About the DETECTIVE Doctoral Network

DETECTIVE (Data-driven Excellence in Training of Epidemiological, Clinical, Technological and Innovative Virus Experts) is a Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network coordinated by the University of Turku. The network brings together leading academic, public health, clinical, and industrial partners across Europe to train the next generation of researchers in epidemic intelligence, emerging virus surveillance, and pandemic preparedness.

DETECTIVE addresses the growing challenge of emerging and re-emerging viral threats by combining expertise in virology, genomics, epidemiology, diagnostics, data science, and public health. Through an integrated programme of research, training, and international mobility, doctoral candidates will develop expertise across the full pathway from pathogen detection to evidence-based public health decision-making.

DETECTIVE is funded through the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks programme (Grant Agreement No. 101312731).

The network will recruit 14 doctoral candidates across partner institutions in Europe. Three of these positions will be hosted at the University of Turku, while additional positions will be based at partner organisations in Finland, Denmark, the Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom, Austria, and Switzerland.

Research areas within the network include:

• Viral diagnostics and surveillance
• Virus evolution and genomics
• Host-pathogen interactions
• Emerging and re-emerging viral infections
• Epidemiology and disease modelling
• Data-driven epidemic intelligence
• Public health preparedness and response
• Advanced laboratory and experimental models

For more information, please visit: virusdetective.eu

Job description

This doctoral project focuses on developing innovative approaches for monitoring the spread of emerging pathogens through large-scale blood donor surveillance. The project will generate new knowledge on pathogen circulation and population exposure by integrating serological, genomic, epidemiological, and demographic data. The results will contribute to improved epidemic intelligence and preparedness across Europe.

The position will commence on 1 March 2027 and is funded for 36 months.

The doctoral candidate will be supervised by Professor Heli Harvala and Professor Peter Simmonds at the University of Turku, with additional scientific mentoring from Dr Maria Farcet (Takeda, Austria) and Professor Claire Smith (University College London, UK). The position includes international secondments at University College London (UK) and Takeda (Austria), providing training in both academic and industrial research environments.

At the University of Turku, DETECTIVE is looking for a Doctoral Candidate (DC3) to contribute to Work Package 3. As DC3, your key responsibilities include:

• Establishing and coordinating blood donor sample collection networks in Finland and collaborating European countries.
• Collecting, managing, and analysing demographic, travel, vaccination, and infection-risk data.
• Implementing targeted sampling strategies in regions at increased risk for arbovirus introduction.
• Developing and applying serological assays and next-generation sequencing (NGS) approaches for pathogen detection and characterization.
• Integrating laboratory, genomic, and epidemiological data to support epidemic intelligence and public health preparedness.
• Collaborating with international research partners and contributing to scientific publications and presentations.

This position combines epidemiological research, laboratory science, data analysis, and international collaboration to advance innovative approaches for detecting and monitoring emerging infectious diseases.

The doctoral researcher position requires working in Finland and the place of work is Turku.

The application deadline is 8 October 2026 at 23:59 (EEST).

Who we are looking for

The position is intended for full-time doctoral dissertation research and postgraduate studies.

Requirements

Applicants must:

• Hold a Master's degree (or equivalent) in biomedical sciences, microbiology, virology, immunology, epidemiology, or a related field.
  • Be eligible for doctoral studies at the University of Turku.
    • You are required to have completed a relevant Master’s degree awarded by a university or a university of applied sciences, or a relevant study programme abroad which in the awarding country gives eligibility for the corresponding level of higher education (Universities Act 558/2009, 37§).
• Demonstrate a strong interest in infectious disease research and emerging pathogens.
• Possess excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Be able to work effectively in an interdisciplinary and international research environment.
• Comply with MSCA Doctoral Network eligibility requirements and mobility rules.
  • Mobility rule: Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Finland for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately preceding recruitment (1 March 2027).
  • Doctoral Degree Requirement: Applicants must not hold a doctoral degree at the time of recruitment.

Desirable qualifications

Experience in one or more of the following areas is considered an advantage:

• Experience in molecular biology, virology, serology, genomics, or bioinformatics.
• Experience handling epidemiological or health-related datasets.
• Previous laboratory experience in infectious disease research.

