Summary
The Integrated Science Lab (IceLab), in collaboration with multiple departments at Umeå University (Sweden), is offering three postdoctoral scholarships. These fellowships are part of the IceLab Interdisciplinary Postdoctoral Program, funded by Kempestiftelserna. The program focuses on cutting-edge, transdisciplinary research that integrates theoretical, computational, and empirical approaches.
Applicants can apply to one or more of five distinct multidisciplinary projects spanning biology, physics, ecology, sports science, and mathematics.
Multidisciplinary Postdoctoral Scholarships (2 Years) Umeå University, Sweden
Designation
- Postdoctoral Scholar / Fellow (Two-year tax-free scholarship)
Key Information Table
| Attribute | Details |
| Reference Number | FS 2.1.6-1373-26 |
| Funding Body | Kempestiftelserna |
| Scholarship Amount | 720,000 SEK over 2 years (tax-free) |
| Research Expenses | 75,000 SEK |
| Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) | 100% |
| Employment Start Date | Between January and April 2027 (by agreement) |
| Application Deadline | September 17, 2026 |
Research Areas & Available Projects
Candidates should choose and apply to one or more of the following five projects:
- Project A: Sensing the breaking point: Decoding the inputs to a cell wall integrity receptor in Chlorella vulgaris (Biophysics, computational biology, algal biochemistry)
- Project B: Decoding the Hidden Logic of RNA Polymerase Allocation Under Stress (Biological physics, systems biology, computational modeling)
- Project C: Adaptive immunity as an evolutionary response to unforeseen stress (Evolutionary immunology, theoretical biology, dynamical systems)
- Project D: Multitrophic interaction networks as drivers of competitor coexistence under global change (Community ecology, network science, plant-soil interactions)
- Project E: From training load to adaptation: Modeling of stress, resilience, and performance in elite female athletes (Sports medicine, systems biology, high-dimensional longitudinal data analysis)
Location
- City: Umeå
- County: Västerbottens län
- Country: Sweden
- Institution: Umeå University (primarily based in the Integrated Science Lab – IceLab)
Eligibility / Qualifications
Formal Requirements:
- PhD Degree: A completed doctoral degree (or equivalent foreign degree) is required. The degree must be obtained no later than the time the scholarship recipient decision is made.
- Time Since PhD: Priority is given to candidates who completed their PhD no later than three years prior to the decision date. (Exceptions apply for illness, parental leave, clinical practice, or military service).
- Language Skills: Excellent oral and written English is required.
Key Skills & Experience:
- A strong quantitative background in disciplines such as data analytics, computational modeling, physics, mathematics, statistics, systems biology, or ecology (depending on the chosen project).
- Personal qualities: High motivation, strong drive, analytical thinking, creativity, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
Job Description
As an IceLab Postdoctoral Scholar, your duties will include:
- Conducting high-impact research within your selected project under a multidisciplinary supervisory team.
- Developing theoretical, computational, or mathematical models and integrating them with empirical biological data.
- Actively participating in professional development, collaboration training, and engaging activities hosted by IceLab (such as lunch pitches and IceLab Camps).
- Presenting research findings at seminars and international conferences and preparing manuscripts for scientific publication.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted electronically through Umeå University’s e-recruitment portal.
Required Application Documents (in English or Swedish, as PDF or Word):
- Cover Letter: (Max 2 pages) Detailing your specific interest in your chosen project(s), your qualifications, scientific interests, and motivation.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Including a full publication list.
- Degree Certificate: Verified copy of your PhD degree certificate (or documentation stating when it is expected).
- Academic Transcripts: Certified copies of other diplomas and a list of completed academic courses with grades.
- Doctoral Thesis: A copy of your PhD thesis.
- Publications: Copies of relevant scientific publications.
- References: Contact information for at least two reference persons.
- Other Supporting Documents: Any other materials you wish to submit to strengthen your application.
Where to Apply: Register and upload your documents using theUmeå University Varbi Application Portal.
Last Date for Apply
- September 17, 2026
