Do you want to explore how the green and digital twin transition shapes society and business? We are looking for doctoral researchers to join us at LUT University and contribute to research on business model transformation in the real estate and construction industry.

LUT Civil Engineering is a new, growing part of the LUT School of Energy Systems, and now hiring three doctoral researchers with a strong interest in the green and digital twin transition and a background in circular economy in the field of construction. We are seeking candidates who are curious, aspire to an academic career, are committed to continuous learning, and want to contribute to socially relevant scientific knowledge.

We are also currently seeking other civil engineering professionals with a range of specialties; see our other job openings here.

What your work will be like

You will contribute to transdisciplinary research focusing on one of the following:

1. Life cycle assessment and management of built assets
2. National building stock inventory and scenarios
3. Business model innovation in real estate and construction

The positions are based in the Construction Business research group within the newly established LUT Civil Engineering team. You will work closely with your supervisor and the research group.

As a doctoral researcher, your primary goal is to complete your doctoral degree. This includes publishing peer-reviewed scientific articles and completing the required doctoral studies. In practice, your responsibilities include analysing and documenting research results, contributing to international scientific publications, and disseminating findings through, e.g., conference presentations. As you will be participating in conferences and seminars, the position involves occasional travel.

The role also includes teaching and assisting in teaching at the bachelor’s and master’s levels and supporting project or research group administration.

The selected candidates must apply for the right to pursue doctoral studies at the LUT Doctoral School within the first two months of employment.

What we expect

A relevant master’s degree is required. Your educational background may relate to construction economics and management, real estate economics, industrial engineering and management, or a related field.

The role requires commitment to completing your doctoral studies within their normative timeframe. We value strong academic writing skills and motivation to contribute to scientific publications during your doctoral studies. Prior publications are not required but are considered an advantage.

Prior industry experience is an advantage, but early-career candidates are also encouraged to apply if they are eager to learn and take initiative.

We particularly value experience in conducting and developing life cycle assessments (economic, environmental, social). Experience in business model innovation, real estate development, and the construction process are considered an advantage.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential. You should be able to work independently, communicate findings clearly, and collaborate effectively in an international research environment. Excellent written and spoken English is required. Finnish language skills are considered an advantage.

As the LUT Civil Engineering is just being established, you should be comfortable operating in an evolving environment where uncertainty and change are part of everyday work.

What we offer

We offer a collaborative research environment where you will contribute to societally relevant research, build your academic publication record, and receive close supervision support throughout your doctoral studies.

The employment relationship starts with a one-year term. The contract may be extended by three years if your progress in your studies and research in the first year is satisfactory. The employment begins with a six-month trial period.

The work starts in November 2026, although the start date is negotiable. The position is based at LUT’s Lahti campus in Finland. LUT offers a hybrid work model that combines flexibility with regular on-campus presence. The hours are flexible and support work–life balance. The position follows a system of 1,612 annual working hours in accordance with the collective agreement for Finnish universities.

The salary is set according to the Finnish university pay system’s scale for teaching and research staff (requirement level 2). The starting salary is approximately EUR 3,100 per month, depending on experience and qualifications.

Interested? Please submit your application by 4 October 2026 at 23:59 (Finnish local time, UTC+3). Fill out the online form and attach the following documents in English and in PDF format:

• A motivation letter (one page) highlighting your research skills relevant to the position and describing why you are interested in and suitable for the position
• A curriculum vitae (CV) following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
• Copies of your original bachelor’s and master’s degree certificates and transcripts of records. If the original documents are not in English, Finnish, or Swedish, official certified translations are required
• Contact details of two references

Please also indicate which of the three topics interests you most.

Submit your application well before the deadline to allow time for uploading all attachments. Also, make sure you submit only one application.

Only applications that are submitted through the online recruitment system and include the required documents will be considered. We will review applications on a rolling basis, and the positions will be filled once suitable candidates are found.

For more information, please contact Professor Riikka Kyrö, riikka.kyro@lut.fi.

Read more about the LUT Civil Engineering.

Read more about the LUT School of Energy Systems.

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 using the recruitment system: recruitment@lut.fi.