Doctoral Researcher in the MSCA Cofund DP-FOBI Doctoral Programme, Chemistry

Research theme: Efficient enzymatic conversion of biomass to bio-based compounds

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

Biomass serves as a renewable, carbon-neutral alternative to fossil fuels. This PhD project focuses on enzyme-driven processes for converting renewable lignocellulosic biomasses into bio-oils and high-value biobased chemicals. The project aims to exploit non‑phosphorylative metabolic pathway enzymes for converting pentose sugars—particularly xylose and arabinose derived from lignocellulosic biomass—into high‑value bio‑based chemicals. Xylonolactonase and pentonate dehydratases of the Weimberg/Dahms pathway are Fe-dependent enzymes. One of the objectives of the project is to study the Fe-dependency of the enzymes by native mass spectrometry. The work also integrates structural biology and enzyme engineering to improve the catalytic efficiency of key enzymes of the pathway. Through tailored enzymes, the project aims to convert pentose sugars into polymer precursors and/or fine chemicals. Ultimately, the project supports the transition toward a circular bioeconomy by enabling low‑emission production of renewable fuels and chemicals from non‑fossil raw materials while reducing waste and enhancing the valorisation of biomass resources. 

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 group of Bio-organic Chemistry 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 chemistry, chemical engineering, biotechnology, 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 in Science, Forestry and Technology at UEF

Applicants are expected to have

• understanding of biophysical and bioanalytical methods for protein characterization
• excellent scientific writing and oral communication skills in English
• strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• ability to work effectively as part of a team
• genuine interest in laboratory-based research
• prior experience in protein expression and purification (advantage)
• familiarity with X-ray crystallography and/or native mass spectrometry (advantage) 

The selected researcher is expected to work in the premises of the University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu 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 in Science, Forestry and Technology, 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 Science, Forestry and Technology operates on the Kuopio and Joensuu campuses of the University of Eastern Finland. The mission of the faculty is to carry out internationally recognised scientific research and to offer research-education in the fields of natural sciences, forestry and technology. The faculty invests in all of the strategic research areas of the university. The faculty’s environments for research and learning are international, modern and multidisciplinary. The faculty has approximately 2,650 Bachelor’s and Master’s degree students and some 440 postgraduate students. The number of staff amounts to 650.

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.