Doctoral Studies and Admission Requirements

The selected candidate must be eligible for doctoral studies at the University of Turku and the Turku Doctoral Programme of Molecular Medicine (TuDMM). Admission to doctoral studies at the University of Turku is a prerequisite for appointment to the position.

Applicants who do not already hold the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Turku must apply for doctoral study rights in accordance with the Faculty of Medicine and TuDMM admission requirements. The doctoral study right will be granted through a separate decision outside the regular doctoral admission rounds.

Selected applicants must meet all eligibility requirements for doctoral studies, including degree eligibility, language proficiency requirements, and submission of all required supporting documents.

Further information:

• Faculty of Medicine Doctoral Admissions Process
• How to Apply for Doctoral Study Rights at the Faculty of Medicine
• Language requirements for doctoral studies
• Turku Doctoral Programme of Molecular Medicine Admission

We value collegiality and promote equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We encourage all qualified applicants with different backgrounds to apply for our open positions.

What We Offer

• A fully funded 36-month doctoral researcher position at the University of Turku.
• A competitive salary and comprehensive employment benefits in accordance with MSCA Doctoral Network regulations and University of Turku employment conditions.
• Mobility and family allowances in accordance with MSCA regulations, where applicable.
• Participation in an international Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network.
• International mobility, networking, and career development opportunities.
• Planned secondments in both academic and industrial settings.
• Participation in DETECTIVE-wide training schools covering:
  • Foundations in Virology, Bioinformatics and Epidemiology
  • Advanced Integration of Scientific, Diagnostic and Public Health Virology
  • Translational Virology and Pandemic Preparedness
• Individual career development planning and mentoring.
• Access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure and expert support services.
• Access to university wellbeing and sports services.

Benefits

We offer you responsible and interesting tasks and the opportunity to develop your professional skills in a versatile operating environment. You get a professional and inspiring team to support your work. We take care of your well-being at work and the functionality of your everyday life, e.g. with the help of flexible working hours and our well-being services.

• Possibilities to develop your expertise – We encourage our personnel to develop their professional expertise by offering versatile training and competence development possibilities which employees can take advantage of during their working hours. Also, the course offering of Open University is free of charge for our personnel.
• Your well-being is important to us! – In addition to comprehensive occupational health care, our own well-being services monitor, support and develop the well-being of our personnel. You are entitled to use the CampusSport’s services at a personnel price.
• We support your work-life balance – Flexible working hours and extensive remote work options help you balance work and leisure time. 
• An inspiring and supportive work community – We encourage each other and value working together!

Please read more about University of Turku as an employer from our Come work with us! pages.

The European Commission has awarded the University of Turku the right to use the HR Excellence in Research quality label. The label is a token of the University's commitment to continuous development of the position and working conditions of researchers according to the guidelines set forth in the European Charter for Researchers. 

The university offers good support and orientation for international hires. Please learn more about the Finnish culture and relocation to Finland:

• City of Turku
• Welcome visitor
• International House of Turku
• Working culture: infoFinland.fi
• This is Finland
• Careers in Southwest Finland
• Finland - a superpower of education and innovations | University of Turku (utu.fi)

The University of Turku is among the top of the world’s universities in most rankings and among the best universities in the world in certain fields. Our high-quality basic research, a multidisciplinary research profile and close cooperation in research infrastructures creates the basis for international top research. Read more about University of Turku in international university rankings.

The University of Turku has several high-quality research infrastructures required for cutting-edge research. Learn more about the roadmap of research infrastructures and how the research infrastructure and expert teams offer tailored solutions for businesses and organizations.

Salary and trial period

Doctoral candidates will be employed full-time for three years in accordance with the rules of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks programme.

The financial package includes a living allowance of €4,010 per month (subject to the MSCA country correction coefficient applicable to Finland), a mobility allowance of €710 per month, and, where applicable, a family allowance of €660 per month.

The actual gross and net salary will depend on the applicable country correction coefficient, local taxation, statutory social security contributions, and institutional employment policies. The exact salary will be confirmed upon appointment.

 The position is subject to a six-month probationary period.

How to apply

Please submit your application through the University of Turku electronic recruitment system by 8 October 2026 at 23:59 (Europe/Helsinki).

