by
2026-05-24
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.
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The Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics is opening a PhD position in computational mathematics and statistics focusing on activity-based modelling of transport and energy use. The position covers four years of third-cycle studies, including participation in research and third-cycle courses. The last day to apply is May 24th 2026.
Project description and tasks
The ongoing energy transition involves increasing electrification of transport, buildings and industry, placing new demands on the capacity and flexibility of energy systems. To better understand how energy systems are affected, models are needed that describe the interactions between people's daily activities, mobility patterns and energy use.
This PhD position is part of the research project "Energy transition in everyday life – from vision to reality", which develops models and methods to analyse how everyday activities, travel behaviour and energy use affect local energy systems. The project is carried out in collaboration between Umeå University, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, the Municipality of Umeå and Umeå Energi.
A central component of the project is the development of an activity-based model for the Umeå region based on the transport model Scaper. The model simulates individuals' activity and travel patterns and enables analysis of how changes in behaviour, technologies and policies affect transport systems and energy use.
The doctoral student will contribute to the development of the model by integrating data on activities, transport, and energy use, developing and calibrating models, and analysing scenarios related to, for example, the electrification of transport, charging of electric vehicles, and changing activity patterns.
The work will take place in an interdisciplinary research environment in close collaboration with municipal and regional stakeholders. The project aims to develop knowledge and models that can serve as decision-support and planning tools for sustainable energy and transport systems, and the doctoral student will contribute to research with direct relevance to societal planning and the energy transition.
Qualifications
The doctoral student will be admitted to doctoral studies in Computational Mathematics and Statistics (CMS).
To be admitted for studies at the third-cycle level, the applicant must have qualifications equivalent to a completed degree at the second-cycle level or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits, including at least 60 ECTS credits at the second-cycle level, or have otherwise acquired essentially equivalent knowledge within or outside Sweden. To fulfil the specific entry requirements to be admitted for studies at the third-cycle level in computational mathematics and statistics, the applicant must have completed at least 90 ECTS credits within the subject of computational mathematics and statistics (including computer science, mathematics, mathematical statistics, and closely related fields), of which at least 30 ECTS credits shall have been acquired at the second-cycle level. The entry requirements specified above are also considered fulfilled by applicants who have acquired essentially equivalent knowledge through other means.
The applicant should have strong knowledge of statistics, data analysis, machine learning, and mathematical modelling, as well as good programming skills in Python, Matlab, C#, or similar languages. Documented experience with computational methods for modelling, simulation, or data analysis is required, as well as knowledge of numerical analysis, optimisation and operations research. The applicant should have strong analytical abilities and an interest in mathematical modelling and simulation. Excellent proficiency in English, both spoken and written, is required. Proficiency in Swedish is considered a strong merit.
Experience working with large datasets is considered a merit, as is experience with activity-based transport models or agent-based simulation. Experience in transport modelling, energy system analysis or geographic information systems (GIS) is also a merit. Previous research experience, for example, through a master's thesis or participation in research projects, is considered a strong merit.
The successful candidate is expected to take an active role in developing the doctoral project and to contribute to the department's research activities. The candidate should be motivated, have a genuine interest in methodological development and be able to work both independently and collaboratively. Strong communication skills, effective collaboration, and a structured, solution-oriented approach to work are essential.
The assessment of applicants is based on their qualifications and ability to benefit from the doctoral study they will receive.
About the employment
The position is intended to result in a doctoral degree. The main task of doctoral students is to pursue their third-cycle studies, including active participation in research and third-cycle courses. The duties may include teaching or other departmental work, although duties of this kind may not comprise more than 20 per cent of a full-time post. The employment is for a fixed term of four years full-time or up to five years when teaching part-time. Salary is set according to the salary ladder for PhD positions at Umeå University. Employment commences in August 2026 or by agreement.
Application
Applications will be accepted via our recruitment system. The deadline for applications is May 24th 2026. Log in and apply via the button at the bottom of the page. The application must include the following documents written in English or Swedish:
The Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics values the qualities that gender balance brings to the department. We are therefore particularly keen to hear from female applicants.
Pursuant to Chapter 12 Section 2 of the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance (SFS 1993:100), the decision regarding the position cannot be appealed.
Life in Umeå
Umeå is a young, creative, and steadily growing city of about 135,000 people, where students make up a big part of everyday life. That mix gives the city an easy-going yet lively feel, with plenty of cafés, pubs, small venues, and cultural events, without the stress or pace of a big city. In 2014, Umeå was named a European Capital of Culture, a recognition that encouraged even more cultural activity, from festivals and concerts to institutions such as Norrlandsoperan and Bildmuseet. Day to day, though, Umeå is simply a comfortable place to live, safe, compact, and easy to get around, especially by bike. As the largest city in northern Sweden, it offers what you need while staying friendly, calm, and close to home. What people often appreciate most is how close you stay to nature here. Forest paths, the river, and lakes are all woven into the city, and in winter, the snow turns Umeå into a cosy, activity-filled place. Several Christmas markets appear around town, and ski tracks are only a 15-to-20-minute walk from the university. The seasons are clear and shape life in a gentle, familiar way: candle-lit December evenings, crisp spring days, and the long, bright light of early summer. During the winter season, there are good opportunities to see the northern lights. It is the kind of place where you can finish work, step outside, and be in the woods or by the water almost immediately. Visitors often say it plainly: Umeå is a pretty cool place to live, and it is easy to feel that once you are here.
Additional information
Additional information about the position:
Jonas Westin, Associate Professor
Email: jonas.westin@umu.se
Phone: +46 (0)90-786 51 55
Further information about the Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics:
https://www.umu.se/en/department-of-mathematics-and-mathematical-statistics/
Salary
Månadslön
Application deadline
2026-05-24
Registration number
AN 2026/632
Contact
Jonas Westin
090-7865155
Union representative
Saco-S Saco-S
SEKO SEKO
090-7865296
ST ST
090-7865431