Junior researcher in digital transformation in the context of health and well-being

The LAB University of Applied Sciences is seeking a curious and motivated junior researcher (doctoral student) in digital transformation to study the requirements for future-proof digital remote care. The position is part of the multidisciplinary Digital Transformation in Health and Safety research group at the LAB University of Applied Sciences and includes doctoral studies at LUT University. 

As a junior researcher, you will study how emerging technologies and data-driven approaches can be utilised to design predictive, resource-efficient, and person-centred remote care solutions.  

Research focus 

You will explore themes such as the possibilities of novel sensor technologies and AI-driven analytics in remote care, human-technology interaction in remote care, and digital service innovation. Your doctoral dissertation should also address these topics, with a use case in aging population.  

What we expect from you 

You have a master’s degree or equivalent qualifications in, for example, engineering, health, or another relevant field, making you eligible for doctoral studies.  

You are highly motivated to work in a multidisciplinary environment and are able to complete a doctoral degree within the designated timeframe. We also require that you begin your doctoral studies at LUT University, and to that end, you must apply for the right to pursue doctoral studies at the LUT Doctoral School within the first two months of employment. 

Written and spoken fluency in English is required. Proficiency in Finnish is an advantage.  

Key responsibilities  

In the position of junior researcher, you will complete a doctoral degree within four years in accordance with the academic requirements of the LUT Doctoral School. In addition, the role includes participation in the preparation and implementation of projects within the Digital Transformation in Health and Safety research group. 

What we offer 

We offer you an excellent opportunity to start a career in applied research. During your first four years as a junior researcher, you will focus on research related to your doctoral dissertation as well as your doctoral studies. 

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

The work will start in early 2026 in either Lahti or Lappeenranta. LAB applies a flexible hybrid approach to work that also includes regular on-site presence on both campuses. 

The position follows the 36.25-hour work week for expert and support staff at universities of applied sciences. Working hours are flexible and support work-life balance. 

The position is full-time, and the salary is based on the collective agreement for universities of applied sciences (Finnish Education Employers). The starting salary is approximately €3,000 per month. The employment begins with a six-month trial 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) 
• Copy of your degree certificate and transcripts; if the original document is not in English, Finnish, or Swedish, include an officially certified translation into English or Finnish 
• Motivation letter: a brief description of your qualifications, experience, and motivation for the position and research topic (max. 2 pages) 
• Proposed research outline (3–5 pages) situated in the relevant field; the plan should include a preliminary dissertation topic, key literature, a research gap, potential research questions, and proposed research methods and data. The plan will be refined together with the supervisors before applying for the right to pursue doctoral studies.

Only applications including all required documents will be considered. 

For more information, please contact Chief Specialist Soile Komssi (soile.komssi@lab.fi), Associate Professor Annika Wolff (annika.wolff@lut.fi), or RDI Director Kati Peltonen (kati.peltonen@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: Sosiaali- & terveysala, Tutkimus, kehitys & tuotekehitys