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Fully Funded PhD Positions in Forest-Based Bioeconomy – University of Eastern Finland, Finland (DP-FOBI MSCA COFUND, 2026 Intake)

PhD position

8/7/2026

The University of Eastern Finland (UEF) is offering 15 fully funded PhD positions through the MSCA COFUND Doctoral Programme for Advancing Forest-Based Bioeconomy (DP-FOBI). This is a prestigious, EU-funded initiative that recruits and trains early-stage researchers to work on interdisciplinary projects related to sustainable forest-based bioeconomy, novel forest products, and market behaviour in bioeconomy.

Position Snapshot

  • Institution: University of Eastern Finland (UEF), Joensuu/Kuopio, Finland

  • Programme: Doctoral Programme for Advancing Forest-Based Bioeconomy (DP-FOBI) – MSCA COFUND

  • Level: PhD / Doctorate (4-year full-time employment)

  • Funding: Fully funded doctoral positions with an MSCA-compliant salary (approximately €2,700–€3,200 gross per month, depending on experience and family allowances), plus research, training, and mobility budgets

  • Number of positions: 15 doctoral candidates across multiple faculties (Forest Sciences, Chemistry, Geographical and Historical Studies, Law, Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, Humanities, Business School)

  • Research areas:

    • Forest inventory and ecosystem modelling

    • Novel forest-based products (chemistry, biotechnology, materials)

    • Market behaviour in bioeconomy (business, marketing, communication, law, linguistics, environmental humanities)

  • Start date: January – March 2027 (flexible within this window)

  • Application window: 11 June 2026 – 10 August 2026

  • Deadline: 10 August 2026 (electronic application via VARBI)

  • Application portal: UEF electronic recruitment system (VARBI) – https://uef.varbi.com/en/

  • Application fee: None


About the DP-FOBI Programme

The Doctoral Programme for Advancing Forest-Based Bioeconomy (DP-FOBI) is an MSCA COFUND-funded initiative at the University of Eastern Finland, designed to recruit and train 15 highly talented and motivated doctoral candidates through a global, open call. The programme offers structured doctoral training in an international, interdisciplinary, and intersectoral research environment, supporting early-stage researchers in developing the skills, knowledge, and perspectives needed to contribute to sustainable innovation in the forest-based bioeconomy.

DP-FOBI recruits doctoral candidates across three broad research areas:

  1. Forest inventory and ecosystem modelling – Projects focusing on forest ecology, geoinformatics, remote sensing, ecosystem modelling, climate-smart forestry, and sustainable forest management.

  2. Novel forest-based products – Projects in chemistry, biotechnology, materials science, and bioengineering aimed at developing new bio-based compounds, enzymes, biopolymers, and sustainable materials from forest biomass.

  3. Market behaviour in bioeconomy – Projects in business, marketing, communication, law, linguistics, and environmental humanities exploring consumer behaviour, policy, regulation, branding, and societal transitions in the bioeconomy.

Each position is tied to a specific research theme and supervisor, with detailed project descriptions available on the DP-FOBI website. Candidates must select a specific research theme and apply directly to that project.

Funding and Financial Support

Selected candidates will receive fully funded, salaried PhD positions with the following core features:

  • Salary: MSCA-compliant salary following the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions salary system, consisting of a gross monthly salary of approximately €2,700–€3,200 (depending on experience level and family allowances), plus social security contributions paid by the employer

  • Duration: 48 months (4 years) of full-time employment, covering the entire doctoral period

  • Tuition: No tuition fees for PhD students at the University of Eastern Finland; the position effectively covers the cost of doctoral study

  • Research, training, and mobility budget: Additional funds are allocated to support research activities, conference participation, short-term research visits abroad, training courses, and intersectoral secondments (exact amounts and conditions are defined in the DP-FOBI programme regulations)

  • Social security and benefits: Full employee benefits under Finnish law, including health insurance, pension contributions, paid leave (typically 24–28 days per year), and access to university facilities and training programmes

This funding model makes the positions accessible to both Finnish and international candidates, provided they meet the eligibility and mobility criteria specified in the call.

Who Should Apply

The DP-FOBI call is open to early-stage researchers (i.e., candidates who do not yet hold a doctoral degree) of any nationality, provided they meet the MSCA mobility rule and other eligibility criteria.

