Position Summary
Position:
Department:
Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics
Institute:
Umea University
Country:
Sweden
Research Field:
computational science, data science, mathematical statistics, optimization, machine learning, Python
Posted Date:
NA
Deadline:
Apr 03, 2026
Offer Period:
2 Years
Offer Start Date:
Aug 2026
Postdoc position focused on Data Driven AI solutions for Healthcare
Project Description:
- The Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics offers a postdoctoral fellowship within the project “Improving Surgical Staffing with Data Driven AI Solutions”. The scholarship is full-time for two years starting August 2026, or as agreed.
- To meet the healthcare challenges of the future, resources must be used more efficiently than they are today. The combination of large-scale historical data and AI offers new opportunities to achieve this. The aim of this project is to develop data-driven planning and optimization tools for surgery and post-surgery units at Norrland University Hospital. Using statistical modelling and machine learning, we aim to create a digital twin of these units, which can then be used to optimize operations.
- The work involves several specific challenges: processing times may be censored, outliers are common, and it is difficult to make strong model assumptions during optimization. Another clinically important challenge is adapting predictive models for use across different hospitals.
- We are looking for a highly motivated individual with a strong interest in computational science and statistics, who would like to contribute to addressing important challenges in healthcare. Our research group works in an interdisciplinary environment, closely collaborating with the healthcare system.
Required Qualification:
Essential Qualification:
- To qualify as a postdoctoral scholarship holder, the postdoctoral fellow is required to have completed a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree. This qualification requirement must be fulfilled no later than at the time of the decision about scholarship recipient.
- Priority should be given to candidates who completed their doctoral degree, according to what is stipulated in the paragraph above, no later than three years prior.
- If there are special reasons, candidates who completed their doctoral degree before that may also be eligible. Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, appointments of trust in trade union organisations, military service or similar circumstances, as well as clinical practice or other forms of appointment/assignment relevant to the subject area.
- The doctoral degree should be in computational science, data science, mathematical statistics, statistics, optimization, or equivalent.
- You should have experience working with statistical modelling and/or machine learning. Since the research language is English, you need to master the language both orally and in writing. You should also have good programming skills, preferably in R and/or Python.
Preferred Qualification:
- Experience in interdisciplinary work, explainable AI (e.g., using SHAP values), imputation, variable selection, and feature extraction is considered an advantage.
Employment Conditions and Benefits:
Contract duration:
- The scholarship is full-time for two years starting August 2026, or as agreed.
Benefits:
- The scholarship is funded and administered by the Kempe Foundations.
- The tax-free scholarship amounts to a total of 750,000 SEK, which corresponds to 31,250 SEK per month.
- There are also good opportunities for financing research costs.
Application Process:
Documents Required:
- Cover letter, at most 2 pages, stating your motivation and highlighting experience relevant for the project,
- Curriculum vitae (CV),
- Verified copy of doctoral degree certificate or documentation that clarifies when the degree of doctor is expected to be obtained,
- Verified copies of other diplomas, list of completed academic courses and grades,
- Copy of doctoral thesis. If the thesis is not available by the application deadline, then submit a summary of the thesis (at most 5 pages),
- Publication list. For each article, briefly write your contribution, and provide a copy if it is not freely accessible online,
- Email addresses and phone numbers of two people who can serve as references, where you indicate your relationship to each,
- Other documents that the applicant wishes to refer to.
How to apply:
- The application should be written in English or Swedish and attached documents should be in Word or PDF format. The application should be registered via Umeå University’s e-recruitment system Varbi and submitted by April 3, 2026.
- Umeå University strives to offer an equal environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity and development. We welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for this scholarship and especially encourage female applicants.
About the Host Lab Group/Institution:
Established in 1965, Umeå University is the premier institution of higher education in northern Sweden and is consistently ranked among the world’s top young universities. Located in the "City of Birches," its campus is designed with a cohesive, "American-style" layout where most faculties and research centers are within walking distance, fostering a dynamic and open culture. The university is globally recognized for the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which earned its researchers a Nobel Prize in Chemistry. With over 37,000 students and a strong international presence, the university excels in fields like Industrial Design, Arctic Research, and Life Sciences. Its Umeå Institute of Design is world-renowned, often topping global rankings for its creative excellence. Beyond academics, the campus houses IKSU Sport, one of Europe's largest indoor sports facilities, contributing to its reputation as a national sports university. Consistently high scores in the International Student Barometer highlight its exceptional student satisfaction and support, making it a top choice for global learners. Notable alumni include former Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven.
Explore Other Similar Positions:
You may also be interested in the following postdoc research positions. These opportunities are currently open across universities and research institutes worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who can apply for a postdoctoral position?
Postdoctoral positions are open to candidates who have completed a PhD or will complete their doctoral degree before the start date. Eligibility requirements may vary depending on the funding scheme and host institution.
Can international candidates apply?
Yes. Most postdoctoral positions are open to international applicants. Visa sponsorship and work permit support are usually provided by the host institution, subject to local regulations.
Is prior postdoctoral experience required?
In most cases, prior postdoctoral experience is not mandatory. However, candidates with relevant research experience beyond the PhD may be preferred for certain positions.
What is the typical duration of a postdoctoral contract?
Postdoctoral contracts typically range from six months to three years, with the possibility of extension depending on funding availability and performance.
Are teaching responsibilities included?
Teaching responsibilities vary by institution and position. Some postdoctoral roles are research-only, while others may include limited teaching or supervision duties.
Can I apply for multiple postdoctoral positions?
Yes. Candidates are encouraged to apply for multiple suitable postdoctoral positions to increase their chances of selection.
Disclaimer:
This position is published for informational purposes. Please refer to the official application link for the most accurate and up-to-date details.