LUT Business School is looking for a junior (doctoral) researcher in international business and entrepreneurship.
We are seeking a curious and motivated individual interested in the research question "How does international entrepreneurship (IE) shape the development of national identity?".
As a junior researcher, you will be a member of the multidisciplinary research team of the "International Entrepreneurship as an Engine of National Identity (EntreNational)" research project, funded by the Research Council of Finland. You will address some elements of the EntreNational's research question, 'How does international entrepreneurship (IE) shape the development of national identity?'. Your main responsibilities include the collection and analysis of historical, qualitative data accessible through press (newspapers and magazines) and on chosen case firms in historical contexts over the period 1865-2024, and compilation of research publications. Your research will contribute to the field of international entrepreneurship but has connections to other business and human and social sciences disciplines, as the work takes place in a multidisciplinary research setting and team. The project is a consortium with the University of Oulu.
Requirements
You must have a higher university degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in a relevant field (e.g., entrepreneurship, international business, management), the ability to complete the doctoral degree within the standard duration of the studies for the degree, and the right to complete doctoral studies at LUT University.
Written and spoken fluency in English and proficiency in Finnish and Swedish are required. Mastery of linguistic analysis (such as critical discourse analysis) and/or process analysis is an advantage but not a requirement. The candidate should have basic knowledge of qualitative research methods.
Junior researchers must submit an application for the right to complete doctoral studies with all required appendices to the LUT Doctoral School within the first two months of the employment relationship.
Key responsibilities
- Completion of the doctoral degree within four years
- Participation in the EntreNational project funded by the Research Council of Finland
- Assisting in teaching
What we offer
- An opportunity to launch a successful academic career and to become an expert in international entrepreneurship and historical methods
- A four-year (1+3 years) employment contract for completing the doctoral degree.
- An employment contract can be concluded only if the candidate obtains the right to pursue postgraduate studies at LUT University
- The contract will be made initially for one year and can be extended by three years, provided that the studies and research have progressed successfully
- Encouraging and supportive supervision by and research collaboration with Professor Tanja Leppäaho
The work will start in autumn 2025 (starting date negotiable) with a six-month trial period.
The job is located in Lappeenranta, Finland.
The salary is based on the current collective agreement for Finnish universities. The typical annual gross salary for a junior researcher is approximately 33 400 euros (plus a holiday bonus). The salary includes a personal performance-based element. Junior researchers who meet certain publishing criteria are also eligible for publication bonuses.
In addition, the wide range of benefits that come with the job include a holiday bonus, generous annual leave, a research incentive scheme with personal rewards for high-quality publications, flexible working hours, occupational health care, a collegial working environment, and continued commitment to your support, learning, training, and development.
How to apply
The deadline for applications is 17 August 2025 at midnight, Finnish local time (UTC +3h). Please fill out the online application form and attach the required documents listed below in English and in PDF format:
- Your curriculum vitae (CV)
- A copy of your degree certificate; if the original documents are not in English, Finnish or Swedish, each document must be accompanied by an official certified translation into English or Finnish
- A motivation letter: an account of your merits and activities of significance to the vacancy (max. 2 pages)
- A research plan (3-5 pages) on the subject area presenting your preliminary dissertation research plan with a review of relevant literature, research gap and potential research questions as well as research methods and data
Only applications including the required documents will be considered.
For more information, please contact Professor Tanja Leppäaho, [email protected].
Read more about LUT as an employer and the LUT Doctoral School.
Explore information for international staff.
LUT University | LUT University seeks solutions to global issues with its expertise in technology, business, and social sciences. LUT is a trailblazer in promoting the energy transition and the regenerative use of natural resources and helps build resilient communities, industry, and businesses through data, research, and education. LUT's campuses are in Lappeenranta and Lahti, Finland, but its impact is global. Lut.fi/en
Technical support for the online recruitment system: [email protected].
Application period starts: 2025-06-27 08:30Application period ends: 2025-08-17 23:59