Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 41,500 students and about 4,600 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 Diagnostics and Intervention announces a doctoral (PhD) position in Medical Science within the research area of cognitive neuroscience. The position is full-time for four years, starting as soon as possible, as agreed.
Candidates admitted to doctoral education will be enrolled in the faculty-wide doctoral training programme at the Faculty of Medicine. The programme comprises 25 credits (ECTS) and is offered at two study paces: 25 credits over 8 semesters (4 years) or over 12 semesters (6 years), with programme start each autumn and spring semester. More information is available on the Faculty’s webpages for doctoral education.
Project description and duties
The doctoral student will work on a research project on successful cognitive aging, aiming to identify and characterize older individuals with preserved memory and other cognitive functions. The main focus will be on biological blood-based biomarkers and brain imaging, although the project may also include other types of data such as lifestyle variables. The project is based on existing large-scale databases with extensive longitudinal data.
The doctoral student will be part of the research environment at the Umeå center for Functional Brain Imaging (UFBI), and will also have the opportunity to engage with the research environment at the Department of Psychology at Umeå University.
Within the project, the doctoral student will manage, process, and analyze large datasets, including data from cognitive tests, blood biomarkers, and brain imaging. The position also includes conducting independent literature reviews and presenting scientific results in both written and oral formats.
The position leads to a doctoral degree, and the main responsibility of the doctoral student is to pursue their own doctoral education, including participation in research projects as well as doctoral courses, journal clubs, seminars, and related activities.
Entry requirements
To be admitted to doctoral education, the applicant must meet both general and specific entry requirements, and be considered to have the ability otherwise required to complete the programme.
General entry requirements
General eligibility is met by those who have btained a second-cycle degree, completed at least 240 credits (ECTS), of which at least 60 credits are at second-cycle level, or acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or abroad (Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 7, Section 39).
Specific entry requirements
Applicants must have the necessary knowledge from higher education or equivalent training and/or professional experience relevant to the doctoral subject area, as well as sufficient proficiency in English, both written and spoken.
Other qualifications
It is considered an advantage if the applicant has acquired basic theoretical knowledge in one or more of the following areas: neuroscience, cognitive science, cognitive neuroscience, medicine, biomedicine, biostatistics, or equivalent. Related fields may also be relevant. Previous research experience is meritorious, particularly experience in handling and analyzing research data, as well as good knowledge of statistics and programming. The applicant should be able to work independently and have the ability to collaborate within a research group. The ideal candidate should have strong communication skills and be able to interact effectively with colleagues in both Swedish and English.
Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability, scientific reasoning ability, and the ability to write and understand scientific texts.
Application
The application must be written in English and include:
A personal cover letter describing your motivation for applying and why you are suited for the position.
A CV.
Certified copies of degree certificates, transcripts, and other relevant documents.
Copies of degree projects/theses and any publications.
Contact information for at least two references.
The application should be submitted via our e-recruitment system Varbi and must be received no later than 2026-05-31.
Employment conditions
Salary is set in accordance with the established salary scale for doctoral positions.
If a residence permit is required to stay in Sweden, the University reserves the right to revoke the admission if such a permit is not granted, or—if a start date has been set—if the applicant cannot present a valid residence permit prior to the start date. The latest possible start date is September 1st 2026.
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.
