Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.
The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.
The department of Statistics at Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics (USBE), is looking for one or two PhD students in Statistics who can perform high quality statistical research. Apply May 11, 2025 at the latest.
We are seeking one or two PhD students that will work within the department’s research area “statistics to serve society” which focuses on developing statistical methods and software for the analysis of large and complex collections of data. The PhD student(s) is planned to be connected to one of the department’s research projects. One of the current projects lead by Marie Wiberg is “Innovative statistical methods for standardized achievement tests to ensure comparability and fairness of test scores”, with overall aim to develop innovative statistical methods to ascertain validity and reliability of test scores over time to ensure fairness among the test takers. Another project lead by Wiberg is “Innovative statistical and machine learning methods for comparing performance and outcome in register data studies”, with overall aim to develop, evaluate, and implement innovative statistical methods, including modern machine learning methods, to draw inferences from register data. A third project “Integrative machine and deep learning models for predictive analysis in complex disease areas“ is lead by Marie Eriksson with the aim to develop high-performance, explainable machine and deep learning models that can accurately predict severe outcomes in patients with complex diseases, such as stroke. The project is in collaboration with the Swedish stroke register and connected to health equity.
The PhD students are expected to work in a multi-disciplinary research environment, including both theoretical and applied projects. The project is located at Umeå University, but the appointed candidate is expected to work in close collaboration with researchers from other disciplines, as well as within international collaborations.
The PhD positions are fully funded for the duration of four years. PhD students may be appointed to teaching and/ or consulting duties up to 20% of their time, thereby prolonging the duration of the program to guarantee four years of graduate studies. For more information about doctoral studies: Doctoral studies, the Faculty of Social Sciences.
The starting date for the position is September 1, 2025, or upon agreement.
Requirements and qualifications Applicants should have a degree awarded at the advanced level with a major in Statistics (or equivalent qualifications). Moreover, the student must have satisfactorily undertaken courses in Mathematics equivalent to at least 30 ECTS credits.
The assessments of the applicants are based on their qualifications and their ability to benefit from the doctoral-level education they will receive. Experience in the R programming language (or alike), statistical inference and the use of machine learning methods is a merit for the position.
How to apply The application should include:
A letter of application with a motivation describing your research interests and how there are relevant for this position.
Copies of relevant degree certificates and other documentation you wish to include in support of your application.
The names, with contact details and e-mail addresses, of at least two reference persons.
The application is to be submitted on the University recruitment system no later than May 11, 2025.
Information For further information please contact Professor Marie Wiberg, +46 90 786 9524, marie.wiberg@umu.se or Professor Marie Eriksson, +46 90 786 6108, marie.eriksson@umu.se.
More about USBE As an internationally respected, nationally influential, and regionally rooted part of Umeå University, Umeå School of Business, Economics, and Statistics contributes to societal development through education and research of a high international standard.
Through interplay with surrounding society, we provide education and research that contributes to the understanding, ability, and responsibility of individuals in relation to societal challenges and the importance of sustainable development.
In collaboration with our surrounding society, we provide education and research that contributes to individuals' understanding, ability and responsibility in relation to societal challenges and the importance of sustainable development. We are AACSB-accredited and sustainability certified according to the environmental management standard ISO14001.
The Department of Business Administration, the Department of Economics, the Department of Statistics and The USBE office form USBE, with about 150 employees. About 4000 students follow our programs every year and we offer education from the undergraduate to the doctoral program level in all of our main disciplines – Business Administration, Economics and Statistics.
The Department of Statistics has about 30 members of staff. We conduct research with the field of Statistical Sciences, both method development and empirical research, in collaboration with other sciences.
Umeå University wants to offer an equal environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity and development. We welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current employment.
We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising help.
