PhD Positions in Statistics: Latent Variable Models for Social Data Science at Umeå University
Job Description
Umeå University’s Department of Statistics, part of the Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics, is recruiting one or two PhD students in statistics for the project Next-Generation Latent Variable Models for Social Data Science, led by Gabriel Wallin. The project develops theory, methods and computation for estimating things that cannot be observed directly, such as ability, attitudes, well-being or poverty, and their links to modern machine learning, with partners in digital learning and the charity sector.
At a glance
- Positions: 1 to 2 doctoral students, fully funded for four years
- Where: Department of Statistics, USBE, Umeå
- Start: 1 January 2027 or by agreement
- Contacts: Gabriel Wallin, gabriel.wallin@umu.se; Prof. Marie Eriksson, marie.eriksson@umu.se
- Apply by: 4 November 2026
- Apply: 4 November 2026
About the statistics PhD
- Develop statistical theory and methods for latent variable models
- Connect latent variable models with modern machine learning
- Build computational methods for large, complex social science data
- Work with external partners in digital learning and the charity sector
- Teaching or consulting up to 20% of the time, which extends the programme so four years of study are kept
PhD applicants: browse our Find a supervisor directory to see who works in your area.
What Umeå University is looking for
- An advanced-level degree with a major in statistics, or equivalent
- Mathematics courses worth at least 30 ECTS credits
- A strong quantitative background and very good programming skills
Nice to have
- Theoretical and applied knowledge of statistical machine learning, including implementation (a particularly strong merit)
- Interest in societally relevant questions
Pay and location
The positions are fully funded for four years; the advert does not state the salary. The latest possible start date is 1 September 2027.
How to apply
Apply through the official Umeå University page. The closing date is 4 November 2026.
See all our PhD positions, or browse more research jobs on ResearchJobs.in.
Hiring institution: Umeå University
Official advertisement: umu.varbi.com
How to prepare for this application
- Complete the forms: the application needs the department's "New PhD" form, theses, certificates and two referees.
- Show methods: describe any work on factor analysis, item response theory or mixture models.
- Programming: share R or Python code for a statistical model you implemented.
- Residence permits: non-EU applicants should plan early; admission can be revoked without a permit.
- Deadline: applications close on 4 November 2026.
About Umeå University
Umeå University is one of Sweden's largest higher education institutions. The CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, recognised with the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was discovered there.
