Vacant job

Umeå University is one of Sweden's largest higher education institutions, with over 41,500 students and approximately 4,600 employees. The university offers a diverse range of high-quality education and world-leading research across several scientific fields, including the groundbreaking discovery of the gene-editing tool CRISPR-Cas9, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, collaborate, and exchange knowledge, fostering a dynamic and open culture.

The societal transformation and major green investments we see in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, this means conducting research on – and within – a society in transition. It also means delivering education for regions that need to expand rapidly and sustainably. Simply put, this is where the future is being created.

Interested in learning more? Read more about Umeå University as an employer.

The Department of Applied Physics and Electronics currently has around 100 employees and conducts research in areas such as energy technology, laser spectroscopy, electronics and systems technology, as well as medical technology.

We are looking for a PhD student in applied physics with a focus on medical technology and neuroscience. The project aims to develop and apply advanced imaging methods to study the mechanisms behind maintained brain function throughout life, with applications in aging and dementia. The application deadline is June 17, 2026.

Project Description

The project is part of Umeå University's prioritized research area, "Learning and Brain Plasticity Across the Lifespan." A central goal of this initiative is to understand why some individuals maintain cognitive function and brain health during aging, while others develop cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative diseases. Despite significant advances in neuroscience, important mechanisms behind maintained brain function remain insufficiently understood.

The project will contribute new knowledge by developing and applying advanced brain imaging methods. This includes computational modeling and AI-based methods to study brain maintenance and plasticity in humans. The work will combine:

• MRI (functional and morphological imaging),
• behavioral and cognitive assessments, and
• analysis of longitudinal and large-scale datasets related to aging and dementia.

Special focus will be placed on identifying physiological mechanisms and imaging markers associated with maintained brain function during aging. The project will be supported by the infrastructure at the Umeå Center for Functional Brain Imaging (UFBI), and parts of the work will be carried out in collaboration with Professor Erik Westman at Karolinska Institutet. You will also work closely with local researchers in neuroscience, psychology, and medical technology.

Qualifications

To be admitted to doctoral studies, the applicant must have basic eligibility through a completed advanced level degree, having fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits (HEC), of which at least 60 HEC at the advanced level, or have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in another way, within or outside the country.

To meet the requirement for special eligibility for admission to doctoral studies in applied physics, the applicant must have fulfilled course requirements of at least 120 higher education credits in the field of physics or closely related areas deemed directly relevant to the subject area.

The prerequisite requirements mentioned above are also considered met by those who have acquired equivalent knowledge in another manner, within or outside the country, and can provide proof.

The requirements must be met at the time of admission to doctoral studies but do not need to be met at the time of application.

Requirements include very good proficiency in English, both spoken and written.

Additional qualifications include courses and experience in:

• neuroscience,
• functional brain imaging,
• medical technology,
• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),
• machine learning/AI,
• programming.

Terms of Employment

The employment is expected to result in a doctoral degree, and the primary task of the PhD student is therefore to be active in research, PhD courses, and potentially participate in teaching at the undergraduate level (up to 20%).

The employment is limited to four years on a full-time basis, or up to five years if teaching and other departmental duties are performed. The salary is determined according to the established salary scale for PhD students at Umeå University.

Application:

Your application should include the following:

• A letter with a brief description of your qualifications, research interests, and motivation for the application, as well as your contact details (max 2 pages).
• Curriculum vitae.
• Certified copies of relevant degree certificates and diplomas.
• A list of university courses with grades. Note that for international applicants, the grading system should be explained briefly.
• A copy of the thesis and any relevant publications.
• Contact details for two reference persons.

The application, including attached documents, must be written in English or Swedish. The application must be submitted via the e-recruitment system Varbi. The application deadline is June 17, 2026. Start date: September 1 or as agreed.

For more information, contact:

Anders Wåhlin, e-mail: [email protected].

Lars Nyberg, e-mail: [email protected]

We look forward to receiving your application!

Umeå University aims to offer an equal and inclusive 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.

To staffing and recruitment agencies and to you who are sellers: We kindly but firmly decline direct contact with staffing and recruitment agencies as well as sellers of additional job advertisements.

Open to all
We focus on your competence, not your other prerequisites. We are open to adapting the role or workplace to your needs.