Junior researcher in future-oriented design approaches

The LAB University of Applied Sciences is seeking a curious and motivated junior researcher (doctoral student) in future-oriented design approaches. The position is part of the multidisciplinary research group Design for Futures at the LAB Institute of Design and Fine Arts and includes doctoral studies at LUT University. 

As a junior researcher, you will study how future-oriented design approaches, such as speculative design, design fiction, transition design, or critical design, support organisations and communities in anticipating change and designing for long-term impact.  

Research focus 

Your work in the research group and your dissertation can focus on areas such as how designers adopt and adapt future-oriented design approaches and methods in practice and the benefits and challenges of these approaches and methods. We invite applicants to propose their specific research topic in their research plan, attached to the application. 

What we expect from you 

You have a master’s degree or equivalent qualifications in, for example, design, arts, futures studies, or sustainable business, making you eligible for doctoral studies. 

You are highly motivated to work in a multidisciplinary environment and can complete a doctoral degree within the designated timeframe. In addition, we require that you begin your doctoral studies at LUT University. 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. 

We expect you to have basic knowledge of qualitative research methods. Interest in quantitative methods is an advantage but not a requirement.  

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 relevant projects within the Design for Futures 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 Lahti. 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 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) 
• Research plan (3–5 pages) in the relevant field; the plan should include a preliminary dissertation topic, key literature, a research gap, potential research questions, proposed research methods and data, and an initial ilmplementation schedule 

Only applications including all required documents will be considered. 

For more information, please contact Chief Specialist Jenni Niemelä-Nyrhinen, jenni.niemela-nyrhinen@lab.fi, or RDI Director Kristiina Soini-Salomaa, kristiina.soini-salomaa@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: Kulttuuri & taiteet, Tutkimus, kehitys & tuotekehitys