Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions COFUND

The University of Eastern Finland is offering a four-year Doctoral Researcher position within the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions COFUND Doctoral Programme for Advancing Forest-Based Bioeconomy (DP-FOBI), focusing on Marketing. The position is based at the Joensuu campus and aims to begin no later than 1 April 2027. The research theme centers on strategic orientations—such as market, innovation, and entrepreneurial approaches—that drive the bioeconomy transition in forest-based SMEs. The project investigates how these firms interpret external stimuli (customer needs, technological developments, sustainability pressures) and adapt their business models, product portfolios, value chains, and revenue models to build long-term competitiveness.

As a doctoral researcher, you will benefit from supportive supervision by experienced researchers, access to comprehensive doctoral training, and participation in DP-FOBI activities including workshops, summer schools, research visits, and secondments. You will join the vibrant FOBI research community and the Marketing and Consumer Behaviour Research Group, with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and close cooperation with industry and societal partners. UEF provides extensive staff benefits, including occupational health care, staff training, campus restaurant discounts, and access to national healthcare 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: living allowance (EUR 3,200/month), mobility allowance (EUR 87/month), family allowance (EUR 300/month for eligible researchers), paid leave, and a holiday bonus. Additional entitlements include a travel allowance (EUR 1,500/year), an extra travel allowance (EUR 10,500 total) for secondments and visits, research costs (EUR 6,000 total), and special needs support if required.

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in marketing, management, entrepreneurship, innovation studies, business administration, or a closely related field, and must not have a doctoral degree at the time of application. The MSCA mobility rule applies (less than 12 months in Finland during the past 3 years), and language skills requirements of the Doctoral Programme of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies at UEF must be fulfilled. Candidates should demonstrate interest in sustainability, strategy, and bioeconomy, commitment to impactful research, interdisciplinary mindset, teamwork skills, motivation to engage with industry and stakeholders, and willingness for international research mobility. Proof of English proficiency is required if not evident from academic credentials, and official English translations of degree certificates must be provided if originals are not in English.

Upon appointment, the researcher must enroll in the UEF Doctoral Programme of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies. 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 an individual study and career development plan, and engagement in secondments, 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 Master’s diploma, transcript, CV, Master’s thesis, thesis summary, ethics self-assessment, motivational letter, and proof of English proficiency. Application templates are available at the DP-FOBI website. Applications not adhering to format or language requirements will not be considered. The selection process involves eligibility and ethics check, external review, interviews, final selection, and appointment, with evaluation by external experts. For further information, contact Project Manager Paula Inkeroinen ([email protected]) or [email protected].

The University of Eastern Finland is a multidisciplinary institution with campuses in Joensuu and Kuopio, employing approximately 3,200 staff and hosting around 17,000 degree students. The Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies trains experts in history, geography, economics, business administration, law, social sciences, and health management, and is closely linked to the university’s strategic research areas. Finland offers a clean, safe, and modern environment with a superb education system. Learn more about UEF and living in Finland at the university website.