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The Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics conducts research in computational mathematics, discrete mathematics, mathematical modelling and analysis, and mathematical statistics. Our teaching is conducted at all levels and includes mathematics, mathematical statistics and computational science. Among our partners are international research groups, academic institutions, public organizations and companies.
The Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics is opening a fully funded PhD position in mathematics specialising in combinatorics, group theory and geometry. The position covers four years of third-cycle studies, including participation in research and third-cycle courses. The last day to apply is 18 July 2026.
Project description and tasks
The PhD student will carry out theoretical research at the intersection of combinatorics, group theory, and geometry.
We will explore abstract notions 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. Possible tools include combinatorics, algebraic methods, incidence geometry, matroid theory, geometric group theory, and rigidity theory, depending on the interests and background of the successful candidate. The exact direction of the project will be developed together with the successful candidate, who will have considerable freedom to shape the research within its overall mathematical framework.
The successful candidate will become part of a vibrant research environment in discrete mathematics, geometry and algebra at Umeå University, with opportunities to interact with researchers working in combinatorics, geometry, group theory and related areas. The project is embedded in an international network of collaborations and offers opportunities for conference travel, research visits and scientific exchange.
Qualifications
The doctoral student will be admitted to study the third-cycle subject Mathematics.
To fulfil the general entry requirements, the applicant must have qualifications equivalent to a completed degree at the second-cycle level or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits, including at least 60 ECTS credits at the second-cycle level. To fulfil the specific entry requirements to be admitted for studies at the third-cycle level in Mathematics, the applicant must have completed at least 60 ECTS credits within the fields of mathematics, of which at least 15 ECTS credits shall have been acquired at the second-cycle level. The entry requirements specified above are also considered fulfilled by applicants who have acquired essentially equivalent knowledge through other means.
Good communication skills in both written and spoken English are required.
Experience in combinatorics, incidence geometry, matroid theory, geometric group theory, algebraic methods and/or rigidity theory, is beneficial, 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. You are expected to have a scientific approach and good collaborative skills while still being able to work independently. You should have a strong drive to continuously develop your own skills and to become an independent researcher.
The assessment of applicants is based on their qualifications and ability to benefit from the doctoral study they will receive.
About the employment
The position is intended to result in a doctoral degree. The main task of doctoral students is to pursue their third-cycle studies, including active participation in research and third-cycle courses. The duties may include teaching or other departmental work, although duties of this kind may not comprise more than 20 per cent of a full-time post. The employment is for a fixed term of four years full-time or up to five years when teaching part-time. Salary is set according to the salary ladder for PhD positions at Umeå University. Employment commences September 2026 or by agreement.
Application
Applications will be accepted via our recruitment system. The deadline for applications is 18 July 2026 Log in and apply via the button at the bottom of the page. The application must include the following documents written in English or Swedish:
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A cover letter briefly describing your qualifications and research interests, an explanation of why you are applying for the position and why you feel your qualifications and experience are relevant.
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Curriculum vitae.
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Authenticated copies of degree certificates, diplomas or equivalent, including documentation of completed academic courses, received grades, and other certificates.
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Copies of relevant work such as master’s thesis or articles you have authored or co-authored. If the master’s thesis has not been completed before the application deadline, a summary of the master’s thesis project and current progress shall be included. The summary can, at most be five pages, including figures and references.
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Your GMAT (or GRE) and TOEFL/IELTS test scores if available.
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Contact details for at least two references.
The Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics values the qualities that gender balance brings to the department. We are therefore particularly keen to hear from female and non-binary applicants.
We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities and provide adjustments to ensure that anybody can participate fully in the selection process. If you need an adjustment when accessing the application form, attending interviews, or for any other part of the application process, please contact Klara Stokes ([email protected]) or equal opportunity representative Lars-Daniel Öhman ([email protected]). Adjustments can include, but are not limited to:
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additional support to complete the application form
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technical support during interviews for candidates with hearing or visual impairments
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support during interviews for neurodiverse candidates and those with mental health conditions, for example the possibility of receiving some of the interview questions beforehand
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adjustments for those candidates requiring a chaperone during interviews
Pursuant to Chapter 12 Section 2 of the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance (SFS 1993:100), the decision regarding the position cannot be appealed.
Additional information
Additional information about the position:
Associate professor Klara Stokes, [email protected]
Further information about the Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics:
https://www.umu.se/en/department-of-mathematics-and-mathematical-statistics/
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 the current employment. We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising help.
Anställningsform: tidsbegränsad anställning | Anställningens omfattning: heltid | Antal lediga befattningar: 1 | Sysselsättningsgrad: 100% | Ort: Umeå | Län: Västerbottens län | Land: Sweden | Referensnummer: AN 2026/775 | Kontakt: Klara Stokes , Klara Stokes , | Facklig företrädare: SACO SACO , Saco-S Saco-S , SEKO SEKO +46907865296, SEKO SEKO 090-7865296, ST ST +46907865431, ST ST 090-7865431, | Publicerat: 2026-06-03 | Sista ansökningsdag: 2026-07-18
