Junior Researcher in growth of startups and university–industry collaboration in innovation ecosys

LAB University of Applied Sciences is seeking a motivated and proactive junior researcher to study the growth of startup companies as well as collaboration between universities and enterprises within innovation ecosystems.

The position is part of the Growth and Commercialisation research group and includes doctoral studies at LUT University. As a junior researcher, you are interested in exploring how startups and higher education institutions contribute to innovation, sustainable growth, and societal impact within evolving innovation ecosystems.

Research Focus

In this research position, you will examine, for example, how organizations create and utilize new knowledge, adapt to changing operating environments, and build effective collaboration. The goal is to generate new insights into the factors that influence organizational development, competitiveness, and value creation.

The Finnish innovation system and the significant role of higher education institutions in innovation policy offer an excellent environment for this research. The doctoral dissertation is expected to address these themes and provide new perspectives on them.

As a junior researcher, you will work as a member of the research group in research projects related to your research topic and in their preparation.

What We Expect from You

You hold a master’s degree or another degree that grants eligibility for doctoral studies in business, social sciences, or engineering.

You have strong motivation to work in a multidisciplinary research environment and the ability to complete a doctoral degree within the standard timeframe. In addition, we require that you begin your doctoral studies at LUT University. The selected candidate must apply for the right to pursue postgraduate studies in the LUT Doctoral School within the first two months of employment.

We expect you to have skills in either qualitative or quantitative research methods, as well as a background in business studies, management, innovation research, or other relevant social sciences. Knowledge of entrepreneurship, innovation ecosystems, and university–industry collaboration in Finland is considered an advantage.

We also value the ability to apply research methods and utilize research results to support practical business activities and decision-making.

The position requires excellent oral and written proficiency in Finnish and English.

Key Responsibilities

As a junior researcher, you will complete a doctoral degree within four years in accordance with the academic requirements of LUT University. In addition, the role includes participating in the preparation and implementation of projects within LAB’s Growth and Commercialisation research group.

What We Offer

We offer an excellent opportunity to launch your career in applied research. During the first four years, the fixed-term junior researcher position focuses on dissertation-related research work and studies included in the doctoral programme.

After completing the doctoral degree, you will continue at LAB University of Applied Sciences in research projects and development tasks. The employment contract can only be signed if the selected candidate is granted the right to pursue doctoral studies at LUT University.

The position will begin in early 2026. Your workplace can be either in Lahti or Lappeenranta. LAB provides a modern hybrid work model that combines flexibility with regular on-site work at both campuses.

The position follows the working hours of the expert and support staff of universities of applied sciences, which total 36.25 hours per week. Working hours are flexible and support the balance between work and private life.

The position is full-time, and the salary is determined according to the collective agreement of Sivistysala ry for universities of applied sciences. The starting salary is approximately EUR 3,000 per month. The employment relationship begins with a six-month probation period.

Interested?

Submit your application by 1 March 2026 at 23:59 (UTC+2). Please complete the online application form and attach the following documents in English or Finnish in PDF format:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• A copy of your degree certificate and transcript of records; if the original document is not in English, Finnish, or Swedish, include an officially certified translation in English or Finnish
• Motivation letter: a short description of your merits, experience, and motivation for the position and the proposed research topic (max. 2 pages)
• Research plan (3–5 pages) in the relevant field; the plan must include a preliminary dissertation topic, key literature, the research gap and potential research questions, as well as planned research methods and data.

Only applications that include all required documents will be considered.

For more information about the position, please contact:
 Chief Specialist Outi-Maaria Palo-oja (outi-maaria.palo-oja@lab.fi) and Director of RDI Pasi Juvonen (pasi.juvonen@lab.fi).

Read more about the LAB University of Applied Sciences here.
Read more about the LUT Doctoral School here.

The best of both worlds: studies and work. The LAB University of Applied Sciences is a higher education institution specializing in innovation, business and industry. It operates in Lahti and Lappeenranta, Finland, and online. We offer education in five fields: health care and social services, technology, business, hospitality, and design, fine arts and visual communication. We focus on supporting responsible, regenerative growth through intangible value creation, multipurpose materials, and human well-being. We have 10,400 students and 600 teachers and RDI experts. 

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

Osaamisalue: Tutkimus, kehitys & tuotekehitys, Yrittäjyys