Apply for the PhD Scholarship in Finland 2027 at the University of Eastern Finland. Research Market 4.0, digital platforms and business ecosystems.
PhD Scholarship in Finland 2027 – University of Eastern Finland
The PhD Scholarship in Finland 2027 opportunity at the University of Eastern Finland (UEF) is open for a Doctoral Researcher (PhD Student) at the UEF Business School in Kuopio.
The position is part of the Management of Transformation in Market 4.0 project, which is funded by the Research Council of Finland. The research examines how digital platforms, business ecosystems, collaboration and organizational transformation are reshaping markets and organizations.
The successful candidate will conduct doctoral research involving case studies, data collection, analysis, theory development and academic publishing.
PhD Scholarship in Finland 2027 – Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| University | University of Eastern Finland |
| Business School | UEF Business School |
| Country | Finland |
| Location | Kuopio |
| Position | Doctoral Researcher (PhD Student) |
| Research Project | Management of Transformation in Market 4.0 |
| Research Area | Management, Marketing, International Business, Platforms and Ecosystems |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Start Date | January 2027 |
| Employment | Full-time |
| Salary | €2,331.67 – €2,907.24 job-related component + personal component |
| Funding Project | Research Council of Finland |
| Application Deadline | 15 October 2026 at 24:00 Finnish time |
| Language | English |
| Number of Positions | 1 |
The position is a three-year, full-time doctoral employment at the University of Eastern Finland.
About the PhD Research Project
The Management of Transformation in Market 4.0 project investigates how digital platforms and ecosystems are changing the business landscape and service markets.
Digital platforms increasingly bring organizations together through different forms of cooperation, joint operations and data sharing. These ecosystems can create opportunities for organizations to collaborate with larger businesses, but participation can also influence how organizations operate and respond to change.
A central research challenge is that ecosystems generally do not have the same centralized hierarchical control found within individual organizations. Consequently, implementing organizational changes may require coordination and alignment across multiple organizations within an ecosystem.
The research is expected to draw on theories from:
- Management
- Marketing
- International business
- Organizational change
- Digital platforms
- Business ecosystems
Many of the empirical cases are expected to involve the retailing sector, although the research setting may also extend to other areas.
Who Can Apply in PhD Scholarship in Finland 2027?
The position is particularly suited to applicants interested in platforms, ecosystems and organizational transformation.
Applicants are expected to have a Master’s degree in:
- Management studies
- International business
- Marketing
Related academic backgrounds may be considered where they provide appropriate preparation for the doctoral research.
The candidate must also be eligible for doctoral education and have a suitable higher university degree or equivalent foreign qualification.
Research Tasks
The selected Doctoral Researcher will undertake a range of academic and research activities.
Key responsibilities include:
Case Study Research
The researcher will collect case-study data from:
- Industry experts
- Decision-makers
- Relevant organizations
Secondary Data Analysis
The position also involves collecting and analysing information from secondary sources.
Data Analysis and Theory Development
The researcher will analyse collected data, review relevant academic literature and develop theoretical interpretations of empirical findings.
Academic Publishing
The position includes publishing research results in top-tier journals.
Collaboration
The researcher will collaborate and network within a broad multidisciplinary consortium PhD Scholarship in Finland 2027.
The selected candidate will also actively participate as a member of the IBS research group.
Salary and Funding
This is a salaried doctoral researcher position connected to a Research Council of Finland-funded research project.
The salary follows the Finnish university salary system for teaching and research staff.
The job-related salary component is based on requirement levels 2–4, corresponding to:
€2,331.67–€2,907.24 per month
In addition, a personal salary component of 6–50% of the job-related salary is paid.
The final salary depends on the stage of doctoral research and doctoral studies as well as the candidate’s personal performance.
Therefore, this opportunity should be described as a paid/salaried PhD position rather than assuming that all expenses or costs are fully covered.
Duration and Start Date
The Doctoral Researcher position is:
- Full-time
- Fixed-term
- Three years in duration
- Starting in January 2027
A trial period applies to new university staff members.
The fixed-term arrangement is connected to the requirements of the Doctoral School.
Eligibility Requirements for PhD Scholarship in Finland 2027
Applicants must be eligible for doctoral education.
This means applicants should hold:
- A suitable higher university degree, or
- Suitable foreign education that qualifies the applicant for equivalent university studies.
Excellent written and spoken English language skills are required.
The position can be filled by someone who is either:
- Planning to pursue their first doctoral degree, or
- Already pursuing their first doctoral degree.
The selected candidate must separately apply for the right to pursue postgraduate studies through the Doctoral Programme of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies at UEF.
Importantly, the appointed researcher must have a valid right to pursue postgraduate studies at the UEF Business School before the employment relationship begins.
Selection Criteria for PhD Scholarship in Finland 2027
The University of Eastern Finland will consider several factors when selecting the candidate.
These include:
- Research ideas
- Previous academic performance
- Earlier research merits
- Experience with research methods
- Experience in the relevant research field
- Potential interest in continuing an academic career after completing the PhD
An interest in pursuing an academic career is considered a merit.
Research Areas
The PhD project covers several closely related research areas.
Management
The project examines organizational transformation and the management of change within interconnected business environments.
