Doctoral Researcher, Neurosciences

The University of Eastern Finland is inviting applications for a Doctoral Researcher position at the A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences on the Kuopio Campus. The position will be filled for a 3-year fixed term from 13 October 2025 onwards (or as agreed). Please find more information below and submit your application by 15 September 2025.

Role and Salary

This project, funded by the Research Council of Finland, focuses on understanding how pain affects the entire central nervous system (CNS), including the brain and spinal cord, using advanced imaging methods. By developing a novel functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technique, this project aims to simultaneously capture activity in the brain and spinal cord, providing new insights into how these areas communicate during pain. The study will use zero echo time fMRI, conducted on preclinical model of neuropathic pain and, furthermore, in human studies. We aim to identify patterns of activity and connectivity that serve as biomarkers for pain. The primary task of the Doctoral Researcher is to carry out their doctoral research in accordance with the approved research plan. The goal is to complete the doctoral degree as a full-time student within a maximum of four years.

During the project, you will get familiar with laboratory animal handling, behavioral studies, MRI laboratory work, fMRI experiments, signal processing and image analysis methods. The aim is also to transfer the new MRI methods to clinical scanners and thus there is a possibility to conduct fMRI on humans later on during the project.

As our new doctoral researcher, you will work in the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio campus.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• conducting research in accordance with the aims of the project,
• reporting and creating high-quality scientific publications,
• participating in the writing of funding applications

The position will be filled for a 3-year fixed term from 13 October 2025 onwards (or as agreed). The position will be filled for a fixed term due to it pertaining to a Doctoral Researcher candidate’s own doctoral degree. 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-related salary element is EUR 2,281.48/month, based on level 2 of the job requirement level chart for teaching and research staff. The personal salary element can be a minimum of 6% and a maximum of 50% of the above-mentioned sum. Depending on the personal salary element, the salary will be approximately EUR 2,511 –2,785 /month at the beginning of the employment relationship.

Our requirements

• Eligibility for postgraduate studies; A Master´s degree in a relevant discipline such as biomedicine, pharmacy, biology, physics, or similar fields of science; or to have completed an applicable study programme abroad which in the awarding country gives eligibility for corresponding postgraduate education. Students in the final stages of their Master’s degree may also apply provided that they complete their degree by 31 December 2025 and deliver a copy of their degree certificate to the faculty by 31 December 2025.
• The person to be appointed as a Doctoral Researcher shall be qualified to pursue postgraduate studies, i.e., the selected candidate will have to apply and be eligible for the Faculty's Doctoral Programme
• Excellent/good skills in oral and written English

Advantages

• Experience in programming, knowledge of Python, MATLAB or similar is considered as an asset but not required.
• Knowledge of MRI is an asset but not required.
• Willingness to work with animals is necessary. Previous work experience with animals is not required but is considered as an advantage. The necessary accreditations for performing animal procedures will be organized during the project.
• A strong motivation for science and learning new things
• The candidate can work independently, and collaborate with the research group

We are looking for candidates who, for example, have a background in biomedicine or pharmacy and is also interested in technical aspects, such as programming, signal analysis and MRI physics. Alternatively, candidate may have a background in engineering or physics but a strong interest in biology/medicine. The Doctoral student will work in a collaborative, international, and interdisciplinary research environment with opportunities for international collaboration, mobility and conference attendance.

Your benefits

You will have access to the university’s staff benefits, including

• extensive occupational health care
• a 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 a 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 and 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 15 September 2025 by 24:00 (midnight) Finnish time (UTC+3).

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

• A motivation letter (max 1 page)
• CV (Template for CV, website) including a list of publications, if applicable
• Copies of your academic degree certificates / diplomas and copies of certificates / diplomas relating to your language proficiency, if not indicated in the academic degree certificates/diplomas
• Contact information for 1–2 referees
• Any other documents with which you wish to demonstrate your merits for the position

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 Hanne Laakso, hanne.laakso@uef.fi

For further information on the application procedure, please contact HR Controller Tarja Salmi, tarja.salmi@uef.fi