PhD in Marketing

University of Eastern Finland; Joensuu; On-site; EUR 58,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Inclusive and diverse workplace

Extensive occupational health care

Staff training

Lunch discount

Access to national healthcare

Quality childcare and school services

Job summary

The University of Eastern Finland invites applications for a Doctoral Researcher position (4 years) on the Joensuu campus in the DP‑FOBI program. The role focuses on behavioural biases in adopting forest-based bioeconomy innovations, building on behavioural economics to guide policy and industry interventions.

The four-year contract includes DP‑FOBI training, supervision, and active engagement with industry stakeholders, with an April 1, 2027, start and August 10, 2026, application deadline.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in business administration, marketing, cognitive sciences, innovation studies, or a closely related field.
• Not have a doctoral degree at the time of the call deadline.
• Meet MSCA mobility rule: less than 12 months in Finland during past 3 years.
• Fulfil the language skills requirements of the Doctoral Programme.
• Applicants are expected to have interest in behavioural economics, consumer behaviour, sustainability transition, and innovation studies.
• Commitment to high-quality, impactful research.
• Interdisciplinary mindset and teamwork skills.
• Willingness for international research mobility (research visits and secondments).

Responsibilities

• Conduct dissertation research.
• Complete the required doctoral studies, including DP‑FOBI training such as workshops and summer schools.
• Prepare an individual study plan and career development plan to build advanced expertise.
• Participate in secondments, research visits, collaborative projects, and dissemination and exploitation activities.

Skills

Behavioral economics

Consumer behavior

Sustainability transition

Innovation studies

Interdisciplinary mindset

Teamwork skills

Education

Master’s degree in business administration

Master’s degree in Marketing

Master’s degree in Cognitive sciences

Master’s degree in Innovation studies

Job description

The Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies, Business School Research theme: Behavioural biases in the adoption of bio-based innovations in the forest sector

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

This doctoral research examines how behavioural biases influence the adoption of bio-based innovations, including substitute products, new bio-based processes, new products, and innovations requiring new user behaviour. Building on behavioural economics and innovation adoption research, the project focuses on decision‑making under novelty, where consumers rely on heuristics and behavioural biases that may hinder the evaluation and uptake of unfamiliar bio-based solutions. The main objective is to identify key behavioural biases, such as status quo bias, loss aversion, ambiguity aversion, and familiarity bias, and to analyse how they differ across innovation types and user contexts. The research aims to generate insights that support firms and policymakers in designing effective communication strategies and interventions to promote the diffusion of bio-based innovations in the forest sector.

Supportive supervision and training opportunities

• Supportive supervision by experienced researchers with expertise relevant to the research theme to ensure timely completion of your doctoral degree.
• Unique and encouraging interdisciplinary research and work environment.
• Access to comprehensive doctoral training and DP‑FOBI activities: workshops, summer schools, research visits and secondments.
• Opportunity to become a part of the FOBI research community and Marketing and Consumer Behaviour Research Group enabling collaboration within a vibrant interdisciplinary network.
• Possibilities to cooperate closely with industry and societal partners enhancing the real‑world impact of your research.

Employment relationship and salary

The position will be filled for a fixed term of four years. Total working time is 1612 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 3200), 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 1500 per year) is allocated for conference travel and an additional allowance (EUR 10500 in total) for travel to secondments and short visits
• research costs (EUR 6000 in total) is allocated for costs, such as lab consumables, data collection, publication, etc.
• special needs allowance and support are available, if needed

Benefits

• Inclusive and diverse workplace culture.
• Extensive occupational health care.
• Broad selection of staff training.
• Staff discount on lunch in campus restaurants.
• Access to the national healthcare system.
• High-quality, affordable childcare and school services.

Requirements and expectations

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in business administration, marketing, cognitive sciences, innovation studies, or a closely related field.
• Not have a doctoral degree at the time of the call deadline.
• Meet MSCA mobility rule: less than 12 months in Finland during past 3 years.
• Fulfil the language skills requirements of the Doctoral Programme of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies at UEF.
• Applicants are expected to have interest in behavioural economics, consumer behaviour, sustainability transition, and innovation studies.
• Commitment to high-quality, impactful research.
• Interdisciplinary mindset and teamwork skills.
• Motivation to engage with industry and stakeholders.
• Willingness for international research mobility (research visits and secondments).

Tasks and Responsibilities of the Doctoral Researcher

• Conduct dissertation research.
• Complete the required doctoral studies, including DP‑FOBI training such as workshops and summer schools.
• Prepare an individual study plan and career development plan to build advanced expertise.
• Participate in secondments, research visits, collaborative projects, and dissemination and exploitation activities.

About the University of Eastern Finland

The Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies operates on two campuses of the University of Eastern Finland – in Joensuu and Kuopio. The faculty trains experts in the fields of history, geography, economics and business administration, law, social sciences, and social and health management. The faculty’s research is closely linked to the research areas identified in the university’s strategy. The faculty has 4480 Bachelor’s and Master’s degree students and approximately 500 postgraduate students actively pursuing their studies. The faculty has 550 staff members. The University of Eastern Finland (UEF) is the most multidisciplinary university in Finland. Our university employs approximately 3200 employees, and our community includes approximately 17000 degree students and 16000 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.

Why join us

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.

Living in Finland

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.

Read also about UEF as a working community and employer and the career stories of our employees. Learn more about our university at www.uef.fi/en.