Doctoral researcher for Food Sciences

Food Sciences Unit is an international team of food chemistry and food development research. The special strength of the team is on the advanced multiomics techniques to study quality, and application of food bioprocessing technologies for modification food composition and creation of added value to food resources. The researcher to be recruited will be work in a national consortium for research and innovation for enhancing the sustainable utilization of fish resources from the Baltic sea, funded by the Finnish Operational Programme of the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture FundEuropean Union’s Fishery Funds. The work involves close collaboration within other units within the University of Turku as well as with Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and companies in the fishery and fish processing sector. The doctoral research will focus on different aspects of enhancing fish quality and valorization of under-utilized fish species and fish side streams, therefore contributing to more sustainable food production and supporting the Blue bioeconomy in Finland.   

We expect the eligible applicants to meet the following criteria

• Holding MSc/MSc-Tech degree in Food Chemistry, Food Development, Food Technology, Microbiology, Food Sciences, Biotechnology, or other relevant fields.
• High motivation for performing both basic research and applied research with strong relevance for real life applications.
• Strong drive and commitment for pursuing doctoral degree in Food Sciences and Technology (Food Chemistry or Food Development) at the University of Turku
• Strong skills in team work and communication with academic colleagues and other stakeholders
• Excellent skills in English including (oral, written, and reading and listening)
• Good-excellent skills in scientific writing      

Desirable qualifications

• Prior experience and laboratory skills in microbiology, fermentation, and extrusion and other food processing technologies
• Hands-on experience and skills in chromatographic and mass spectrometric analysis
• Skills in data processing and statistical analysis
• Fluent skills in Finnish for oral and written communication
• Prior experience in research projects and publishing research results
• Prior experience in working at or collaboration with companies

Applicants for the doctoral researcher/project researcher position must hold a Master’s degree (MSc).The person will be first hired as a project researcher. Once the applicant has received the right to study and has been accepted into the UTUGS doctoral programme, the title will be updated to doctoral researcher.

Eligibility requirements for these positions are defined in the University of Turku’s regulations: https://www.utu.fi/en/university/organisation. As you are applying for the doctoral researcher position, you must apply for the right to pursue doctoral studies (in the spring/autumn 2026 application round) at the University of Turku. Please familiarize yourself with the student information and application criteria of the University of Turku Graduate School (UTUGS) and its doctoral programmes. Note that you must meet the criteria required for the position. Pay particular attention to the English language proficiency requirements. The position requires fluent written and spoken English skills.

Read more about University of Turku’s Graduate school (UTUGS) and its programmes

We value collegiality and promote equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We encourage all qualified applicants with different backgrounds to apply for our open positions.

Apply between 15 September 2026 and 30 September 2026 16:00 (Europe/Helsinki)

Benefits

We offer you responsible and interesting tasks and the opportunity to develop your professional skills in a versatile operating environment. 

• Possibilities to develop your expertise – We encourage our personnel to develop their professional expertise by offering versatile training and competence development possibilities which employees can take advantage of during their working hours. Also, the course offering of Open University is free of charge for our personnel.
• Your well-being is important to us! – In addition to comprehensive occupational health care, our own well-being services monitor, support and develop the well-being of our personnel. You are entitled to use the CampusSport’s services at a personnel price.
• We support your work-life balance – Flexible working hours and extensive remote work options help you balance work and leisure time. 
• An inspiring and supportive work community – We encourage each other and value working together!

Please read more about University of Turku as an employer from our Come work with us! pages.

The university offers good support and orientation for international hires. Please learn more about the Finnish culture and relocation to Finland:

• City of Turku
• Welcome visitor
• International House of Turku
• Working culture: infoFinland.fi
• This is Finland
• Careers in Southwest Finland
• Finland – a superpower of education and innovations | University of Turku (utu.fi)

The University of Turku is among the top of the world’s universities in most rankings and among the best universities in the world in certain fields. Our high-quality basic research, a multidisciplinary research profile and close cooperation in research infrastructures creates the basis for international top research. Read more about University of Turku in international university rankings.

The University of Turku has several high-quality research infrastructures required for cutting-edge research. Learn more about the roadmap of research infrastructures and how the research infrastructure and expert teams offer tailored solutions for businesses and organizations.

Salary and trial period

The salary is determined by the collective agreement system of the Finnish universities. The salaries are determined in accordance with the university salary system for teaching and research personnel. The salary will be commensurated with qualifications and experience based on the University salary system. For a doctoral researcher/project researcher the starting salary will be approximately 2500-2600 €/month.

The employment is for 2 years, and beginning of employment is in Mid February or in the beginning of March. The position has a trial period of six months.

In certain exceptional cases, if the completion of a master’s degree is in its final stages, it may be possible to initially hire the person for a short period as a research assistant. In that case, the salary is typically around €2,300–€2,400. After the degree certificate has been provided, the job title will be changed to project researcher.

How to apply

Applicants should enclose with their application:

• motivation letter, including statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest (max 1 page)
• CV, including education, positions, professional experience, names and contact details of three academic referees (max 2 pages)
• degree certificate(s) in English or in Finnish or officially translated to one of those languages

For further information about the position, please contact: professor Baoru Yang, baoru.yang(at)utu.fi

With questions about the application process, please contact: HR Specialist Paula Luoma paula.luoma(at)utu.fi  

This is an enriching job opportunity in a rapidly evolving field  – we warmly welcome you to join our multicultural working community.