Marketing
Marketing theories may contribute to understanding platform-based markets, ecosystems and changing customer or organizational relationships.
International Business
International business theories may be used to investigate cooperation and organizational dynamics across ecosystems.
Digital Platforms
Digital platforms are a central element of the Market 4.0 research environment.
Business Ecosystems
The project investigates how organizations collaborate, share data and coordinate activities within ecosystems.
Retailing
Many of the project’s empirical cases are planned around the retailing sector, although other empirical settings may also be used.
English Language Requirement
Applicants must have excellent written and spoken English skills.
The supplied vacancy does not specify an IELTS or TOEFL minimum score.
IELTS requirement: Not specified.
Applicants should check the University’s current doctoral education and language requirements if formal proof of English proficiency is required.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the application and attachments in English.
The application should include:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- List of publications
- Motivation letter of 1–2 pages
- Research ideas connected to the position
- Degree certificate/diploma
- Academic transcript
- Language proficiency certificates, if language proficiency is not demonstrated by the academic degree documents
The CV should follow the template recommended by the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity (TENK).
The publication list should follow the Research Council of Finland’s instructions.
For translated academic documents, the vacancy states that only a Diploma Supplement issued by the relevant higher education institution and/or official translations issued by the awarding institution or an authorised translator are accepted.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is:
15 October 2026 at 24:00 Finnish time (UTC+3)
The position is scheduled to begin in January 2027.
Applicants should submit their complete application and all required attachments before the deadline.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted using the University of Eastern Finland’s electronic application form.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Confirm that your Master’s degree and academic background are suitable for doctoral studies and the Market 4.0 research project.
Step 2: Develop Your Research Ideas
Prepare research ideas that connect clearly with:
- Digital platforms
- Business ecosystems
- Organizational transformation
- Management
- Marketing
- International business
Step 3: Prepare Your CV
Use the recommended TENK researcher CV format and highlight your academic achievements, research experience and relevant methodological skills.
Step 4: Prepare Your Motivation Letter
Write a 1–2 page motivation letter explaining your research interests and how they connect to the advertised position.
Step 5: Prepare Academic Documents
Upload your degree certificate and academic transcript.
Step 6: Add Publication and Language Documents
Include your publication list and language-proficiency certificates where applicable.
Step 7: Submit the Application
Complete the electronic application form and submit all required documents by 15 October 2026.
What the University Offers
The University of Eastern Finland offers the successful researcher an international and multidisciplinary working environment.
Benefits listed in the vacancy include:
- Flexible multi-location work
- Interdisciplinary research collaboration
- Comprehensive occupational healthcare
- Staff training opportunities
- Affordable meals at campus restaurants
- Sykettä sports services
- An international academic community
The UEF Business School focuses on educating business experts and conducting research addressing contemporary business and management challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PhD Scholarship in Finland 2027?
It is a three-year full-time Doctoral Researcher position at the University of Eastern Finland, focused on management transformation in Market 4.0, digital platforms and business ecosystems.
Which university offers this PhD position?
The position is offered by the University of Eastern Finland (UEF) at its Kuopio campus.
What is the research project called?
The project is called Management of Transformation in Market 4.0 and is funded by the Research Council of Finland.
What Master’s degree is required?
The vacancy expects applicants to have a Master’s degree in Management studies, International business or Marketing.
Is this a fully funded PhD?
The vacancy describes a salaried Doctoral Researcher position. The stated job-related salary component is €2,331.67–€2,907.24 per month, plus a personal salary component of 6–50%.
The vacancy does not explicitly state that it is a “PhD Scholarship in Finland 2027.”
What is the salary?
The job-related component is €2,331.67–€2,907.24 per month, plus a personal salary component of 6–50% of the job-related component.
Is IELTS required?
The position requires excellent English language skills, but no specific IELTS score is stated.
IELTS requirement: Not specified.
How long is the PhD position?
The position is a three-year full-time fixed-term appointment starting in January 2027.
Do I need doctoral study rights?
The selected candidate must have a valid right to pursue postgraduate studies at the UEF Business School before starting employment. The doctoral study right must be applied for separately through the relevant doctoral programme.
What documents are required?
Applicants need a CV, publication list, 1–2 page motivation letter, degree certificate, academic transcript and language-proficiency certificates where applicable.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is 15 October 2026 at 24:00 Finnish time (UTC+3).
Where is the PhD position located?
The position is based at the UEF Business School on the Kuopio campus of the University of Eastern Finland.
Conclusion of PhD Scholarship in Finland 2027
The PhD Scholarship in Finland 2027 at the University of Eastern Finland is a salaried doctoral research opportunity for candidates interested in management, marketing, international business, digital platforms and business ecosystems.
The successful researcher will join the Management of Transformation in Market 4.0 project and investigate how organizations manage transformation within increasingly interconnected digital ecosystems.
Candidates should have a relevant Master’s degree, excellent English skills and an interest in research involving platforms, ecosystems and organizational change. The position offers a three-year full-time appointment with a salary based on the Finnish university salary system.
The application deadline is 15 October 2026, and applicants should prepare their CV, publication list, motivation letter, academic documents and language-proficiency documentation before submitting the online application.