Three Multidisciplinary Postdoctoral Scholarships 2026 in Sweden

Umea University

Scholarships
Sweden
September 15, 2026

Umeå University in Sweden is offering three multidisciplinary postdoctoral scholarships through its Integrated Science Lab (IceLab). The scholarships are part of the IceLab Interdisciplinary Postdoctoral Program, funded by Kempestiftelserna.

The program offers three two-year postdoctoral scholarships connected to five research projects. The projects cover areas such as computational modeling, biology, physics, ecology, mathematics, machine learning, systems biology, and sports medicine.

The application deadline is September 17, 2026. Selected researchers are expected to start between January and April 2027, depending on the agreement.

Quick Details

Details	Information
Opportunity Name	Three Multidisciplinary Postdoctoral Scholarships
Provider	Umeå University / IceLab
Host Country	Sweden
Host Institution	Umeå University
Study Level	Postdoctoral
Eligible Nationalities	Not specified on the official source
Eligible Fields	Computational modeling, mathematics, physics, biology, ecology, statistics, machine learning, systems biology and related fields
Funding	SEK 720,000 over two years + SEK 75,000 for research expenses
Tuition Coverage	Not applicable
Accommodation	Not specified on the official source
Monthly Stipend	The scholarship totals SEK 720,000 over two years; the official call does not state a monthly payment amount
Travel Support	Not specified on the official source
Language Requirement	Good oral and written English
Application Fee	Not specified on the official source
Application Deadline	September 17, 2026
Duration	2 years
Expected Start	January–April 2027
Official Application	Umeå University’s Varbi recruitment system

🇩🇪 Germany Student Visa Guide 2027

Complete guide about visa requirements, documents, financial proof, and application steps for international students.

Read Guide →

What Are the Umeå University Postdoctoral Scholarships?

The IceLab Interdisciplinary Postdoctoral Program supports research projects that combine different academic disciplines.

For the 2026 call, five projects have been selected. Applicants can apply to one or more of these projects. The researchers leading each project select their preferred candidate, and an IceLab internal committee makes the final selection of the three project–candidate pairs that receive funding.

The program is designed for researchers who want to work across traditional academic fields. A strong interest in collaboration between theoretical, computational and experimental research is important.

The official program also says that the projects are connected to Stress Response Modeling, a multidisciplinary research theme at IceLab.

Scholarship Benefits and Funding

Each selected postdoctoral fellow receives a scholarship worth:

SEK 720,000 over two years
SEK 75,000 for research expenses
The scholarship is tax-free, according to the specific Umeå University call.
The fellowship lasts two years.
The expected start period is January to April 2027.

The funding is provided through Kempestiftelserna and forms part of the IceLab Interdisciplinary Postdoctoral Program.

This should not be described as a traditional employment salary. Umeå University explains that postdoctoral scholarships are scholarships rather than employment positions.

What Is Not Specified?

The official call does not provide a separate accommodation allowance, travel allowance, or monthly stipend figure.

Therefore, applicants should not assume that accommodation, flights or relocation costs are separately covered.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must have completed a doctoral degree (PhD) or a foreign degree that Umeå University considers equivalent to a doctoral degree.

The doctoral qualification must be completed no later than the time when the scholarship recipient is selected.

The university gives priority to candidates who completed their doctorate within three years before the decision date.

Candidates who completed their doctorate earlier may still be considered when special circumstances apply. The official call gives examples such as illness, parental leave, military service, relevant clinical practice, or similar circumstances.

Academic and Research Requirements

The general call looks for candidates with experience or interest in areas such as:

Data analytics
Computational modeling
Programming
Mathematics
Statistics
Physics
Molecular biology
Microbiology
Ecology
Systems biology

The university also highlights personal and research qualities such as:

Good communication
Collaboration skills
Critical thinking
Creativity
Analytical skills
Motivation
Ability to work independently
Ability to work as part of a research team
Good written and spoken English

Specific academic requirements depend on the project selected by the applicant.

Five Research Projects

Applicants can choose from five multidisciplinary projects.

Project A: Cell Wall Integrity in Chlorella vulgaris

This project studies how a cell wall integrity receptor in the green microalga Chlorella vulgaris responds to changes in the cell wall.

The research combines mathematical modeling with experimental biology.

The project is particularly suitable for researchers with backgrounds such as:

Computational biology
Biophysics
Mathematical biology
Applied mathematics
Related quantitative fields

Experience with mechanistic modeling, parameter fitting, identifiability analysis or dynamical systems modeling is particularly relevant.

Previous knowledge of cell wall biology is not required.

Project B: RNA Polymerase Allocation Under Stress

This project examines how bacteria control gene expression during stress.

Researchers will study Yersinia pseudotuberculosis using gene-expression data together with mathematical and computational models.

Relevant backgrounds include:

Computational biology
Bioinformatics
Physics
Systems biology
Related fields

A strong background in mathematical or computational modeling and data analysis is preferred.

Project C: Evolution of Adaptive Immunity

This project investigates why adaptive immunity evolved and why different species have developed different immune strategies.

The research combines:

Evolutionary biology
Immunology
Mathematical modeling
Theoretical biology
Complex systems

Suitable candidates may have PhDs in mathematics, physics, theoretical biology, computational biology, evolutionary biology, immunology or related disciplines.

Experience in evolutionary theory, dynamical systems, stochastic modeling, control theory, theoretical biology or host–pathogen interactions is desirable.

Project D: Ecological Interaction Networks

This project studies how interactions between plants, soil organisms, pollinators and herbivores affect species coexistence.

The project combines ecology with network science and uses data from Mediterranean and Arctic ecosystems.

