University-funded doctoral researcher positions

What is the difference between a University of Helsinki (UH) salaried position and post-graduate study rights?

• A UH salaried position means that you receive a salary as an employment contract with the University for working on your doctoral thesis.  

• Post-graduate study rights allow you to pursue a post-graduate doctoral degree at one of the UH faculties. Study rights do not include funding.

Can I apply for a salaried position from more than one doctoral programme?

• You may apply for a UH-funded doctoral researcher position from a maximum of two doctoral programmes. If you have submitted more than two applications, the two most recently dated will be considered and reviewed.  
• Please check the specific instructions from each doctoral programme and remember to submit a separate application for each one.  

I am a member of the Doctoral Programme in X of the University of Helsinki. Can I apply for a salaried position in the Doctoral Programme in Y?

• You can apply for a salaried position from another doctoral programme. Please read the instructions on the website of your selected doctoral programme. 
• Please note that you may apply for a UH-funded doctoral candidate position from a maximum of two doctoral programmes. 

I do not yet have the right to pursue a post-graduate doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki. Can I apply for this at the same time as I apply for a salaried position or can I apply after the application for salaried positions is closed?

• Post-graduate study rights are applied in a different application call. The first possible call is in September.
• Please read carefully the instructions regarding applying for the right to pursue a post-graduate doctoral degree. Please notice that different doctoral programmes have different application rounds. Check your doctoral programme's application rounds from its web pages.
• Please note also that applying for the study right in other than September call may result in your employment beginning later than 1 January 2024.
• According to the guidelines of the University of Helsinki, individuals recruited to salaried doctoral researcher positions must receive post-graduate study rights within the six-month trial period of the position.

I am not yet eligible to apply for right to pursue a post-graduate doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki. Can I apply for a salaried position?

• In the case of certain doctoral programmes, salary applications are accepted from applicants who will graduate by a certain date (e.g., by the end of 2023).
• If you are not eligible to apply in the autumn call, for instance if you have not yet completed all your degree studies by the call deadline, or you are unable to show the required language skills, you must apply for post-graduate study rights in the next application round of the doctoral programme. 

I am also applying for funding for my doctoral studies from elsewhere. Can I apply for a salaried position at the University of Helsinki?

• Yes.

• If you are offered both a salary position and funding from another source, you may have to choose how to use the funding appropriately. 

I have secured funding for part of my doctoral studies. Can I apply for a salaried position at the University of Helsinki?

• Yes.
• If you are offered a salary position, you must begin to use it within the calendar year 2024. You may not receive other working grants at the same time as a salaried position from the University of Helsinki.  

I do not yet have right to pursue a post-graduate doctoral degree at the University of Helsinki, and intend to apply for a salaried position. Which attachments do I have to submit?

• You need to complete the application form and submit the required scanned copies of your education documentation, research plan, CV and the other attachments required by the doctoral programme. 
• Please check the requirements on the website of your selected doctoral programme, as the required documents vary between doctoral programmes.

Can I submit the required attachments after the application call has closed?

• All attachments must be submitted by the end of the application call.

I was awarded my degree by the University of Helsinki. Why do I have to enclose certificates with the application?

• The educational documents of applicants are assessed by doctoral programmes and must be included as part of the application. 

I have a master’s degree. Do I have to enclose with my application or submit copies of my bachelor’s degree?

• Not if you are applying based on your master's degree. 

• If you wish for it to be evaluated in relation to your application, please submit copies of your degree. 

I applied for a salaried position last year. Do I need to resubmit all the required attachments this year?

• All applications must include the required electronic attachments.

Where can I find the degree requirements to complete my study plan?

• The degree requirements of doctoral programmes are available in the Instructions for Students under Scope and Structure of Doctoral Degrees

Can I apply for a salaried position without a supervisor/supervisor’s support?

• This depends on the doctoral programme. Please read the instructions on the website of your selected doctoral programme. 

I need help in finding a suitable supervisor. Where can I find more information?

• Suitable supervisors can be sought from the University of Helsinki research portal.

• After finding a suitable supervisor please contact them directly. 

I have been offered a salaried position from more than one doctoral programme. What should I do?

• You can accept the position which is best suited to you.

• You should discuss the matter with your supervisor before making a decision.

• Please note that you may need to change the doctoral programme and possibly reapply for study right if your faculty or target degree changes.