Doctoral Researcher Positions in the Doctoral Programme on Drug Research and Diagnostics (DRD) University of Turku in Finland

The University of Turku is inviting applications for fixed-term doctoral researcher positions in the Doctoral Programme on Drug Research and Diagnostics (DRD), funded by the University of Turku Graduate School (UTUGS).

DRD is a multidisciplinary doctoral programme focused on drug research, drug development, and the development of diagnostics used in healthcare. Doctoral researchers in the programme carry out their studies at the Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Science, or Faculty of Technology at the University of Turku. The programme is designed to prepare experts for careers in pharmaceutical, diagnostics, and biotechnology companies, in regulatory authorities overseeing pharmaceuticals and chemicals, and in academic research and teaching.

The positions begin on 1 January 2027 or by agreement during 2027. There are also opportunities to apply for a continuation of an existing doctoral researcher contract, a specific dissertation subproject, or up to one-year positions for applicants in the final stages of doctoral work. The employment period is typically up to four years, and not beyond 31 December 2030. The place of work is Turku, Finland, and the positions are for full-time doctoral research and doctoral studies.

Applicants must either already have an active doctoral study right at the University of Turku in the relevant doctoral programme or apply for the right to study in this call via Studyinfo.fi. Applicants should be pursuing their first doctoral degree and must not previously have received four years of full-time funding for doctoral studies. A completed higher university degree is expected, and the application must demonstrate the ability to undertake postgraduate studies and complete the doctoral degree according to the research plan.

Applications are assessed on the quality and feasibility of the research plan, the realism of the timetable, academic and research merits, and motivation to complete the degree. For applicants who already have doctoral study rights, progress in doctoral research and studies will also be considered. The programme is multidisciplinary and welcomes research topics across its field profile.

The salary follows the University of Turku teaching and research staff salary system and is approximately €2,400 to €3,300 per month depending on stage, experience, and skills. The positions include a six-month probationary period.

Apply through the electronic Talentti recruitment system by 8 September 2026 at 23:59 local time in Finland. Required attachments include a motivation letter, CV, research plan, doctoral dissertation implementation and completion plan, degree certificate, transcript of study records, and any relevant additional study certificates. The research plan must be approved by the supervisor and should include abstract, background, aims and hypotheses, significance, implementation, research environment, timetable, and funding plan.