Doctoral Researcher in the MSCA Cofund DP-FOBI Doctoral Programme, Public Health and Clinical Nutrition

Research theme: Nutritional, functional, and business potential of Finnish forest-based resources 

The University of Eastern Finland invites applications for a Doctoral Researcher position (4 years) in the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions COFUND Doctoral Programme for Advancing Forest-Based Bioeconomy (DP-FOBI ). The position is based on Joensuu campus, and it is expected to begin no later than 1 April 2027. Applications must be submitted no later than 10 August 2026.

Description of the research theme

This research project explores how forest resources can be transformed into innovative food and health-related food ingredients, from initial identification and characterization to exploring potential application and development of new sustainable and regenerative forest-based business models. It focuses on the nutritional and functional potential of neglected and underutilized species (NUS) and bioactive compounds derived from forest biomass and by-products. The study will investigate the composition, bioactivity, and technological functionality of these resources, with particular attention to their suitability for use as food ingredients or functional components by using in vitro models that study food, microbiota and host interaction. The project will contribute to analyse emerging challenges related to the isolation, characterization, and stabilization of bioactive compounds, their integration into food matrices as well as to investigate their potential use to support sustainable and regenerative nature-based business models. The project aims to identify key opportunities and constraints in the valorisation of forest-based NUS and bioactive ingredients and to support the development of sustainable, high-value food applications. It contributes to knowledge on bio-based innovation, resource efficiency, and informed decision-making in research and development processes within forest-based food systems focusing in ONE of the following themes that has to be selected by the doctoral researcher:

• Characterization and food application of bioactive compounds isolated from forest biomass and by-products. 

• Nutritional and health applications of neglected and underutilized species (NUS) from Finnish forest.

Read detailed description in DP-FOBI website.

What we offer?

• supportive supervision by experienced researchers with expertise relevant to the research theme to ensure timely completion of your doctoral degree 
• a unique and encouraging interdisciplinary research and work environment
• an access to comprehensive doctoral training and DP-FOBI activities: workshops, summer schools, research visits and secondments
• an opportunity to become a part of the FOBI research community and the research groups of Food and Health and Tourism Business, enabling collaboration within a vibrant interdisciplinary network
• possibilities to cooperate closely with industry and societal partners enhancing the real-world impact of your research

In addition, UEF offers wide range of staff benefits and support services, including extensive occupational health care, a broad selection of staff training and staff discount on lunch in our campus restaurants. Researchers will also have access to the national healthcare system and high-quality, affordable childcare and school services.

Employment relationship and salary

The position will be filled for a fixed term of four years. Total working time is 1 612 hours per year. A probationary period of four months applies to all new staff members.

The salary follows the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions salary system and consists of:

• living allowance (EUR 3,200), forming the main part of the gross monthly salary
• mobility allowance (EUR 87 monthly) for mobility-related private expenses
• family allowance (EUR 300 monthly) for Doctoral researchers with a spouse and/or a dependent
• paid leave and an additional holiday bonus in summer

Researchers are also entitled to

• travel allowance (EUR 1,500 per year) is allocated for conference travel and an additional allowance (EUR 10,500 in total) for travel to secondments and short visits 
• research costs (EUR 6,000 in total) is allocated for costs, such as lab consumables, data collection, publication, etc.
• special needs allowance and support are available, if needed

Requirements and expectations

Applicants must:

• have a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in food science and technology, biochemistry, chemistry, biotechnology, bioengineering, nutrition science, human nutrition, environmental science, forestry, bioeconomy-related disciplines, or a closely related field 
• not have a doctoral degree at the time of the call deadline
• meet MSCA mobility rule: less than12 months in Finland during past 3 years
• fulfil the language skills requirements of the Doctoral Programme of Health Sciences at UEF

Applicants are expected to have

• skills and knowledge in the chemical and nutritional characterization of forest-based foods and ingredients or biomass-derived ingredients
• experience with microbiology-related methods, such as microbial cultures, fermentation, sequencing-based methods, and/or cell cultures (advantage)
• familiarity with the analysis of bioactive compounds, including basic knowledge of analytical techniques such as chromatography or metabolomics
• expertise in the assessment of bioactivity and functionality, food development and formulation, experimental design, data analysis, and bioinformatics
• interest in integrating scientific research on forest-based foods and ingredients with sustainable business model development, including perspectives on value creation, market potential, and systemic impact 

The selected researcher is expected to work in the premises of the University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio campus.

