Postdoctoral Researcher in Psychology, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics

Do you want to work with research at the intersection of psychology, epidemiology, and biostatistics, supported by competent and friendly colleagues? Do you want an employer that invests in sustainable employment and offers secure, favorable working conditions? Welcome to apply for a fixed-term position as a postdoctoral researcher at Uppsala University.

The Department of Medical Sciences is a large clinical institution with approximately 250 employees and over 900 affiliated with the Academic Hospital. The department has a broad research profile with strong research groups in various areas. Research takes place in close proximity to the clinical activities at the Academic Hospital and includes both fundamental studies on disease causes and the development and evaluation of improved diagnostics and new treatment methods. More about the department's activities can be found here (https://www.uu.se/institution/medicinska-vetenskaper/).

The research group in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, which is part of the Department of Medical Sciences, consists of around 30 researchers, most of whom are clinically active. Research is conducted in close collaboration with the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry area at the Academic Hospital, with several ongoing clinical studies, as well as within the framework of national and international collaborations.

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to work on a project investigating whether medication with central stimulants increases the risk for young people with ADHD to develop psychosis or bipolar disorder. Within the project, we will examine several different factors that may influence the risk of psychosis and bipolar disorder, including type of medication, dosage, treatment duration, hereditary predispositions, individual vulnerabilities, environmental stressors, and specific symptoms. To achieve these goals, we will analyze data from Swedish national registers, along with clinical data collected at the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in Uppsala. The project is an international collaboration between researchers at the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Uppsala University, and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York.

Johan Isaksson's research at Uppsala University focuses on neuropsychiatric disabilities such as ADHD and autism, with an emphasis on clinical research, twin studies, and psychiatric symptoms over time.

Behrang Mahjani's research at Mount Sinai aims to promote research in mental health through the development and implementation of advanced statistical, computational, and large-scale data analytical methods.

Job Responsibilities

The work involves analyzing registry data and already collected clinical data with a focus on whether medication with central stimulants increases the risk for young people with ADHD to develop psychosis or bipolar disorder, writing scientific manuscripts, and publishing these together with other researchers in the project. Some teaching may also be included. The employee is also expected to participate in activities such as seminars, meetings, and conferences aimed at promoting interdisciplinary national and international networks and creating good conditions for future career development. The position is based in Uppsala, but travel to New York, USA may occur as the project constitutes an international collaboration.

Qualifications

A PhD (or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a PhD) in psychology, biostatistics, epidemiology, statistical genetics, or a similar field. The degree must be completed by the time the employment decision is made. Primarily, candidates who have completed their degree within the last three years will be considered. When calculating the three-year timeframe, the last application date is the starting point. If there are special reasons, such a degree may have been obtained earlier. Special reasons include leave due to illness, parental leave, or trust assignments within trade unions, etc. It is important that you as a person find it easy to collaborate, are structured, meticulous, and have high integrity as the work involves handling sensitive information. Furthermore, you have strong communication skills and are used to working independently. Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities. Additionally, you have experience working with advanced statistics.

Desirable/Meritorious

Previous experience in research on psychiatric conditions, analyses with advanced statistics such as causal inference methods and registry-based statistical methods, as well as a strong publication record in scientific journals are meritorious.

About the Position

The position is fixed-term for two years. The scope is 100%. Start date is tentatively May 1, 2026, or according to agreement. Location: Uppsala.

For inquiries about the position, please contact: Associate Professor Johan Isaksson, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]), 018 611 25 40.

In this recruitment, we have replaced the personal letter with questions that you will answer in connection with your application. The answers will be used as part of the selection process. The application should also include a CV and a summary of your previous research experiences (1 page). Please attach recommendation letters or contact details (name, email, phone number) of previous employers or colleagues. Applications can be written in Swedish or English. Applications will be assessed based on the following criteria: fulfillment of eligibility requirements, previous experience, and personal suitability.

Welcome with your application no later than March 10, 2026, UFV-PA 2026/478.

Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international standing. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all 7,600 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of the most exciting workplaces in the country.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University here (https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/).

The position may be subject to security screening. A prerequisite for employment in the case of security screening is that the applicant is approved.

We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising assistance.

Applications are received in Uppsala University's recruitment system.

Union representatives: Saco-S - [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]), Seko - [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]), ST (OFR/S) - [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])