Junior researcher in AI and machine learning opportunities for business growth from enterprise data

The LAB University of Applied Sciences is seeking a curious and motivated junior researcher (doctoral student) in the field of artificial intelligence and machine learning, focusing on business growth opportunities through enterprise data. The position is part of the Growth and Commercialisation research group and includes completing doctoral studies at LUT University. 

As a junior researcher, you will study how companies can utilise enterprise and external data to create new business opportunities, strengthen innovation capacity, and support sustainable transformation, particularly within the Finnish economy. 

Research focus 

Your work in the research group will focus on how AI and machine learning can be strategically applied to reconfigure business models, enable data-driven decision-making, and promote long-term competitiveness and sustainability. Your dissertation research will address the same themes. Technical implementation challenges are not part of the research area. 

What we expect from you 

You have a master’s degree or equivalent qualifications in, for example, business administration, management, industrial engineering and management, or information systems, 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. The selected candidate 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 both qualitative and quantitative research methods. You should be able to examine artificial intelligence and machine learning from a business perspective, analysing opportunities, applications, and impacts on growth and innovation, without technical system development expertise. A deep technological understanding of AI and machine learning is considered an advantage, as is relevant work experience. 

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 Growth and Commercialisation 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 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, and proposed research methods and data 

Only applications including all required documents will be considered. 

For more information, please contact Principal Lecturer Jaani Väisänen,(jaani.vaisanen@lab.fi) or Professor Paavo Ritala (ritala@lut.fi),or RDI Director 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 

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