroughly and attach the following documents in English to the electronic application form:

• CV. Use of CV template is required.
• Preliminary Business idea / research plan (see guidelines on the website)

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the application period.

Further information

• Senior Specialist (Innovation Ecosystems): Phillipp Holtkamp
• Senior Specialist (Graduate School): Niklas Lundström
• Email: firstname.lastname(a)uwasa.fi

Inquiries about the online application system: careers(a)uwasa.fi

The employment is subject to a probationary period.

The University of Vaasa is located on the West coast of Finland at the heart of Northern Europe’s largest energy and environment business cluster. The University of Vaasa is well positioned to interact actively with the surrounding society – internationally, nationally and regionally. As an employer, we focus on employee well-being at work by providing extensive occupational health care, flexible working time arrangements and opportunities for competence development. We have been awarded the HR Excellence in Research recognition. Read more about Working at the University | University of Vaasa (uwasa.fi) 

Also find out about the University of Vaasa's international rankings and accreditations, as well as research evaluation: https://www.uwasa.fi/en/university/rankings-accreditations-and-evaluations