Doctoral Candidates in Statistics

Umeå Universitet · Vollzeit

Umeå universitet, Umeå, Schweden

The Department of Statistics at the Umeå School of Business and Economics is seeking one to two doctoral candidates in statistics to conduct qualified statistical research. Submit your application by 2026-11-04. We are seeking one to two doctoral candidates for the research project "Next-Generation Latent Variable Models for Social Data Science" led by Dr. Gabriel Wallin. In many social science applications, the attributes and outcomes of greatest scientific interest are not directly observable. These may include ability, attitudes, well-being, or various dimensions of poverty, which must instead be estimated from observed data. The project's overall aim is to develop statistical theory, methodology, and computational methods for such complex data problems, with particular focus on latent variable models and their connection to modern machine learning. The project combines fundamental statistical methodology development with applications to large-scale social science data. There will be good opportunities for collaboration with external partners in areas including digital learning platforms and the charitable sector. Doctoral-level education corresponds to four years of full-time study (240 higher education credits). If needed, you may also participate in undergraduate education or other departmental activities up to 20% of working time. In such cases, the employment will be extended accordingly. For information about doctoral-level education, see: www.umu.se/handelshogskolan/utbildning/utbildning-pa-forskarniva/statistik/, and www.umu.se/samhallsvetenskaplig-fakultet/utbildning/utbildning-pa-forskarniva/. Start date is January 1, 2027, or by agreement. Eligibility and Prerequisites You need both general and specific eligibility. General eligibility is held by those who have 1) completed a degree at advanced level, 2) fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at advanced level, or 3) acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way within or outside the country. Specific eligibility for admission to doctoral-level education in statistics is held by those who have either 1) satisfactory grades in courses of at least 90 higher education credits in statistics, of which at least 30 higher education credits at advanced level, or 2) 60 higher education credits in statistics at advanced level. Additionally, the applicant must have satisfactory grades in at least 30 higher education credits in mathematics. Eligibility requirements may also be considered met if the applicant has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge within or outside the country. Evaluation of eligible applicants is based on the applicant's merits and ability to benefit from doctoral education. You should have a strong quantitative background, for example in statistics, mathematics, computer science, or a related field, very good programming skills, demonstrated interest in statistical modeling, and a strong commitment to working with statistical methodology development for socially relevant questions. Particularly meritorious are demonstrated theoretical and applied knowledge of statistical machine learning and its implementation. Application Your application should include: Personal letter describing your research interests. Curriculum Vitae. The form "Ny doktorand" which you can find here: www.hh.umu.se/emp/Nyadoktorander.docx Copies of theses/final projects (bachelor's and master's theses or similar work). Copies of grades, degree certificates, and other documentation you wish to reference. Contact information with email addresses for two or more reference persons. You apply through the university's e-recruitment system and your application must be received by 2026-11-04. Information If you require a residence permit to stay in Sweden, the university reserves the right to withdraw 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 study start date is 2027-09-01. For more information, contact Gabriel Wallin, [email protected], or Professor Marie Eriksson (Doctoral Program Director), [email protected]. About the Umeå School of Business and Economics As an internationally respected, nationally influential, and regionally anchored part of Umeå University, the Umeå School of Business and Economics contributes to societal development through education and research of high international standard. In collaboration with our surrounding society, we conduct education and research that contributes to individuals' understanding, capacity, and responsibility regarding societal challenges and the importance of sustainable development. We are AACSB-accredited and sustainability-certified according to the environmental management standard ISO14001. We educate responsible individuals who, with insights into societal challenges, regardless of their future professional role, can make a difference at both local and global levels. We do this by integrating learning about and for sustainable development into our programs. The research environment enables both breadth and depth in a way that encourages the initiation of new research areas while maintaining and developing established areas. We have approximately 150 employees distributed between our administration and our departments of business economics, economics, and statistics. Approximately 4,000 students pass through our courses and programs annually. We offer education from undergraduate to doctoral level in business economics, economics, and statistics. The Department of Statistics has approximately 30 employees. We conduct statistical basic research and empirical research in close collaboration with other disciplines. Read more about the Umeå School of Business and Economics here: www.umu.se/handelshogskolan/ We welcome your application! Umeå University wishes to offer an equal and inclusive environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives forms the foundation for learning, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome people with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply for this position. To staffing and recruitment agencies and to those selling additional job ads: We kindly but firmly decline direct contact from staffing and recruitment agencies and sellers of additional job advertisements.