Doctoral Researcher in the MSCA Cofund DP-FOBI Doctoral Programme, Marketing University of Eastern Finland in Finland

The University of Eastern Finland is offering a four-year Doctoral Researcher position in the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions COFUND Doctoral Programme for Advancing Forest-Based Bioeconomy (DP-FOBI), with a research focus on sensory marketing to promote sustainable consumer choices. Based at the Joensuu campus, this opportunity is designed for candidates interested in exploring how sensory cues—linguistic, visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, and gustatory—can influence consumer perceptions and encourage the adoption of wood-based products over environmentally harmful alternatives. The project integrates sensory design, consumer psychology, and smart technologies to develop interventions that support sustainable retailing.

As a doctoral researcher, you will benefit from supportive supervision by experienced researchers, access to comprehensive doctoral training, and participation in DP-FOBI activities such as workshops, summer schools, research visits, and secondments. You will join the vibrant FOBI research community and the Marketing and Consumer Behaviour Research Group, collaborating with industry and societal partners to maximize the real-world impact of your research. UEF offers a wide range of staff benefits, including occupational health care, staff training, campus restaurant discounts, access to the national healthcare system, and affordable childcare and school services.

The position is full-time for four years, with a total working time of 1,612 hours per year and a four-month probationary period. The salary follows the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions system, including a living allowance (EUR 3,200/month), mobility allowance (EUR 87/month), family allowance (EUR 300/month for eligible researchers), paid leave, holiday bonus, travel allowance (EUR 1,500/year), additional travel allowance (EUR 10,500 total), research costs (EUR 6,000 total), and special needs support if required.

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in business administration, marketing, psychology, information systems, or a closely related field, and must not have a doctoral degree at the time of application. The MSCA mobility rule applies: candidates must have spent less than 12 months in Finland during the past three years. Language skills requirements of the Doctoral Programme of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies at UEF must be met. Experience in advanced quantitative research methods, behavioural laboratory and experimental research design, interest in consumer behaviour and psychology, independent work, structured problem solving, collaboration skills, proactivity, enthusiasm, creativity, and willingness for international research mobility are expected. Proof of English proficiency is required if not evident from academic credentials.

Upon appointment, the researcher must enroll in the UEF Doctoral Programme of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies, leading to a doctoral degree. Admission requires a research plan, to be prepared with supervisors after acceptance. Main tasks include dissertation research, completion of doctoral studies, participation in DP-FOBI training, preparation of individual study and career development plans, and engagement in secondments, research visits, collaborative projects, and dissemination activities.

Applications must be submitted in English via the UEF electronic recruitment system by 10 August 2026. Required appendices include a certified copy of the Master’s degree diploma and transcript, CV, electronic copy and summary of Master’s thesis, Ethics Self-Assessment form, motivational letter, and proof of English proficiency. Application templates are available at https://sites.uef.fi/dp-fobi/how-to-apply/. Applications not adhering to the specified format or language requirements will not be considered. If your degree certificate is not in English, provide official translations issued by the awarding institution or an authorized translator.

The selection process consists of eligibility and ethics check, external review, interviews, final selection, and appointment. Applications are evaluated by external, independent experts based on academic merit and potential. For further information, contact Project Manager Paula Inkeroinen at [email protected] or [email protected]. Learn more about the university at https://www.uef.fi/en.