Doctoral researcher in sustainable business and circular supply chains

LUT Business School is looking for a junior (doctoral) researcher in sustainable business and circular supply chains to strengthen its expertise in sustainable, circular and regenerative business, and support LUT SCI-MAT research platform on research on sustainable circularity of inorganic materials.

We are seeking a curious and motivated individual interested in doing research on circular economy and circular and sustainable batteries supply chain.

You must have a higher university degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in a relevant field (e.g. sustainable business, corporate social responsibility, supply chain management, strategy or related fields), the ability to complete the doctoral degree within the standard duration of the studies for the degree, and a right to complete doctoral studies at LUT University. Written and spoken proficiency in English is required in this position.

Junior researchers must submit an application for the right to complete doctoral studies with all required appendices to the LUT Doctoral School within the first two months of the employment relationship.

The candidate should have basic knowledge on sustainable business, circular economy and supply chain management and qualitative research methods and an interest to develop skills in mixed methods. Further, some previous research and/or practice knowledge on green transition and electrification, lithium-ion batteries and circularity of inorganic materials is appreciated.

Key responsibilities

• Completion of the doctoral degree within four years
• Participation in research projects
• Assisting in SCI-MAT research platform and assisting in teaching

What we offer

• An opportunity to launch a successful academic career and to become an expert in sustainable business and circular supply chains.
• A four-year (1+3 years) employment contract for completing the doctoral degree.
  • An employment contract can be concluded only if the candidate obtains the right to pursue postgraduate studies at LUT University.
  • The contract will be made initially for one year and can be extended by three years provided that the studies and research have progressed successfully.
• Encouraging and supportive supervision by and research collaboration with Professor Laura Albareda and Doctor Minttu Laukkanen.

The work will start in June-August 2025 (negotiable) with a six-month trial period. The job is based in Lappeenranta, Finland.

The salary is based on the current collective agreement for Finnish universities. The typical gross annual starting salary for a junior researcher is approximately 32 500 euros a year. The salary includes a personal performance-based element. Junior researchers who meet certain publishing criteria are also eligible for publication bonuses.

In addition, the wide range of benefits that come with the job include a holiday bonus, generous annual leave, a research incentive scheme with personal rewards for high-quality publications, flexible working hours, occupational health care, a collegial working environment, and continued commitment to your support, learning, training, and development.

How to apply

The deadline for applications is 31 March 2025 at midnight, Finnish local time (UTC +3h). Please submit your application together with the required attachments through the university's online application system.

Please submit the application materials in English:

• Your curriculum vitae (CV).
• A copy of your degree certificate; if the original documents are not in English, Finnish or Swedish, each document must be accompanied by an official certified translation into English or Finnish.
• A motivation letter: an account of your merits and activities of significance to the vacancy (max. 2 pages).
• A research plan (3–5 pages) on the subject area presenting your preliminary dissertation research plan with a review of relevant literature, research gap and potential research questions as well as research methods and data.

We prefer application documents in PDF format. Only applications including the required documents will be considered.

For more information, please contact Professor Laura Albareda, laura.albareda@lut.fi, and Doctor Minttu Laukkanen, minttu.laukkanen@lut.fi.

Read more about LUT as an employer and the LUT Doctoral School.

Explore information for international staff.

LUT University | Clean energy, water and air are life-giving resources for which we at LUT University seek new solutions with our expertise in technology, business and social sciences. We help society and businesses in their sustainable renewal. Our international community consists of over 9,000 members. Our campuses are in Lappeenranta and Lahti, Finland. We are one of the world's top universities for climate action. lut.fi/en

Technical support for using the recruitment system: recruitment@lut.fi.

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