About the position
The Department of Statistics at Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics (USBE) is recruiting one to two PhD students in Statistics for the research project “Next-Generation Latent Variable Models for Social Data Science”. Application deadline: November 4, 2026. We are seeking one to two PhD students for the research project “Next-Generation Latent Variable Models for Social Data Science” , led by PhD Gabriel Wallin. In many social science applications, the characteristics and outcomes of greatest scientific interest are not directly observable. These may include, for example, ability, attitudes, well-being, or different dimensions of poverty, which instead must be estimated from observed data. The overall aim of the project is to develop statistical theory, methodology, and computational methods for such complex data problems, with a particular focus on models for latent variables and their connections to modern machine learning. The project combines methodological research in statistics with applications to large-scale social science data. The successful candidates will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with external partners, including organisations in digital learning and the charity sector. The PhD position is fully funded for the duration of four years. PhD students may be appointed to teaching and/ or consulting duties up to 20% of their time, thereby prolonging the duration of the program to guarantee four years of graduate studies. More information about doctoral studies you can find here: www.umu.se/en/usbe/education/doctoral-studies/statistics/ , and www.umu.se/en/faculty-of-social-sciences/education/doctoral-studies/ . The starting date for the position is January 1, 2027, 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. The applicant should have a strong quantitative background, for example in statistics, mathematics, computer science, or a related field, very good programming skills, a demonstrated interest in statistical modelling, and a strong motivation to develop statistical methodology for societally relevant questions. A particularly strong merit is demonstrated theoretical and applied knowledge in statistical machine learning, including its implementation. How to apply The application should include: A letter of application with a motivation describing your research interests and how they are relevant for this position. A Curriculum Vitae. Form “New PhD” which you can find here: www.hh.umu.se/emp/newPhD.docx Copies of undergraduate and graduate theses. 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 November, 4, 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 September 1, 2027. For further information please contact PhD Gabriel Wallin, gabriel.wallin@umu.se , or Professor Marie Eriksson (Director of doctoral studies), marie.eriksson@umu.se . 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. 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 our main disciplines – Business Administration, Economics and Statistics. The Department of Statistics has about 30 members of staff. We conduct research in the field of statistical sciences, both method development and empirical research, in collaboration with other sciences. Read more about USBE here: www.umu.se/en/usbe/ Welcome with your application!
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