Please write your application and accompanying documents in English. Please ensure that all attachments are high-quality, easy-to-read, full-colour scans or photographs of the complete document. All attachments must be submitted in PDF format. Attachments that do not meet these requirements may be rejected.

Name each file so that the file name clearly indicates both your name and the document type (e.g. surname-firstname-CV).

The application must include:

1. Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages)

The applicant’s CV should include education, relevant work and research experience, scientific achievements, and publications (if any). Please use Europass CV format, available also at: https://europass.europa.eu/en/create-europass-cv.

2. A Motivation Letter (maximum 1 page)

Applicants should describe their motivation for applying, relevant qualifications and experience, research interests, and how their background aligns with the objectives of the doctoral project and the DETECTIVE Doctoral Network.

3. Degree certificate(s) and a transcript of study records

Attach to the electronic application form:

• the scanned or electronic original certificate of the higher university degree (e.g. Master’s degree),
• the scanned or electronic original transcript of study records of the higher university degree,
• other study certificates relevant to the selection criteria (for example, studies completed outside the degree that relate to the doctoral degree you are applying for).

If the documents are not in Finnish, Swedish or English, you must also submit an official translation into one of those languages; an official translation is accepted if issued by the degree awarding university or produced by an authorised translator. A Diploma Supplement (DS) issued by a European higher education institution may be accepted instead of an English translation of the degree certificate and transcript, provided it contains the details of the study records.

4. Details of one referee

Provide the name, position, organisation, and contact details of one referee.

5. Any other relevant supporting documents that may influence the filling of the position (optional)

Please note that applicants must also complete the DETECTIVE online application form available at virusdetective.eu or Webropol link.

Candidates will be shortlisted and invited to participate in a two-stage interview process. The first round of online interviews will be conducted between 30 October and 9 November 2026. Candidates who progress to the next stage will be invited to a second round of interviews during November 2026. The recruitment process is expected to be completed by December 2026.

Important Information Regarding Doctoral Study Rights

The information in this section applies only to candidates selected for the position and is not required at the application stage.

Please note that employment cannot commence on 1 March 2027 unless the selected candidate has been granted the right to pursue doctoral studies at the University of Turku. Admission to doctoral studies is a prerequisite for employment.

You must meet the faculty and doctoral programme requirements for granting the right to pursue a doctoral degree. Carefully read the application guidelines of the Medical Faculty and the requirements of the Turku Doctoral Programme of Molecular Medicine.

Applicants selected for the position will be required to prepare, together with their supervisors, the documents necessary for the doctoral study right application, including:

1. Supervision and study plan – the Faculty’s form (Fill in electronically, print and sign together with the supervisor/-s and the head of subject, see: Subjects in doctoral training and heads of doctoral subject).​​​​​​ Please refer to the faculty website for more detailed instructions.
2. Research plan (maximum three pages, excluding references; Arial, font size 12). The research plan is recommended to be written in English and should include the following sections: abstract, background and significance, aims and hypotheses, implementation plan, research environment, timetable, and funding plan. When preparing the research plan you must follow the principles of good scientific practice (link to the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity (TENK’s) guidelines on good scientific practice). The research plan may be checked with the Turnitin OriginalityCheck plagiarism‑detection system. Any use of artificial intelligence (AI) as an aid in preparing the research plan must be clearly declared in the application.
3. Degree certificate and transcript of study records The MSc degree requirement (or equivalent qualification) must be fulfilled, and the degree certificate issued, before the study right can be granted.
4. Proof of language proficiency, where applicable. Please refer to the Graduate School's webpage for information on language requirements and accepted forms of proof. 

Please note that the documents required for obtaining the right to pursue doctoral studies are not required at the application stage.

Further information

This project is funded by the European Union (DETECTIVE, 101312731). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Scientific questions regarding the DETECTIVE Doctoral Network and the doctoral project, please contact Professor Heli Harvala, heli.harvala@utu.fi or Research Coordinator Outi Lyytinen outi.lyytinen@utu.fi. 

Questions related to the general application process, please contact HR Specialist Kristiina Nuutila kristiina.nuutila@utu.fi or Research Coordinator Outi Lyytinen outi.lyytinen@utu.fi

Questions regarding study rights and admissions, please contact Coordinator, Verna Louhivuori vtlouh@utu.fi