Apply for Umeå University Funded PhD Positions 2026–27, an opportunity for qualified researchers to pursue doctoral studies in Sweden through paid research employment. Umeå University has advertised doctoral vacancies in Statistics and Experimental Physics, offering monthly salaries and the opportunity to work on specialised research projects.

The available positions include a PhD in Statistics focusing on statistical modelling and social data science, and a PhD in Experimental Physics focusing on photonics and materials science. Each vacancy has separate eligibility criteria, funding terms and application deadlines.

Unlike a conventional scholarship, these opportunities are doctoral employment positions. Selected candidates receive a salary while undertaking research, subject to the applicable employment and funding conditions.

Application deadlines: 4 November 2026 for the Statistics position and 30 November 2026 for the Experimental Physics position.

Umeå University is a public university in Sweden offering doctoral research opportunities across several academic disciplines. Its PhD vacancies allow selected candidates to undertake advanced research under academic supervision while receiving a monthly salary.

For 2026–27, two relevant opportunities include doctoral research in Statistics and Experimental Physics. The positions are intended for applicants whose academic qualifications and research interests match the requirements of the advertised projects.

The Statistics position focuses on next-generation latent variable models for social data science. The Experimental Physics position is associated with the international SPARK doctoral network and investigates light–matter interactions, photonics and materials science.

Applicants must apply separately to the relevant vacancies. There is no single application that automatically considers a candidate for every doctoral position at the university.

1. PhD Students in Statistics

Research Area: Statistics, statistical modelling and social data science

Department: Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics

Application Deadline: 4 November 2026

Expected Start Date: 1 January 2027 or by agreement

Duration: Four years of funding, subject to the position’s employment terms

Official Application Link: https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/open-positions/phd-students-in-statistics_965375/

The Statistics position focuses on the research project “Next-Generation Latent Variable Models for Social Data Science.” The project aims to develop statistical theory, methodology and computational approaches for analysing complex social data.

Research may involve latent variables, statistical modelling and methods relevant to social data science and modern statistical machine learning.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Hold an advanced-level degree with a major in Statistics or equivalent qualifications.
• Have completed mathematics courses equivalent to at least 30 ECTS credits.
• Demonstrate a strong quantitative background.
• Have very good programming skills.
• Show an interest in statistical modelling and research methods for social data science.

Knowledge of statistical machine learning and related computational methods may be advantageous.

Application Documents

Applicants should prepare the documents requested in the official vacancy, which include a motivation letter, CV, relevant academic records, copies of undergraduate and graduate theses, the required New PhD form and contact details for at least two referees.

Read the complete official advertisement for the current document checklist and submission instructions.

2. PhD Position in Experimental Physics: Photonics and Materials Science

Research Area: Experimental physics, photonics, nanophotonics and materials science

Department: Department of Physics, Umeå University

Doctoral Network: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network SPARK

Application Deadline: 30 November 2026

Expected Start Date: February 2027 or by agreement

Duration: 36 months of MSCA funding, with the remaining employment period funded from other sources; employment may extend up to four years full-time or five years when teaching and other departmental duties are included.

Salary: Approximately SEK 33,100 gross per month at minimum under the stated MSCA funding terms

Official Application Link: https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/open-positions/phd-position-in-experimental-physics-with-a-focus-on-photonics-and-materials-science-fundamental-aspects_968923/

This doctoral project, titled “Spatiotemporal Hybrid Light–Matter States,” investigates interactions between light and matter in engineered material systems. The work may involve ultrafast optical experiments, simulations and quantum modelling, with applications related to nanophotonics, metamaterials and light–matter interactions.

The project also includes research secondments in Spain and Germany, providing exposure to international academic research and industry collaboration.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Hold a relevant master’s degree or equivalent qualification in physics, applied physics, optics or photonics, materials science, nanoscience, electrical engineering or a closely related field.
• Have at least 120 credits in physics.
• Demonstrate fluency in written and spoken English.
• Meet the MSCA eligibility and mobility requirements.
• Not already hold a doctoral degree at recruitment.

Relevant experience in photonics, ultrafast optics, condensed matter physics, quantum optics, numerical simulation or quantum modelling may be beneficial.

Important MSCA Mobility Rule

Applicants must not have lived or carried out their main activity, such as work or studies, in Sweden for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately before recruitment.

Candidates should verify the complete eligibility conditions in the official vacancy before applying.

Application Documents

The vacancy requests a cover letter of no more than one page summarising the applicant’s motivation and research interests, a CV, certified degree certificates, transcripts with the grading system explained, available theses or publications, and contact details for at least one referee.

Follow the official advertisement for the final document requirements.

The two Umeå University vacancy pages reviewed do not list an application fee. These are salaried doctoral employment opportunities rather than tuition-based scholarship programmes.

However, paid doctoral employment does not automatically mean that every relocation and personal expense is covered.

Important Financial Considerations

Residence permit: International applicants who require a Swedish residence permit should check the applicable requirements and fees directly with the Swedish Migration Agency.

Relocation: The general vacancy information does not guarantee reimbursement of flights, moving costs or initial accommodation. Candidates should budget for these expenses unless the university confirms otherwise.

Initial living expenses: Applicants may need sufficient funds for accommodation and everyday expenses before receiving their first salary.

Allowances: Any mobility or family allowance is subject to the specific funding rules. Applicants should confirm whether they qualify and which costs the allowance is intended to support.

Bottom line: These are legitimate paid doctoral opportunities with no application fee listed in the official vacancy information reviewed. Nevertheless, applicants should plan for relocation, immigration and personal costs that may not be covered.

Minimum Degree Required: A relevant advanced degree, usually a master’s degree or equivalent, subject to the specific vacancy’s doctoral admission requirements.

For the Statistics position, applicants need an advanced degree with a major in Statistics or equivalent qualifications, together with mathematics coursework equivalent to at least 30 ECTS credits.

For the Experimental Physics position, applicants need a relevant master’s degree or equivalent and at least 120 credits in physics.

Applicants should not rely on the general degree description alone. The official vacancy pages contain the specific academic requirements for each research project.

The exact requirements vary by position. Depending on the selected vacancy, applicants may need to prepare:

• Curriculum Vitae: An up-to-date CV covering academic qualifications, research experience, technical skills and relevant achievements.
• Motivation or cover letter: A clear explanation of the applicant’s research interests and suitability for the project.
• Academic transcripts: Official records of completed courses and grades.
• Degree certificates: Evidence of the relevant undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications.
• Theses or publications: Copies of academic theses or publications where requested or available.
• Referee details: Contact information for academic or professional referees, according to the vacancy instructions.
• Additional forms: Any specific application form or supporting document required by the recruitment advertisement.

Applicants should consult the relevant official vacancy for the complete and current checklist.

Dates and recruitment arrangements are vacancy-specific. Applicants should verify the latest information on the official pages before applying.

The Umeå University Funded PhD Positions 2026–27 offer opportunities for qualified researchers to pursue doctoral research in Sweden while receiving a monthly salary.

The Statistics position is suitable for applicants with a strong background in statistics, mathematics and quantitative methods. The Experimental Physics position is intended for candidates with relevant physics or related qualifications who meet the project’s academic and MSCA eligibility requirements.

Although no application fee is listed on the official vacancy pages reviewed, applicants should check residence permit requirements, relocation expenses and other personal costs before accepting an offer.

The application deadlines are 4 November 2026 for Statistics and 30 November 2026 for Experimental Physics. Confirm the current status and full requirements on the relevant official vacancy page before applying.

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