Vacant job

The Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics at Umeå University is offering a position as a PhD student in spatial statistics. The appointment comprises four years of doctoral studies, including participation in research projects and doctoral courses. The application deadline is July 12, 2026.

Project Description and Duties

Spatial data includes areal data, geostatistical fields, and point processes. Point processes describe where events occur and, in many applications, when they occur. Examples of point processes include data describing the location and time of disease cases, criminal incidents, and traffic accidents. Such data are typically analyzed using spatial or spatio-temporal point process models, which describe how events arise and interact. In many applications, each event is also associated with additional information, such as patient details, type of crime, or vehicles involved in a traffic accident. This leads to so-called marked point patterns, where the positions, times, and associated attributes of the events are of interest.

The main objective of the PhD project is to develop adaptive statistical models for marked spatial and spatio-temporal point processes. Many real-world problems exhibit significant spatial heterogeneity and temporal variation, meaning they cannot be adequately described by models assuming stationary data or a uniform structure. The project aims to develop flexible modeling frameworks that allow central properties of the process, such as intensity structure, mark distribution, and interactions between events, to vary locally in space and change over time. The research will cover model development, statistical inference, and diagnostic methods, as well as applications to real non-stationary problems where dynamically changing processes are central.

Qualifications

The PhD student will be admitted to the doctoral education program in Computational Mathematics and Computational Statistics.

Basic entry requirements are met by those who have completed an advanced level degree, fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 credits are at advanced level, or have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way. To meet the specific entry requirements for doctoral education in Computational Mathematics and Computational Statistics, the applicant must have at least 90 higher education credits assessed to belong to the field of Computational Mathematics and Computational Statistics (which includes mathematical statistics, mathematics, and computer science, as well as closely related areas), of which at least 30 credits are at advanced level.

Good programming skills in R are required. Documented knowledge in spatial statistics, stochastic processes, and point process modeling is meritorious.

Good proficiency in English, both spoken and written, is required. The applicant is expected to take an active role in the development of the PhD project and contribute to the department's research activities. The applicant should be motivated, have a genuine interest in method development, and be able to work both independently and collaboratively. Good teamwork and communication skills, as well as a structured and solution-oriented approach to work, are of great importance.

Evaluations of eligible applicants are based on their qualifications and prospects for completing the doctoral education.

About the Position

The appointment aims at a doctoral degree. The main duty of the PhD student is to engage in independent doctoral studies, which includes active participation in research projects and courses. The duties may also include teaching or other departmental work (up to 20%). The appointment is fixed-term for four years on a full-time basis, or up to five years if teaching is part-time. The monthly salary is determined according to the salary scale for PhD positions at Umeå University. Start date is autumn 2026 or as agreed.

Application

Apply via our recruitment system by July 13, 2026. Log in and apply using the button at the bottom of the page. The application must consist of the following documents, written in English or Swedish in PDF or Word format:

• A cover letter with a brief description of your qualifications and research interests. Explain why you are applying for the position and how your qualifications and merits are relevant.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Verified degree certificates or equivalent, including documentation of completed academic courses, grades, and any other certificates.
• Thesis and publications relevant to the position. If the thesis is not yet completed, submit a summary of no more than 5 pages, including figures and references.
• Test results from GMAT (or GRE) and TOEFL/IELTS, if available.
• Contact information for at least two reference persons.

The Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics values the qualities that an equal gender distribution brings to the organization and therefore particularly welcomes women as applicants.

In accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 12, Section 2), the decision regarding the appointment cannot be appealed.

More Information

For more information, please contact Mehdi Moradi ([email protected]).

More information about the Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics can be found at: https://www.umu.se/institutionen-for-matematik-och-matematisk-statistik/ (https://www.umu.se/institutionen-for-matematik-och-matematisk-statistik/)

We look forward to receiving your application!

Umeå University aims to offer an equal and equitable environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lays the foundation for learning, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome people with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply for this position.

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