Applications are now open for the RESDOC Project – Training Doctoral Excellence for a Resilient and Just Future, an international doctoral training initiative at the University of Helsinki in Finland. The programme offers 30 fully funded doctoral researcher positions across 14 doctoral programmes, providing successful applicants with four-year full-time employment contracts while completing a doctoral degree.
Running from 2027 to 2031, RESDOC brings together interdisciplinary research and cross-sector collaboration to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, sustainable food systems and infectious diseases. The application deadline is 31 August 2026.
About the RESDOC Project
The Resilient and Just Systems Doctoral Project (RESDOC) is an ambitious international doctoral training programme co-funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA COFUND) under Horizon Europe and the University of Helsinki.
Rather than offering traditional doctoral study alone, RESDOC combines cutting-edge academic research with collaboration between universities, public institutions and industry. Doctoral researchers work within internationally recognised research environments while developing practical solutions to complex societal and environmental challenges.
The programme encourages interdisciplinary thinking and supports researchers who wish to create meaningful scientific and societal impact.
Research Themes
Applicants are free to develop their own doctoral research topic, provided it aligns with one of the project’s four interdisciplinary themes.
Infectious Diseases and Antimicrobial Resistance
Research focuses on preventing and responding to infectious diseases while addressing the growing global threat of antimicrobial resistance through innovative scientific approaches.
Biodiversity and Nature’s Resilience
This theme explores ecosystem conservation, biodiversity protection and strategies for strengthening the resilience of natural environments in the face of environmental change.
Sustainable Food and Water Systems
Researchers investigate sustainable agriculture, food security, water management and resilient resource systems that support long-term environmental and human wellbeing.
Just Socio-Ecological Transition
This area examines how societies can achieve equitable transitions toward sustainable economies through policy, governance, social innovation and environmental justice.
What the Fellowship Offers
Successful applicants will receive a four-year full-time employment contract as doctoral researchers at the University of Helsinki, allowing them to focus exclusively on research and doctoral training.
The programme includes:
- Full-time salaried employment for four years
- Enrollment in one of 14 doctoral programmes
- Access to world-class research facilities and laboratories
- Interdisciplinary supervision and international collaboration
- Cross-sector partnerships with academia, government and industry
- Tailored scientific and transferable skills training
- Opportunities to contribute to high-impact sustainability and health research
The employment model enables doctoral researchers to pursue their degrees while receiving the benefits and protections of university employment in Finland.
Who Should Apply?
The RESDOC call is intended for highly motivated doctoral researchers with outstanding academic records and strong research potential.
The programme welcomes applicants from around the world who are interested in interdisciplinary research addressing sustainability, health and resilience. Candidates should demonstrate academic excellence, research capability and a clear commitment to contributing to innovative solutions for global challenges.
As an international initiative, RESDOC provides an inclusive research environment where scholars from diverse disciplinary and cultural backgrounds collaborate on shared scientific goals.
Doctoral Training and Research Environment
Doctoral researchers will complete their PhD at the University of Helsinki while participating in a specialised training programme designed specifically for RESDOC fellows.
In addition to disciplinary research, participants receive training in transferable professional skills, interdisciplinary collaboration and stakeholder engagement. The programme emphasizes cooperation between universities, public organisations and industry, helping researchers translate academic knowledge into real-world applications.
The University of Helsinki’s internationally recognised research community provides access to leading scholars, advanced infrastructure and collaborative networks across multiple scientific fields.
Funding and Employment Conditions
RESDOC positions are fully funded through the combined support of the University of Helsinki and the European Union’s Horizon Europe MSCA COFUND programme.
Doctoral researchers will be employed on full-time contracts during 2027–2030, with their primary responsibility being research and doctoral training. The employment structure allows participants to dedicate their working time to completing a high-quality doctoral degree within the funded period.
Key Dates
- Programme: RESDOC Project 2027–2031
- Institution: University of Helsinki, Finland
- Positions Available: 30 funded doctoral researcher positions
- Doctoral Programmes: 14
- Employment Duration: 4 years (full-time)
- Application Deadline: 31 August 2026
- Programme Period: 2027–2031
Why Apply?
The RESDOC Project offers an exceptional opportunity for aspiring researchers seeking a fully funded PhD within one of Europe’s leading research universities. By combining interdisciplinary research, salaried employment, international collaboration and cross-sector engagement, the programme equips doctoral researchers with the expertise needed to tackle complex global sustainability and health challenges.
Graduates will join a new generation of researchers developing resilient, evidence-based solutions for a more just and sustainable future.
