The University of Helsinki is recruiting 30 doctoral researchers for the RESDOC Project – Training Doctoral Excellence for a Resilient and Just Future. The RESDOC Doctoral programme offers four-year full-time employment contracts while participants complete a doctoral degree.
Co-funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA COFUND) under Horizon Europe and the University of Helsinki, RESDOC runs from 2027 to 2031. It combines interdisciplinary research with collaboration across academia, public institutions and industry to address major global challenges.
At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | RESDOC Project (Resilient and Just Systems Doctoral Project) |
| Institution | University of Helsinki, Finland |
| Positions | 30 fully funded doctoral researcher positions |
| Duration | 4 years |
| Start | Between 1 January and 31 March 2027 |
| Funding | MSCA COFUND + University of Helsinki |
| Application deadline | 31 August 2026 |
| Themes | 4 interdisciplinary research themes |
Research Themes
Applicants develop their own doctoral research topic provided it aligns with one of the four themes:
- Infectious Diseases and Antimicrobial Resistance
- Biodiversity and Nature’s Resilience
- Sustainable Food and Water Systems
- Just Socio-Ecological Transition
What the Positions Offer
Successful candidates receive:
- Four-year full-time salary (around €2,900 gross per month)
- Enrolment in one of 14 doctoral programmes
- Access to research facilities and laboratories
- Interdisciplinary supervision
- International collaboration opportunities
- Training in scientific and transferable skills
- Possible family or special needs allowance
- Occupational health care and staff benefits
The employment model allows researchers to focus fully on their doctoral research and training.
Who Should Apply
The call targets highly motivated early-career researchers with strong academic records and clear research potential.
Mandatory MSCA COFUND eligibility criteria (must be met by the 31 August 2026 deadline):
- Hold a Master’s degree or equivalent that qualifies for doctoral studies (degree fully completed and dated by the deadline)
- Not already hold a PhD
- Be an early-stage researcher (less than four years of research experience)
- Comply with the MSCA mobility rule: have not lived or worked in Finland for more than 12 months in the 36 months preceding the deadline
- Propose a research topic that fits one of the RESDOC themes and available supervision
The programme welcomes applicants from around the world and from diverse disciplinary backgrounds.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted in English via the University of Helsinki online recruitment system only.
- Deadline: 31 August 2026 at 23:59 EET (Eastern European Time)
- All applications are evaluated after the call closes (not on a first-come, first-served basis)
- Applicants can edit and resubmit until the deadline
Applicants residing in Iran should contact resdoc-dp@helsinki.fi for submission instructions due to system access restrictions.
Full details on required documents, supervision arrangements and evaluation criteria are available on the official RESDOC pages.
How to Apply for Helsinki RESDOC Doctoral Scholarship
Visit the official University of Helsinki RESDOC project page and the recruitment system for complete guidelines and the application form:
https://www.helsinki.fi/en/research/doctoral-school/resdoc-project
Submit your application before 31 August 2026 at 23:59 EET.
Key Takeaways
- 30 fully funded 4-year doctoral researcher positions at the University of Helsinki
- Co-funded by EU MSCA COFUND and the University of Helsinki
- Focus on four interdisciplinary themes linked to sustainability, health and resilience
- Full-time salaried employment with standard Finnish university benefits
- Open to international early-career researchers who meet MSCA mobility and eligibility rules
- Application deadline: 31 August 2026 at 23:59 EET
- Start dates between January and March 2027
- Apply only through the University of Helsinki online recruitment system