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 Applied Physics and Electronics currently has around 100 employees and conducts research in fields such as Energy Technology, Laser Spectroscopy, Machine Learning and Embedded Systems, Robotics, and Biomedical Engineering.
We are recruiting a PhD student in Applied Physics with Specialization in Biomedical Engineering and Neuroscience. The project aims to develop and apply advanced imaging approaches to study brain maintenance and resilience across the lifespan, with applications towards aging and dementia. The last day to apply is June 17, 2026.
Project Description The project is part of the activities within the Umeå University priority research area Learning and Brain Plasticity throughout the Lifespan. A central goal within this initiative is to understand why some individuals maintain cognitive function and brain health during aging whereas others develop cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disease. Despite major advances in neuroscience, important mechanisms underlying maintained brain function remain poorly understood.
The project will contribute new insights by developing and applying advanced brain imaging methods (computational modeling and AI-methods) to study human brain maintenance and brain plasticity. The work will combine:
MRI (functional imaging and morphological imaging),
Behavioural and cognitive assessments, and
Analysis of longitudinal and large-scale datasets related to aging and dementia.
Particular focus will be placed on identifying physiological mechanisms and imaging signatures associated with maintained brain function during aging. The project will be supported by the infrastructure available at Umeå Center for Functional Brain Imaging (UFBI), and parts of the work will be conducted in collaboration with Professor Erik Westman at Karolinska Institutet. You will also work closely with local researchers across the fields of neuroscience, psychology, and biomedical engineering.
Qualifications To be admitted for studies at third-cycle level the applicant is required to have completed a second-cycle level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are at second-cycle level, or have an equivalent education from overseas, or equivalent qualifications.
To fulfil the specific entry requirements to be admitted for studies at third-cycle level in applied physics, the applicant is required to have completed course requirements of at least 120 credits within the field of physics, or other subject areas considered to be relevant for research field.
The requirements for prior knowledge as described above are also considered to be met by those who have otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge within or outside Sweden that can be verified.
The requirements must be met at the time of admission, but do not have to be met when you submit your application.
The applicant must be fluent in English (Proficient user), both in speaking and in writing.
Meritorious are courses in and experience of:
neuroscience,
functional brain imaging,
biomedical engineering,
magnetic resonance imaging,
machine learning / AI,
programming.
Terms of employment The employment is expected to result in a doctoral degree and the main assignment for the doctoral student is thus to be active in research, study doctoral courses, and possibly participate in teaching of courses at undergraduate level.
The employment is limited to four years at full time or up to five years if teaching or other departmental work is performed. The salary is fixed according to the established salary level for doctoral students at the Faculty of Science and Technology, Umeå University.
Application Your application should include the following:
A cover letter with a brief description of your qualifications, research interests and motivation for applying, and your contact details (max. 2 pages)
Curriculum vitae.
Certified copies of relevant degree diploma(s) and certificates.
A list of university courses with grades. Note that for international applicants the grading system should be explained in brief.
A copy of your Master's thesis and other publications (if any).
Contact information of two reference persons.
The application, including attached documents, must be written in English or Swedish. The application is made through our electronic recruitment system. The closing date is June 17 2026.Start date is September 1, 2026 or as agreeded.
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.
