Doctoral Researcher, product-centric operating models in industrial contexts (CoDoc Model)

The University of Vaasa is an inspiring and international community where we work together for a sustainable and responsible future. We combine expertise in business and technology in a unique way, tackling current challenges with determination and collaboration. As part of the Nordic region's largest energy technology hub, we promote sustainable business, energy, and society. We educate future professionals who will create a fairer and more sustainable world.

Wärtsilä and the University of Vaasa are at the forefront of shaping a smarter and more sustainable future through close collaboration and innovation. Together, they drive ecosystem development by combining cutting-edge research with industrial expertise, fostering new technologies, business models, and talent. This partnership plays a key role in accelerating the green transition and strengthening the region's position as a hub for clean energy and maritime solutions.

We are now inviting applications for the position of Doctoral Researcher. The position is for a fixed term of 3 years (possible 1 year extension later) with a starting date in September 2026 or earliest possible date mutually agreed between both parties. 

Background

Wärtsilä and the University of Vaasa are driving progress in energy business and innovation. Since the energy sector experiences frequent shifts in markets and competition, companies must regularly adapt their strategies, business models, and operational approaches.

Business models and offerings, especially product operating models, play an important role in these instances. Product operating models should balance well with the customer expectations, as well as productivity requirements, despite the obvious paradoxical tensions that emerge between customization and standardization. Product operating models, and especially product modularity and product lifecycle approach may provide interesting opportunities to cope with these challenges. 

Therefore, we invite candidates to propose how they would approach these challenges related to product operating models. The role offers the opportunity to contribute to Wärtsilä's future product development while also creating scientific contributions for the growing scientific fields.

Position placement and mentoring

The research project is part of Wärtsilä-University CoDoc funding model. CoDoc is a unique doctoral partnership where companies and the University of Vaasa join forces to tackle real-world challenges. Through co-funded dissertations, partners gain cutting-edge research, innovation support, and dedicated collaboration that drives impact.

You will be employed by the University, but your work time will be divided between the University Campus and Wärtsilä Vaasa STH laboratory, to provide best-possible methodological support for your doctoral dissertation project. Correspondingly, if you are selected for the position, you will then need to enroll in the University of Vaasa Doctoral Programme according to the normal admission process (rolling admission). It means that you must fulfill the eligibility and admission criteria of the Doctoral Programme.

Within the University you will be part of an internationally renowned Strategic Business Development Research team working at the forefront of research. With over 25 researchers, we are one of the leading strategy research groups with a focus on technology companies in Finland. The research Group provides dedicated mentoring and is responsible for implementation of your advanced doctoral courses.

As an industrial doctoral researcher you will be working closely with Wärtsilä Energy Technology to maintain the research relevance for industry, addressing real world challenges. Co-supervision will be provided by related subject matter experts at Wärtsilä and your research outcome will be pressure tested in real world applications.

All tasks are agreed in more detail in the Annual Work Plan. The annual working time is 1612 hours.

Required qualifications and experience

• You have a master's degree in a relevant field related to multidisciplinary business research. You may also have a technology background, etc. 
• Very good analytical skills in addition to good academic writing skills are highly advantageous for your candidature. Proven track record in relevant projects and high-quality journals/conferences/projects, on the topics related to the position, is an additional advantage.
• You enjoy developing innovative solutions to challenging problems and have the right mix of intellectual curiosity and applied pragmatism.
• You have good communication skills, and enjoy working both independently and as part of a team. You are open to sharing your knowledge with colleagues and ambitus to develop yourself as a researcher.
• The project is very ambitious and candidates should show excellent project management skills and ability to work under pressure.
• Beyond the above the selected must be eligible to apply and receive the right to study in the University of Vaasa doctoral program before the start of the employment relationship. More information about applying for doctoral education: Admission to doctoral studies | University of Vaasa.

We offer

We have a great value to both your personal and your professional development. Many opportunities exist for you to develop: conferences, courses, workshops, coaching, mentoring and international internships. 

The Program will create opportunities for continued employment as Post-Doctoral Researcher within University or within Wartsila R&D.

The salary is based on both the job requirement and the employee's personal performance in accordance with the Finnish University Salary System (YPJ). The salary for a Doctoral Researcher is based on demand levels 2-4 (approximately 2378-2965 euros/month). An additional personal salary component is paid based on the experience and skills of the person selected for the position.

Applications

To apply for the position, please use our online application system (using the "Leave an application" button below). The application including annexes has to be in our online application database by midnight 7.6.2026 (EEST). Please note! In order for us to process your application, please ensure that you fill in the fields below thoroughly. 

The application should include the following annexes in English in PDF format:

• CV. Use of CV template is required, see instructions: Application attachments | University of Vaasa 
• A single-page cover letter describing your motivation for this topic of research
• Degree certificates (including Transcript of study records)
• Research plan: Candidates are expected to prepare a detailed doctoral research plan, depicting their own vision on how to implement the project. The document should be 5 pages long and include a brief summary of state of the art, problem statement, details of implementation, and outline of most important methods used.

To ensure a smooth and fair recruitment process, we encourage applicants to focus on sharing information that is relevant to the selection process in their application. If you choose to include personal or sensitive details in your application, please do so only if you are comfortable sharing that information with, for example, external experts.

Further information

• For questions on substance: Marko Kohtamäki, Professor of Strategy, Head of Strategic Business Development Research Group. Phone: +358 44 971 0432
• For questions on the eligibility for the Doctoral Programme and doctoral studies: Niklas Lundström; Senior Specialist in Doctoral Education
  • E-mail: firstname.lastname(a)uwasa.fi

Enquiries about the online application system: careers(a)uwasa.fi

Contract conditions

• Employment type: Full-time.
• Contract duration: 3 years - the employment is subject to a probationary period.

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At the Strategic Business Development (SBD) research group, at University of Vaasa, we specialize servitization, product-service systems, business models, and strategic practices in industrial contexts. We advance strategy theory and practice through studies of organizational, network, and value system strategies. The research program delivers empirical research, collaborative company projects, and relevant teaching in master's and MBA courses. Doctoral students focus on scientific research as well as practical business problem-solving. Professors, assistant professors, and doctoral students also serve as consultants, advisors, and researchers for companies.

The University of Vaasa is located on the West coast of Finland at the heart of Northern Europe's largest energy and environment business cluster. The University of Vaasa is well positioned to interact actively with the surrounding society - internationally, nationally and regionally. As an employer, we focus on employee well-being at work by providing extensive occupational health care, flexible working time arrangements and opportunities for competence development. We have been awarded the HR Excellence in Research recognition. 

Wärtsilä is a global technology company and a key player in the marine and energy markets. The company specializes in advanced power systems, propulsion solutions, and digital technologies that support efficient and sustainable operations. Wärtsilä employs around 17,000 professionals and operates in over 70 countries. Its products and services are used in ships, power plants, and energy storage systems. Wärtsilä is strongly focused on decarbonization, smart technologies, and the transition to renewable energy sources.