Doctoral Researcher, RCF project
Department of Psychology is seeking to recruit a Doctoral Researcher to work in the RCF project starting 1 November 2026, or as soon as possible after that for three years. The fixed-term position is for completing doctoral studies.
We offer a three-year PhD position for the Research Council of Finland funded project “Leveraging state dependent viscera-brain coupling to identify novel treatment targets for mental health disorders”. The project investigates how state-dependent changes in coupling between the brain and body are related to mental health, and will test new interventions to alter the coupling between the viscera and brain. More information about the project can be found here.
Who should apply
The PhD candidate’s work will specifically focus on gut-brain interactions, and will involve recording and analysis using various methods such as electroencephalography (EEG), electrogastrogram (EGG), and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). Main tasks include setting up experiments, acquiring data, developing analysis pipelines, and sharing the results through scientific papers and conferences. You will be working closely together with another PhD student supported by the same project, and will be integrated in the neuroscience community at the University of Jyväskylä. The project furthermore benefits from a network of international collaborators.
The tasks of a Doctoral Researcher focus on research aiming at the completion of a doctoral thesis, doctoral studies, assisting teaching tasks, and other related tasks to these. The duties, qualification requirements, and the language skills of Doctoral Researchers are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines (Doctoral Students). Excellent written and spoken English skills are required. A trial period of six months will be used in the beginning of the employment.
The eligible candidate has, or is about to obtain, a Master's degree in cognitive neuroscience, cognitive science, human movement science, or related fields. In addition, the Doctoral Researcher must have a permission for post-graduate studies at the University of Jyväskylä. After selection, the selected person must apply for postgraduate study rights through a separate application procedure from the Faculty of Education and psychology.
What we offer
Come to Jyväskylä, Finland, and join our vibrant and inspiring community!
At the University of Jyväskylä, you will be a valued member of our community with a unique opportunity to contribute to international research. You will become part of our international and multidisciplinary community that prioritizes the wellbeing of each individual. Our lively campus provides excellent opportunities for maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle.
Finland, named the world’s happiest country for consecutive years since 2018, offers a high standard of living with free education (also in English), affordable childcare, generous family benefits, and comprehensive healthcare. Work–life balance is highly valued in Finland, and employees enjoy four to six weeks of annual holiday. Jyväskylä is located in central Finland, just three hours by train from the capital Helsinki. Part of the Finnish Lakeland, the city offers easy access to nature and a range of outdoor, sports and exercise activities. As a major centre of education with a large student population, it also features a vibrant cultural scene. For more information about the University of Jyväskylä, the city of Jyväskylä, and living in Finland, see the University's International Staff Guide.
Salaries are based on job demands and employees’ performance following the Finnish University Salary System. The salary for a Doctoral Researcher is determined based on the task-specific demand level 2–4 for teaching and research staff. The starting salary will be approximately 2700 €/month (gross income). A holiday bonus is paid to all employees. With progress of thesis work, the salary will be revised in accordance with the Collective Agreement of Finnish Education Employers. If you are relocating from abroad, we will support your move to Jyväskylä and Finland.
We offer good working conditions for researchers and promote the principles of HR Excellence in Research, HRS4R. The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) is based on the values of the European Charter for Researchers & The Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (Charter & Code). JYU is committed to fairness, consistency and transparency in selection decisions, and undertakes the recommendations for the responsible evaluation of a researcher in Finland. JYU has signed the DORA Declaration. By signing the agreement, JYU is committed to complying with the CoARA principles.
How to apply?
The application documents that should be included in English and in PDF format:
- A Curriculum vitae, composed according to good scientific practice and considering the template for researcher´s curriculum vitae by The Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity.
- A short and informal motivation/cover letter (max 2 pages), including your research interests, career goals and previous experience and merits in relation to the qualifications for this position.
- Degree certificate (highest degree).
We look forward to receiving your application in our recruitment system by 20 September 2026.
For further information, please contact Postdoctoral Researcher Tahnée Engelen, tahnee.t.engelen@jyu.fi
Our application process is transparent, professional and international. We communicate openly with the applicants throughout the recruitment process. We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage qualified applicants to apply for this position.
Department of Psychology
The Faculty of Education and Psychology is a research and education unit that uses its strong traditions as a foundation for building a sustainable future. The mission of the faculty is Learning and wellbeing in building a sustainable future society. The faculty is among the top units in Finland in teacher education and psychotherapy training.
The strengths of the faculty’s internationally renowned high-quality research are learning, teaching and interaction. The faculty has five focus areas of research: Education, teaching and interventions; The psychological and neurocognitive basis of learning; Interactive and technology-enhanced learning environments; Childhood, family, interaction and wellbeing; and Wellbeing, learning and interaction at work. The faculty coordinates a number of infrastructures and networks, including the Centre for Interdisciplinary Brain Research (CIBR), the Methodology Centre for Human Sciences (IHME), the Psychotherapy Training and Research Centre, Multidisciplinary Research on Children and Families, and the Centre for Research on Learning and Teaching (CLT).
The University of Jyväskylä is a human-centred environment of 2,500 experts and 14,500 students. Our goal is to create wisdom and wellbeing for us all. It is essential that each member of the community thrives and has opportunities to develop and grow. We cherish openness of thinking as well as the balance between research and education. Our naturally beautiful campus is located at the heart of the city of Jyväskylä. JYU is the third largest employer in Central Finland.
The application form cannot be saved as a draft. However, you have 6 hours to complete your application before the timeout. After submitting your application, you can return to edit it via the link you receive by email until the application deadline.
