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 a PhD student in Statistics who can perform high quality statistical research. Apply January 6, 2026, at the latest.
We are seeking a PhD student within the WASP-HS project “Machine learning to study causality with big datasets: towards methods yielding valid statistical conclusions” led by Professor Xavier de Luna and Tetiana Gorbach (Statistics). The overall purpose of the project is to develop novel methods that yield valid statistical conclusions (inference) on causal effects when using machine learning algorithms and big datasets. The project is part of the research environment Stat4Reg (www.stat4reg.se), and you will have access to the supercomputing facility at Umeå University, and to unique large-scale data infrastructure (www.umu.se/en/research/infrastructure/umea-simsam-lab/) covering the whole Swedish populations with both socioeconomic and health data from 1960 until today.
The starting date for the position is March 1, 2026, 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) and in 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 January, 6, 2026.
Information In the event that a residence permit is required for your stay in Sweden, the university reserves the right to revoke your admission, if you are not granted a residence permit, or if you cannot present a valid residence permit before the study start date. The latest date for starting studies is November 1, 2026.
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.