Tasks and Responsibilities of the Doctoral Researcher

At the time of signing the employment contract, the recruited researcher must be enrolled in the UEF Doctoral Programme of Health Sciences, which leads to the award of a doctoral degree. Admission to the doctoral programme requires a research plan, which the selected candidate will prepare in collaboration with their supervisors shortly after being accepted to DP-FOBI.

The main tasks of the doctoral researcher include conducting dissertation research, and completing the required doctoral studies, including DP-FOBI training such as workshops and summer schools. The researcher will also prepare an individual study plan and career development plan to build advanced expertise, and is encouraged to participate in secondments, research visits, collaborative projects, and dissemination and exploitation activities.

Read more about the training.

How to apply?

All application materials must be submitted in English via the UEF electronic recruitment system no later than 10 August 2026 by 24:00 (midnight) Finnish time (UTC+3).

Please note that you must include the following appendices in your application:

1) Certified copy of the Master’s degree diploma (or equivalent proof if diploma is pending) in a relevant field and a transcript of records showing courses and grades
2) Curriculum vitae (CV)
3) Electronic copy of Master’s thesis
4) Two-page summary of the Master’s thesis in English
5) Ethics Self-Assessment form
6) Motivational letter (preferably one page, maximum of three pages)
7) Proof of English proficiency if not evident from academic credentials

Applicants must use the provided application templates (available at https://sites.uef.fi/dp-fobi/how-to-apply/). Applications that do not adhere to the specified format or language requirements will not be considered.

If your degree certificate is not in English, you must provide official English translations of your degree certificate documents. All translations must be issued by the awarding educational institution or an authorized translator. Each page of the official translation must bear the translator's stamp and/or signature. Official translations must be accurate translations of the original documents. Translations made by the applicants themselves will not be accepted. 

Selection process

The five-stage of the selection process includes: 1) Eligibility and ethics check, 2) External review, 3) Interviews 4) Final selection decision and 5) Appointment. Applicants must meet minimum scores in each evaluation category to proceed. Applicants who pass the external review will be ranked based on their average scores. The three highest-ranked applicants will be invited to interviews.

Applications will be evaluated by external, independent experts representing the relevant DP-FOBI research areas. Experts are expected to conduct the academic evaluation impartially and equitably, basing their assessments on academic merit and potential. The application materials will be delivered via secure channels. All experts will be required to follow strict confidentiality protocols, including no discussion of applications outside the evaluation process, and a request to destroy all evaluation materials after completion.

Questions?

Access detailed information on DP-FOBI, this research project and its supervisors, the University of Eastern Finland, and living in Finland at DP-FOBI website.

For further information on the application requirements and procedure, please contact Project Manager Paula Inkeroinen, [email protected] or send email to [email protected]

Please read more in the Work at UEF section on our website.

You will have an opportunity to work in an interesting/meaningful/diverse role as part of our international, creative, participatory and inclusive academic community.

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The Faculty of Health Sciences operates at the Kuopio Campus of the University of Eastern Finland. The Faculty offers education in medicine, dentistry, nutrition and pharmacy, as well as in some other central fields of the health care sector. The Faculty is research-intensive, and its internationally recognised research activities are closely linked to the strategic research areas of the University. There are approximately 3 090 degree students and about 580 PhD students in the Faculty. The faculty has 800 staff members.

The University of Eastern Finland (UEF) is the most multidisciplinary university in Finland. Our university employs approximately 3,200 employees, and our community includes approximately 17,000 degree students and 16,000 adult education students. Our campuses are located in Joensuu and Kuopio. We represent the world’s cutting edge of research in many fields and produce research-based knowledge, which is made openly available to benefit everyone. Learn more about our university at www.uef.fi/en. Read also about UEF as a working community and employer and the career stories of our employees.