Doctoral Researcher Positions in Clinical Research (DPCR), University of Turku University of Turku in Finland

Doctoral Researcher Positions in Clinical Research (DPCR) at the University of Turku

The University of Turku is inviting applications for fixed-term doctoral researcher positions in the Doctoral Programme in Clinical Research (DPCR) under the University of Turku Graduate School (UTUGS). The programme supports high-quality clinical research and doctoral training in clinical medicine and closely related areas, including translational medicine, disease etiology, diagnostics, treatment, and health service systems. The call is multidisciplinary and open to applicants from several fields, provided the planned research topic is relevant to clinical medicine.

Successful applicants will pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Turku, typically in the Faculty of Medicine, but also potentially in the Faculty of Social Sciences, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Technology, or Turku School of Economics. A basic degree in medical science is not compulsory. The programme also includes Turku Brain and Mind as a subprogramme and supports parallel doctoral and clinical specialist training where relevant.

The positions begin on 1 January 2027, or by agreement during 2027. The standard fixed-term appointment can last up to four years, but not beyond 31 December 2030. For applicants in the final stages of their dissertation, up to one-year positions are also available with the aim of submitting the dissertation for pre-examination during 2027. Applicants may also apply for a position tied to a specific subproject of the dissertation, such as data collection, an article, a chapter, or an analysis.

Eligibility is strict: applicants must have, or must apply for in this round, an active right to pursue a doctoral degree in DPCR at the University of Turku. Applicants must be pursuing their first doctoral degree, must not already hold a doctoral degree, must not be transferring from another University of Turku doctoral programme in this application round, and must not have previously received four years of full-time doctoral funding. The role is full-time and based in Turku, Finland, though flexible arrangements may be considered for justified reasons such as hospital-based clinical work that supports the doctoral project.

Funding is provided through a UTUGS-funded fixed-term employment contract. The salary follows the University of Turku teaching and research staff salary system and is roughly €2,400 to €3,300 per month depending on the stage of the doctorate, experience, and performance. Teaching and other duties are generally limited to about 5% of annual working time.

Applications must be submitted in the TalentAdore recruitment system by 8 September 2026 at 23:59 (Europe/Helsinki). The application period opens on 25 August 2026. Required documents include a CV with publications, a research plan, a one-page motivation letter, and degree certificate plus transcript of records, along with any relevant additional study certificates. Research plans must be current, follow DPCR guidance and responsible conduct standards, and clearly indicate any use of AI assistance if applicable. Application materials must be in English or Finnish. Candidates may be interviewed, and selection is based on the quality and feasibility of the research plan, postgraduate studies completed, research merits, funding history, motivation, and readiness to complete the doctoral degree.

For further information, the contact person listed is Doctoral Programme Coordinator Mikko Tähtö-Pakkanen at [email protected].