Are you interested in contributing to research on sustainable business and the role of companies in the sustainable transition? LUT Business School is seeking a motivated and analytical doctoral researcher to join its Sustainable Business team, where you will develop your expertise within an international research environment.
What your work be like
As a junior (doctoral) researcher, your primary responsibility is to conduct independent research under the guidance of your supervisors and to complete your doctoral degree within four years. Your research will focus on the role of managerial cognition in business sustainability and sustainable transition. You will work as part of an active international research team and participate in collaborative research activities within the group.
In addition to your research, you will assist in teaching activities and may have the opportunity to contribute to research projects. You will also have the chance to strengthen your international networks and research collaboration through visits to Lund University and the University of Georgia. You will need to be ready to travel, including research visits abroad as part of your doctoral studies at LUT University.
What we expect from you
This position requires a master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., strategic management, business administration) and the ability to complete the doctoral degree within the normative duration of the studies. You may be a recent graduate or have some relevant experience; most importantly, you demonstrate strong motivation, commitment to high-quality research, and the ability to work independently while communicating effectively and collaborating well within an international research environment.
Strong written and spoken English skills are required, and you are expected to have knowledge of strategic management and business sustainability (or corporate responsibility), as well as a basic understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methods. Familiarity with organizational or managerial cognition is considered an asset.
A junior researcher must apply for the right to complete doctoral studies at the LUT Doctoral School within the first two months of the appointment.
What we offer
We provide an opportunity to become an expert in sustainable business within a supportive and collegial research environment, with continuous support for learning, training, and professional development. You will receive encouraging supervision in collaboration with Associate Professor Anni Tuppura and Associate Professor Susanne Arvidsson (Lund University), as well as participate in international research collaboration.
The position is based at the Lappeenranta campus, Finland. Hybrid work arrangements are available, with regular presence required at the campus.
The employment will begin in March-April 2026 and includes a six-month trial period. The contract is initially made for one year and may be extended to three additional years, depending on the progress of your studies and research.
The hours are flexible to support work-life balance. In accordance with the collective agreement for Finnish universities, the position follows the system of 1,612 annual working hours.
The salary is determined according to the Finnish university salary system for teaching and research staff (requirement level 1), with a starting salary of approximately EUR 2,780 per month, depending on experience and qualifications.
Interested? Please submit your application by 31 January 2026 at 23:59 (UTC+2h). Fill out the online application form and attach the following documents in English or Finnish and in PDF format:
- A curriculum vitae (CV)
- A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) that includes an account of your merits and activities relevant to the position, as well as your reasons for applying and your interest in the role.
- A research plan (3-5 pages) on the subject area outlining your preliminary dissertation idea. It should include a review of relevant literature, identification of a research gap, and a proposed research approach.
- Scanned copies of your original bachelor's and master's degree certificates and transcripts of records; if the original documents are not in English or Finnish, each document must be accompanied by an official certified translation into English (or Finnish).
- Sample of written work (e.g. Master's thesis)
We will review applications on a rolling basis.
For more information, please contact Associate Professor Anni Tuppura, [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 recruitment system: [email protected]
Application period starts: 2026-01-08 08:00Application period ends: 2026-01-31 23:59