Relevant backgrounds include:

Ecology
Physics
Computational science
Applied mathematics
Related fields

Experience in community ecology and quantitative methods such as statistical modeling or network analysis is particularly useful.

Project E: Stress, Resilience and Performance in Elite Female Athletes

This project uses a large longitudinal dataset involving Swedish elite cross-country skiers and biathletes.

Researchers will study stress, adaptation, resilience and performance using statistical and computational methods.

Suitable candidates may have backgrounds in:

Statistics
Data science
Computational biology
Physics
Related quantitative disciplines

Experience with statistical modeling, machine learning, high-dimensional data or longitudinal data is particularly relevant. Knowledge of sports science is desirable but not required.

Required Documents

A complete application should include:

Cover letter of up to two pages
CV with publication list
Verified copy of the doctoral degree certificate, or documentation showing when the degree is expected
Certified copies of other diplomas
List of completed academic courses and grades
Copy of the doctoral thesis
Copies of relevant publications
Contact information for at least two references
Other documents the applicant wants to use to support the application

The cover letter should identify the project or projects of interest and explain the applicant’s qualifications, scientific interests and reasons for applying.

Document Format

The application should be written in English or Swedish.

Attached documents should be provided in Word or PDF format.

How to Apply

Applicants should use the official Umeå University e-recruitment system, Varbi.

Step 1: Review the five projects

Read the descriptions carefully and identify the project or projects that best match your PhD and research experience.

Step 2: Prepare your CV

Include your:

Education
Research experience
Publications
Relevant technical skills
Academic achievements
Research interests

Step 3: Write the cover letter

Explain:

Which project you are interested in
Why your background fits the project
Your scientific interests
Your research experience
Why you want to join the interdisciplinary program

Step 4: Prepare academic documents

Make sure your doctoral certificate, diplomas, thesis and publications are ready in the requested format.

Step 5: Add references

Provide contact information for at least two reference persons.

Step 6: Submit through Varbi

Submit the complete application through the official Umeå University recruitment system before the deadline.

Apply through Umeå University’s official application page

Application Deadline

The application deadline is:

September 17, 2026

The official Umeå University vacancy confirms September 17, 2026 as the deadline. EURAXESS lists the deadline as 17 September 2026 at 21:59 UTC.

Because deadlines can be affected by the application system, applicants should avoid waiting until the final hours.

When Will the Scholarships Start?

The selected postdoctoral fellows are expected to start their projects between January and April 2027, with the exact starting date agreed with the university.

The IceLab program page also states that selected fellows should be able to start in early January 2027 and no later than April 2027.

How Are Candidates Selected?

The selection process involves several stages.

First, researchers involved in each of the five projects select their preferred postdoctoral candidate.

The five project teams then submit their selected project–candidate combinations to an IceLab internal review committee.

The committee selects the three project and candidate pairs that will receive funding. The program information says the committee also interviews candidates and considers how they may fit and contribute to the IceLab research environment.

There is no official acceptance rate published in the sources reviewed for this article.

Important Tips Before Applying

Match Your Background to a Specific Project

This is a multidisciplinary call, but the five projects are different.

A strong application should clearly show how your previous research connects with the project you choose.

Explain Your Quantitative Skills

Many of the projects involve:

Mathematical modeling
Statistical analysis
Computational methods
Programming
Machine learning
Network analysis

If you have these skills, explain them clearly in your CV and cover letter.

Do Not Ignore Interdisciplinary Work

The program is specifically designed around collaboration between different research areas.

Show that you can work with researchers outside your main discipline.

Prepare Your PhD Documents Early

The application requires a verified doctoral certificate or documentation concerning when the doctorate is expected.

Certified academic documents can take time to prepare.

Check Your References

Contact your references before submitting the application. Make sure their contact information is correct.

Submit Before the Deadline

Do not leave document uploads and application submission until the last day.

Common Application Mistakes

Applicants should avoid:

Applying without checking the project-specific requirements
Submitting an incomplete CV
Forgetting the publication list
Missing the doctoral certificate or required documentation
Providing fewer than two references
Writing a generic cover letter
Failing to explain their research fit
Uploading documents in an unsupported format
Waiting until the final hours to submit
Using unofficial application websites

Is This Scholarship Fully Funded?

It provides substantial financial support, but applicants should use precise terminology.

The official call states that each two-year fellowship amounts to SEK 720,000, plus SEK 75,000 for research expenses, and that the scholarship is tax-free.

However, the official source does not state that accommodation, flights or all living expenses are separately covered.

Therefore, Global Scholarships Hub does not describe this opportunity as covering every possible cost.

Can International Students Apply?

The official call requires a doctoral degree or equivalent foreign doctoral degree, but it does not provide a specific list of eligible nationalities.

Therefore:

Eligible Nationalities: Not specified on the official source.

Applicants from outside Sweden should check the official university information and any applicable Swedish entry or residence requirements separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many postdoctoral scholarships are available?

There are three postdoctoral scholarships connected to five multidisciplinary research projects.

2. What is the value of the scholarship?

Each scholarship amounts to SEK 720,000 over two years, with an additional SEK 75,000 for research expenses. The scholarship is tax-free according to the official call.

3. Do I need a PhD?

Yes. Applicants must have completed a doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign doctoral degree by the time the scholarship recipient is decided.

4. What fields are eligible?

The five projects cover a wide range of areas, including computational biology, physics, mathematics, statistics, ecology, systems biology, evolutionary biology, machine learning and sports medicine. Each project has its own specific academic requirements.

5. What documents are required?

The application requires a cover letter, CV with publication list, doctoral degree documentation, other academic documents, doctoral thesis, relevant publications and contact details for at least two references.