Vacant job

The Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics at Umeå University is offering a fully funded PhD position in mathematics, focusing on combinatorics, group theory, and geometry. The position comprises four years of doctoral studies, including participation in research projects and doctoral courses. The application deadline is July 18, 2026.

Project Description and Responsibilities

The PhD student will conduct theoretical research at the interface of combinatorics, group theory, and geometry. We will investigate questions of rigidity and motion in non-classical geometries using combinatorial, algebraic, and group-theoretic methods, inspired by the mathematical theory of articulated systems and constraint geometry.

Potential tools include combinatorics, algebraic methods, incidence geometry, matroid theory, geometric group theory, and rigidity theory, depending on the admitted PhD student's background and interests. The project's exact direction will be developed together with the admitted PhD student, who will have significant freedom to influence the research within the project's overarching mathematical framework.

The admitted PhD student will become part of an active research environment in discrete mathematics, geometry, and group theory at Umeå University, with opportunities to interact with researchers working in combinatorics, geometry, group theory, and related fields. The project is integrated into an international network of research collaborations and offers opportunities for conference travel, research visits, and scientific exchange.

Qualifications

The PhD student will be admitted to the doctoral education subject of mathematics. Basic eligibility is held by those who have completed an advanced level degree, fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits (HEC), of which at least 60 HEC at advanced level, or have otherwise acquired substantially equivalent knowledge within or outside the country.

To meet the requirement for special eligibility for admission to PhD education in mathematics, the applicant must have at least 60 HEC in the subject area of mathematics, of which at least 15 HEC at advanced level. The prerequisite knowledge requirements are also considered met by those who have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in another manner.

Good ability to communicate in English, both orally and in writing, is required.

Experience in combinatorics, incidence geometry, matroid theory, geometric group theory, algebraic methods, and/or rigidity theory is meritorious but not a requirement for the position.

As a PhD student, you are expected to take an active role in the project and the department's activities. You are expected to have a scientific approach and good teamwork skills, while also being able to work independently. You should have a strong drive to continuously develop your knowledge and grow into an independent researcher. The assessment of applicants is based on their qualifications and their ability to benefit from the doctoral education.

About the Position

The position aims at a doctoral degree, and the PhD student's main task is to engage in their own doctoral education, which includes active participation in research projects and doctoral courses. Teaching or other departmental duties (up to 20%) may be included in the responsibilities. The position is fixed-term for four years on a full-time basis or up to five years with part-time teaching. Monthly salary according to the established pay scale for PhD positions at Umeå University. Start date September 2026 or as agreed.

Application

Apply via our recruitment system by July 18, 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.
• Certified copies of diplomas or equivalent, including documentation of completed academic courses, grades obtained, and any other certificates.
• Thesis and publications relevant to the position. If you have not completed your thesis, submit a summary of up to 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 a balanced gender distribution brings to the operation. We therefore particularly welcome women and non-binary individuals as applicants for the position.

We welcome applications from persons with disabilities and offer adjustments to ensure that everyone can participate fully in the recruitment process. If you need adjustments in connection with the application, for example when filling out the application form, participating in interviews, or in any other part of the recruitment process, please contact Klara Stokes ([email protected]) or the department's equal opportunities officer, Lars-Daniel Öhman ([email protected]).

Adjustments may include, but are not limited to:

• Extra support when filling out the application form.
• Technical support during interviews for applicants with hearing or visual impairments.
• Support during interviews for neurodivergent applicants and persons with mental health issues, such as the opportunity to receive certain interview questions in advance.
• Adjustments for applicants who need an accompanying support person during interviews.

According to the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 12, Section 2), the decision regarding employment cannot be appealed.