Henna Konu

PhD opportunity at the University of Eastern Finland in Nutritional, functional, and business potential of Finnish forest-based resources . This is a fully funded 4-year doctoral researcher position within the MSCA DP-FOBI doctoral programme . The project sits at the intersection of food science and technology , nutrition , food chemistry , biochemistry , biotechnology , microbiology , bioactive compounds , functional foods , and forest-based bioeconomy . The research explores how Finnish forest resources can be transformed into innovative food and health-related ingredients and sustainable business models. Topics include neglected and underutilized species (NUS), bioactive compounds from forest biomass and by-products, functional food applications, microbiota–host interactions, food matrix integration, and regenerative nature-based value creation. The project is especially suitable for candidates interested in the chemical and nutritional characterization of forest-based foods, microbial and cell-based methods, analytical chemistry, food formulation, and the sustainability and market potential of bio-based innovations. Eligibility highlights: a relevant master’s degree is required. Strong backgrounds include food science and technology, food chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, nutrition science, human nutrition, environmental science, forestry, or bioeconomy-related disciplines. Experience with microbiology, chromatography, metabolomics, bioinformatics, experimental design, or bioactive compound analysis is an advantage. The selected candidate must also meet the language skills requirements of the Doctoral Programme of the Faculty of Health Sciences. Host institution: University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio campus. Research groups: Food and Health Research Group and Tourism Research Group. Supervisors: Carlos Gómez-Gallego and Henna Konu. Application period: 11 June to 10 August 2026.