Academic Background

Eligible candidates should have (or be close to completing) a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a field relevant to the chosen research theme. Typical eligible backgrounds include:

  • Forest & Environmental Sciences: Forestry, Ecology, Environmental Science, Geoinformatics, Remote Sensing, Ecosystem Modelling

  • Chemistry & Biotechnology: Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Materials Science

  • Business & Social Sciences: Business, Marketing, Communication, Economics, Law, Linguistics, Environmental Humanities, Sociology


Skills and Attributes

Ideal candidates will demonstrate:

  • Strong academic record and genuine interest in research on sustainable forest-based bioeconomy, novel forest products, or market behaviour in bioeconomy

  • Ability to work independently, manage a multi-year research project, and produce high-quality written outputs (thesis, articles, reports)

  • Good written and spoken English (Finnish is not required but can be helpful for daily life in Finland)

  • Motivation to pursue a research career in academia, industry R&D, public sector, or international organizations

  • Compliance with the MSCA mobility rule: Candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Finland for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately preceding the call deadline (10 August 2026)

Prior research experience (e.g., Master’s thesis, research assistantships, publications) is highly desirable.

Application Materials

Applications must be submitted online only via the UEF electronic recruitment system (VARBI). Incomplete applications will be excluded.

Required documents typically include:

  • Completed electronic application form (via VARBI)

  • 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

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) using the provided template

  • Electronic copy of Master’s thesis

  • Two-page summary of the Master’s thesis in English

  • Ethics Self-Assessment form (template provided)

  • Motivational letter (maximum of three pages, template provided)

  • Proof of English proficiency if not evident from academic credentials (e.g., degree certificate showing English as language of instruction, or IELTS/TOEFL scores)

All application materials must be submitted in English via the UEF electronic recruitment system VARBI. Applications that do not meet the formal requirements or are submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

  1. Review the official call and research themes

    • Read the full DP-FOBI call document and research theme descriptions on the official website to understand the research areas, eligibility criteria, and required documents.

    • Note the specific research theme and supervisor you wish to apply for.

  2. Prepare your application documents

    • Update your CV using the provided template, highlighting relevant coursework, projects, and skills in forest bioeconomy, chemistry, biotechnology, business, or related fields.

    • Draft a targeted motivational letter (max 3 pages, using the provided template) that connects your background to the specific research theme, mentions any relevant lab or field experience, and explains your motivation for pursuing a PhD in this area.

    • Gather scanned copies of your Master’s degree diploma, transcript, thesis, and two-page thesis summary in English.

    • Complete the Ethics Self-Assessment form (template provided).

  3. Access the online application portal

    • Go to the UEF electronic recruitment system (VARBI): https://uef.varbi.com/en/

    • Locate the DP-FOBI doctoral researcher positions and select the specific research theme you wish to apply for.

  4. Complete the online form and upload documents

    • Fill in all required personal and academic details.

    • Upload your CV, motivational letter, degree certificates, transcripts, thesis, thesis summary, ethics form, and proof of English proficiency in the specified formats (usually PDF).

    • Double-check that all files are correctly attached and readable before final submission.

  5. Submit before the deadline

    • Ensure your application is submitted no later than 10 August 2026.

    • The system will not accept applications after the closing date; late submissions are not considered.


Deadlines and Timeline

  • Call opens: 11 June 2026

  • Info Q&A webinar: 24 June 2026, at 1 pm (EEST)

  • Application deadline: 10 August 2026

  • Evaluation and selection period: August – November 2026

  • Results announced: December 2026

  • Appointments: January – March 2027

Given the mid-August deadline, candidates should aim to submit their applications well in advance to avoid last-minute technical issues or document-verification delays.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

The DP-FOBI PhD positions at the University of Eastern Finland offer a rare combination of:

  • Fully funded, salaried doctoral contracts with competitive MSCA-compliant pay (approximately €2,700–€3,200 gross/month) and standard Finnish employee benefits for 4 years

  • A clearly defined, high-impact research agenda on sustainable forest-based bioeconomy, novel forest products, and market behaviour, with direct relevance to climate change, circular economy, and green innovation

  • International mobility and research support, including funds for conferences, research visits, training courses, and intersectoral secondments across Europe and beyond

  • A vibrant research environment in Joensuu/Kuopio, with access to excellent field sites, modern laboratories, and a strong network of forest scientists, chemists, biotechnologists, and business researchers


For candidates passionate about forest bioeconomy, sustainability, and interdisciplinary research that bridges natural sciences, engineering, and social sciences, this is an excellent opportunity to pursue a high-impact PhD at one of Europe’s leading universities in forest and environmental research.

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