The Unit of Marketing at the Department of Marketing and International Business is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join a Business Finland funded research project examining customer experience management in B2B small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The position is full-time and fixed-term, starting on 1 January 2027 (or as agreed) and ending on 31 August 2028.
Job description
We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join the project Driving B2B SMEs’ Growth through Customer Experience and lead a work package examining how customer experience management (CXM) contributes to the growth and performance of B2B SMEs. The position offers an opportunity to address timely and managerially relevant questions at the intersection of B2B marketing strategy, customer experience management, digital technologies, and firm performance.
Working closely with the project team, the researcher will contribute to the design, execution, and publication of a large-scale survey study among growth-oriented Finnish SMEs. This work will be supported by the research team and by collaborations with prominent industry associations that facilitate data collection.
The position offers excellent opportunities to publish in leading international journals, present at international conferences, and develop an independent research profile in a central area of B2B marketing. In addition, the position may include minor teaching, supervision, and administrative duties. Overall, the position combines the support of an established research team with substantial opportunities for scholarly development and publication, making it an attractive opportunity for researchers preparing for future tenure-track or faculty positions.
Who we are looking for
The qualification requirements for the position are defined in the University of Turku Rules of Procedure. A person appointed as a postdoctoral researcher must hold a doctoral degree suitable for the position and the ability to conduct high-quality independent scientific research.
We are seeking an ambitious and research-oriented scholar with a strong interest in B2B marketing, customer experience and quantitative research.
The ideal candidate will have:
- A completed doctoral degree in marketing or a related field such as international business, management, or entrepreneurship.
- A promising publication record in high-quality international peer-reviewed journals, commensurate with career stage.
- Research expertise in one or more of the following areas: B2B marketing, customer experience management, or research in SME contexts.
- Strong expertise in theory-driven survey research and quantitative research methods, such as structural equation modeling (SEM) and/or fsQCA.
- Ability to take initiative, contribute original ideas, and conduct independent research while collaborating closely with the research team.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
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
We offer an opportunity to join a research unit with strong expertise in B2B marketing and customer experience management (CXM). You will work closely with an internationally recognized research group and benefit from our extensive international research network, including external project collaborators Professor Christian Kuehnl and Professor Daniel Kindström. Together, these connections provide excellent opportunities for research collaboration, professional development, and professional growth in these fields.
Our research group is active and internationally visible, with a strong track record of publishing in leading marketing and business journals, including the Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science (JAMS), Journal of Service Research (JSR), Journal of Business Research (JBR), and Industrial Marketing Management (IMM). The team provides a supportive environment for conducting high-quality research and publishing it in top-ranked academic outlets.
The project offers funding for conference participation and two weeks of international research mobility, as well as unique access to B2B research data, including large-scale survey data and objective firm-level performance measures. These resources provide excellent opportunities for conducting impactful research, developing an international research profile, and publishing in leading journals.
While committed to academic excellence, our unit maintains a friendly and inclusive working atmosphere where colleagues support one another. The position combines the support of an established research team with the freedom to develop and pursue independent research interests. We also support your well-being and everyday life through flexible working arrangements and comprehensive well-being services.
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:
Salary and trial period
The salary for the post is determined in accordance with the university salary system for teaching and research personnel. The salary for a Postdoctoral Researcher (OV5) in the beginning of employment is approximately 3800 €/month.
The position has a trial period of six months.
How to apply
Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is 7.10.2026 at 16.00 (Europe/Helsinki).
Please write your application and accompanying documents in English.
Applicants should enclose with their application:
- CV according to the TENK model
- list of publications
- a motivation letter describing the applicant's research profile and research interests
- degree certificate(s)
- other documents that may influence the filling of the position.
Further information
For further information about the position, please contact: Associate Professor Harri Terho, harri.terho(at)utu.fi or tel. +358 40 566 4895.
With questions about the application process, please contact: HR Specialist Mira Liikkanen, mira.liikkanen(at)utu.fi or tel. +358 50 400 2721.
