Doctoral Researcher (PhD Student) - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

We are now looking for

a Doctoral Researcher (PhD Student)

to join us in Entrepreneurship Research in Kerttu Saalasti Institute, University of Oulu.

University of Oulu’s Kerttu Saalasti Institute produces research, expertise, and solutions with a strong societal impact. Our current research areas include micro-entrepreneurship, regional excellence, and future production technologies.

About the Position:

We are seeking a Doctoral Researcher for a fixed-term position of three years to conduct advanced research on entrepreneurial attitudes, activities, and aspirations in Finland using the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) survey data. The focus is on empirical and theoretical contributions to entrepreneurship research and policy.

Read more about GEM.

The selected candidate will be pursuing a doctoral degree in management or economics (field of entrepreneurship) or a closely related field and will work in a research environment that combines academic research and analysis of the real entrepreneurship ecosystem. The research topic is flexible and can be developed together with the student's supervisor. Assistant Professor Robert van der Have will act as the student's main supervisor.

The successful candidate will pursue doctoral studies at the Department of Marketing, Management and International Business within the Oulu Business School, following successful completion of the doctoral admission process through the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS). Further information about UniOGS is available here.

Oulu Business School is an AACSB accredited international research and educational institute for economic sciences. In the Department of Marketing, Management and International Business, our goal is to increase understanding of complex and challenging organizational functions and processes. 

As an admitted doctoral student, the candidate will also benefit from a wide range of doctoral courses tailored to their research interests and academic needs, offered through the Finnish Doctoral Program in Business Studies (KATAJA). KATAJA offers high quality doctoral courses and other activities to support networking of both students and faculty, both nationally and internationally.

Key Responsibilities

As a doctoral student, you will:

• Lead and implement an independent research project based primarily on GEM survey data (APS and NES), focusing on Finland.
• Analyze recent and past survey data from the adult population and expert panels to study entrepreneurial behavior, opportunity perception, and socio-demographic correlates.
• Utilize expert panel data to assess ecosystem conditions affecting entrepreneurship in Finland.
• Publish research articles in internationally peer-reviewed academic journals.
• Present results in academic and policy forums.
• Participate in research seminars, doctoral courses and international conferences.
• Collaborate with faculty, research partners and GEM stakeholders.

What we offer

• An enthusiastic and knowledgeable work community where you can develop and share your expertise.
• The opportunity to engage in societally relevant work in the GEM-Finland project.
• Flexible work arrangements: working in Oulu or Nivala, or partly remotely from within Finland.
• Clear opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the university.
• Access to doctoral training programs, coursework, and mentoring.
• Access to sports, culture, and well-being benefits (ePassi). Read more about our staff benefits.
• We offer meaningful work and a culture that gives you the freedom to combine work and personal life flexibly. Learn more about working at the University of Oulu.
• If relocating to Finland from abroad, our Buddy Program and Spouse Network help you and your family integrate into Finland.

What we seek

Applicants should have:

• A master’s degree (or equivalent) in Business Administration and Entrepreneurship.
• The Master’s degree (or equivalent) must have been completed with high grades (4/5, or at least 80% of the maximum grade, in both coursework and master's thesis). Or the relevant master's degree from a university of applied sciences, either from Finland or abroad, must have been completed with excellent (5/5 or at least 90 % of the maximum score for both coursework and the thesis).
• Strong interest in quantitative and mixed-methods research with statistical data analysis skills (e.g., R, Stata, SPSS).
• A clear research motivation and skills for working with the GEM survey datasets.
• Excellent academic writing and communication skills in English; Finnish proficiency is an advantage (not mandatory).
• Ability to work independently and in a team within a vibrant academic research environment.

Desirable: Prior experience with questionnaire survey data, entrepreneurship research and theory, or related fields of research, e.g., innovation, public policy, strategic management.

Proposed Research Themes

Potential themes for the appointed candidate's doctoral research are (but are not limited to):

• Entrepreneurial intentions and behavior among Finnish adults
• Comparative analysis of Finland’s entrepreneurial landscape over time
• Gender, age, and regional dynamics in entrepreneurial activity
• Institutional, cultural, and ecosystem determinants of entrepreneurial activity
• Policy implications for entrepreneurship support environments

Salary

The position is fixed-term for 3 years starting Spring / Fall 2026 (negotiable).

The position is classified as a teaching and research staff level 2 in the university's salary system. Additionally, a salary component based on personal performance is paid, with a maximum of 50% of the job-specific salary component. The salary in similar positions is typically 2600-2800 €/month (gross salary). As doctoral studies proceed, the salary level gradually increases.

A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 10.5.2026 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

Application Documents

Please submit:

• Cover Letter (motivation and research interest, including proposed GEM thesis topic)
• Curriculum Vitae and Academic Transcripts 
• Research Proposal (2–4 pages), outlining research questions, methodology, and the use of GEM data
• Contact Information for at least 2 references

More information

If you need more Information, please contact

Robert van der Have (Robert.vanderHave@oulu.fi), Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship, MicroENTRE Research Group of Kerttu Saalasti Institute

Matti Muhos (matti.muhos@oulu.fi) Professor & Director of Kerttu Saalasti Institute

Martti Saarela (martti.saarela@oulu.fi), Research Director, MicroENTRE Research Group of Kerttu Saalasti Institute