Umeå University PhD Scholarship 2027 in Sweden | Fully Funded

Applications are open for the Umeå University PhD Scholarship 2027 in Sweden. Umeå University is recruiting PhD students in Statistics for the research project “Next-Generation Latent Variable Models for Social Data Science.”

The PhD position is fully funded for 4 years and is based at the Department of Statistics within the Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics (USBE). The research combines statistical theory, computational methods, latent variable models, social data science, and modern machine learning.

The planned starting date is 1 January 2027, or another date agreed with the university. The deadline to submit an application is 4 November 2026.

Umeå University PhD Scholarship 2027 overview

Details	Information
Host country	Sweden
Host university	Umeå University
School	Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics
Department	Department of Statistics
Degree level	PhD
Field	Statistics
Research project	Next-Generation Latent Variable Models for Social Data Science
Funding	Fully funded
Duration	4 years
Workload	Full-time
Location	Umeå, Sweden
Starting date	1 January 2027, or by agreement
Application deadline	4 November 2026

About the PhD position

The Department of Statistics is recruiting PhD students to work on the project Next-Generation Latent Variable Models for Social Data Science, led by Gabriel Wallin.

The project deals with statistical problems where important characteristics cannot be observed directly. Examples include ability, attitudes, well-being, and different dimensions of poverty.

Researchers working on the project will develop statistical theory, methodology, and computational methods to study these types of data. A particular area of interest is latent variable modelling and its connections with modern machine learning.

The research will use large-scale social science data and includes opportunities to work with external partners, including organisations in digital learning and the charity sector.

Umeå University PhD funding

The Statistics PhD position is fully funded for 4 years.

PhD students can also be assigned teaching and/or consulting duties for up to 20% of their working time. When such duties are included, the length of the appointment can be extended so the student still receives 4 years of doctoral studies.

The official vacancy lists the compensation as a monthly salary.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must meet the academic requirements for doctoral studies in Statistics at Umeå University.

Candidates should have:

• An advanced-level degree with a major in Statistics, or equivalent qualifications
• Completed Mathematics courses equivalent to at least 30 ECTS credits
• A strong quantitative academic background
• Very good programming skills
• An interest in statistical modelling
• Strong motivation to develop statistical methods for questions with societal relevance

Applicants may have backgrounds in areas such as Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or another closely related quantitative field, provided they meet the formal doctoral admission requirements.

Knowledge of statistical machine learning, including practical implementation, is considered a particularly strong merit.

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Research areas

The selected PhD students will work on topics connected to:

• Statistical theory and methodology
• Latent variable models
• Statistical modelling
• Computational statistics
• Statistical machine learning
• Large-scale social science data
• High-dimensional and complex data problems

The project connects methodological Statistics research with applications in the social sciences.

Required documents

Applicants need to prepare the following documents:

1. Application letter explaining their motivation, research interests, and how those interests relate to the PhD position.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV).
3. The university’s “New PhD” form.
4. Copies of undergraduate and graduate theses.
5. Copies of relevant degree certificates.
6. Other documents that support the application, where relevant.
7. Names, email addresses, and contact information for at least 2 reference persons.

Applicants should prepare their documents carefully and make sure the motivation letter clearly connects their quantitative background and research interests with the advertised Statistics project.

Selection criteria

Umeå University will assess candidates according to their qualifications and their ability to benefit from doctoral-level education.

Relevant factors include academic preparation, quantitative knowledge, programming ability, interest in statistical modelling, and motivation to conduct methodological research.

Demonstrated theoretical and applied knowledge of statistical machine learning is particularly relevant to the advertised research project.

How to apply for the Umeå University PhD Scholarship 2027

Applications must be submitted through Umeå University’s online recruitment system.

Follow these steps:

1. Open the official PhD vacancy page.
2. Read the complete eligibility and admission requirements.
3. Prepare your application letter and CV.
4. Complete the required New PhD form.
5. Attach your undergraduate and graduate theses.
6. Upload your degree certificates and supporting documents.
7. Add contact details for at least 2 referees.
8. Review the complete application.
9. Submit it through the university recruitment system by 4 November 2026.

Late applications should not be expected to enter the selection process, so applicants should complete the online submission before the closing date.

Important information for international applicants

International applicants who require a Swedish residence permit should consider the immigration process when planning their move.

Umeå University states that it can revoke admission if a required residence permit is not granted or if the applicant cannot present a valid permit before starting doctoral studies.

According to the vacancy, the latest permitted study start date is 1 September 2027.

About Umeå University

Umeå University is a public university in Sweden with more than 41,500 students and approximately 4,600 employees.

The PhD position is based within the Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics (USBE). USBE includes the departments of Business Administration, Economics, and Statistics.

The Department of Statistics has around 30 staff members and conducts methodological and empirical research in statistical sciences, including research carried out with other academic disciplines.

Application deadline

The deadline for the Umeå University PhD Scholarship 2027 in Statistics is 4 November 2026.

Candidates interested in statistical modelling, machine learning, computational methods, and social data science should prepare their academic documents and submit the complete application through Umeå University’s recruitment system before the deadline.