Doctoral Researcher in Economics
The Doctoral Programme in Social Sciences is inviting applications for the positions of
DOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN ECONOMICS
for fixed one-year term starting from 1 September 2026. The employment is part-time (50%). In addition, the Yrjö Jahnsson Foundation grants and pays a personal scholarship to those selected for the position.
About the post
You are tasked with completing your doctoral thesis and your doctoral degree in accordance with the curriculum of your doctoral programme. Your duties may also include teaching and other duties up to 5% of your annual working hours. The employment contract will be subject to a probationary period of six months.
We will offer you:
• The opportunity to work in an international multidisciplinary research community
• High-quality research infrastructure and support
• Occupational health services and other comprehensive staff benefits
• A competitive salary
The salary of a full-time new doctoral researcher is typically between €2,600 and €2,700 per month. The requirement level of the position increases as the work on the doctoral thesis progresses. The salary for the post of a doctoral researcher is based on levels 2 to 4 of the job requirement chart for teaching and research staff in the salary system of Finnish universities. In addition, the appointee will be paid a salary component based on personal work performance.
Requirements for successful applicants
Applicants must hold a master’s degree and a high-quality research plan. The employment cannot commence before the applicant has completed a degree entitling them to pursue doctoral studies (second-cycle higher education degree or equivalent).
In addition, the appointee will need to have secured the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki by the start of the appointment, or must apply for the right and obtain it within the six-month probationary period. Please read more about the application process for the right to complete a doctoral degree on the University of Helsinki's website.
The applications are assessed based on the quality and feasibility of the research plan. The abilities and motivation demonstrated in the completion of a previous degree or in another manner to complete a doctoral degree in accordance with a research plan are also assessed based on the application. The topic of the research plan must suit the profile of the doctoral programme.
Successful applicants will become doctoral researchers at the University of Helsinki. They will be expected to reside in Finland during their employment at the University of Helsinki. Temporary international travel for research purposes is possible when separately agreed upon.
Interested?
Please submit your application, together with the required attachments, through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the “Apply now” button below. Internal applicants (i.e. current employees of the University of Helsinki) may submit applications using the “Employee Login” button. The closing date for applications is 27 February 2026.
Please include with your applications the following documents in English:
1. Research plan
• Applicants must use the research plan template and cannot exceed the maximum number of pages or characters including spaces to ensure equal treatment of all applicants. The application will be rejected if the instructions are not followed.
• Research plan template
• Maximum length of the research plan is five pages
2. CV
• The CV must follow the template and cannot exceed the maximum number of pages or characters including spaces to ensure equal treatment of all applicants. The application will be rejected if the instructions are not followed.
• CV template
• Maximum length of CV is three pages
3. Copies of your master’s (or equivalent) degree diploma and transcript of studies
• All applicants should include these in the application, even if they already have a doctoral study right or have graduated from the University of Helsinki
Further information
For queries regarding the position, please contact Professor Hannu Vartiainen, hannu.vartiainen@helsinki.fi
Further information on the doctoral programme may be obtained from Specialist Tuuli Holttinen, tuuli.holttinen@helsinki.fi
A diverse and equitable study and work culture is important to us. That is why we do our best to promote an inclusive university community. We encourage all qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply for our positions.
Click this link to read about accessibility and inclusivity at our University.
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