Doctoral Researcher (PhD Student), National Doctoral Education Pilot based on Immune system (ImmuDoc) - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The University of Eastern Finland is inviting applications for one Doctoral Researcher (PhD) position at the Faculty of Health Sciences on the Kuopio campus. The position will be filled for a fixed term with a starting date between 1 August 2024 to 1 January 2025.

Please find more information below and submit your application no later than 2 April 2024.

Role and salary

In 2024–2027, the Ministry of Education and Culture will fund a doctoral education pilot, which will test new doctoral education practices in Finland. The pilot will cover both fields connected to the flagships of research as well as other fields.

The doctoral education pilot National Doctoral Education Pilot based on Immune system (ImmuDoc) offers one new full-time doctoral researcher position with the duration of a maximum of 3 years at the Faculty of Health Sciences.

The doctoral dissertation work will be carried out in accordance with a research proposal that contains work packages and sub-goals so that the doctoral dissertation will be in the preliminary examination phase within 3 years of full-time study. The research proposal will be drawn up in cooperation with the supervisor and partners.

Observing working life connections is part of doctoral education, and each doctoral researcher draws up a career plan that supports their work as a doctoral researcher and aims to map career opportunities not only at the university but also in the service of the industrial sector, research institutes and other public and private organisations in Finland.

The ImmuDocs pilot aims to ensure that, upon completion of studies Doctoral Researchers:

1. Have acquired extensive knowledge of modern and applied immunology, developed skills to critically interpret research data, and master key immunological methods.

2. Thoroughly understand the impact of immunology on the economy and society.

3. Have a clear understanding of the entire lifecycle of immunology-based diagnostics and drug discovery, including all essential steps from initial invention to clinical application.

4. Communicate their research to the scientific community and the public.

5. Know which career paths are available for immunologists after obtaining a doctoral degree.

The applicant will compose a max. 3 page research plan together with the primary investigator of an eligible research group at UEF. For eligibility 1) the research project needs to be in the field of immunology and 2) the doctoral thesis supervisor needs to demonstrate a proven track record of publications in the field of immunology. The research plan together with the other documents will be evaluated by the ImmuDocs board for suitability and the ImmuDocs board will decide the project and applicant to be funded.

The position will be filled for a maximum of three years, starting from 1 August 2024 or 1 January 2025 (or starting date as agreed between these dates) due to it pertaining to own doctoral research. A probationary period is applied to all new members of the staff.

The salary of the position is determined in accordance with the salary system for Finnish universities. The salary comprises two components: a job-related salary element and a personal salary element. In this position, the job requirement level is based on levels 2–4 of the job requirement level chart for teaching and research staff, depending on the stage of the applicant’s doctoral research and postgraduate studies. The personal salary element is 6–50% of the job-related salary element. Depending on the salary elements, the salary will be approximately EUR 2,580.00-3,380.00/month.

Evaluation

In the evaluation of applications, special attention will be paid to the following elements:

• degrees completed by the applicant and academic performance, as well as other qualifications supporting the topic of the dissertation
• the motivational letter
• research plan and the expertise of the supervisor in the field of immunology
• the progress of the applicant’s research and postgraduate studies will also be taken into account for those applicants who are already registered as postgraduate students

The assessment may include interviews with candidates. Interviews will be organized separately.

Our requirements and expectations

Requirements:

• you are eligible for doctoral education, hold a suitable Master’s degree completed at a university or a university of applied sciences, or have suitable foreign education qualifying for equivalent university studies in the country concerned,
• you have sufficient English language skills for the task,
• you meet the student admission criteria for the doctoral programme,
• you are planning or working on your first doctoral degree,
• you are a postgraduate student currently registered with the University of Eastern Finland (the postgraduate study right granted on 1 November 2023 or after) or plan to complete your doctoral degree at the University of Eastern Finland.

Students in the final stages of a degree that makes them eligible to apply (e.g., a Master’s degree) may also apply provided that they complete their degree by 17 May 2024 and deliver a copy of their degree certificate to the faculty by 7 June 2024.

The following will be considered an advantage:

• previous experience in immunological research
• strong interest in interdisciplinary scientific work.

Your benefits

You will have access to the university’s staff benefits, including
• opportunity for flexible multi-location work
• extensive occupational health care
• broad selection of staff training
• staff discount on lunch in our campus restaurants, as well as on a range of other services
• affordable sports services and tax-free bike benefit

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.

Enjoy your life in Finland! Known for its cleanliness, welfare know-how, modern technology and superb education system, Finland is an exotic and safe country to work in. Please visit the Life in Finland section on our website to learn more.

How to apply?

Submit your application by using our electronic application form no later than 2 April 2024 by 24:00 (midnight) Finnish time (UTC+2)

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

• CV (Template for CV, www-page)
• a list of publications (Instructions, www-page)
• A motivational letter in which the applicant describes their motivation to pursue postgraduate studies and to conduct research. Also, include a description of the importance of the research project for the field of immunology and the competence of the supervisor in immunological research (max. 1 page).
• A copy of the degree certificate and a transcript of academic records that prove the applicant’s eligibility for postgraduate studies are required from persons who do not have an existing right to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Eastern Finland.
• Research plan together with primary investigator of an eligible research group (max. 3 pages)

If your diploma is not in English, Finnish or Swedish, an official English translation must be provided. All translations must be issued either by the awarding educational institution or an authorised 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 are not accepted.

Questions?

For further information on the position, please contact Professor Tuure Kinnunen, +358 50 5629349, tuure.kinnunen@uef.fi

For further information on the student affairs, please contact Training Officer Annnika Karvonen, +358 50 4526395, annika.karvonen@uef.fi

For further information on the application procedure, please contact HR coordinator Minna Leskinen, +358 50 5728376, minna.k.leskinen@uef.fi