Umeå Postdoctoral Scholarship supports two years of full-time postdoctoral research in philosophy, focused on the project ‘Why is causation so useful?’. The scholarship is funded by the Kempe Foundations and provides a tax-free stipend; the last day to apply is October 7th, 2026.
The scholarship is offered by the Department of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies at Umeå University, a large Swedish research university with around 37,000 students and strong international research activity. The department hosts frequent seminars and international collaborations and will integrate the fellow into active research groups.
Benefits of Umeå Postdoctoral Scholarship 2026
- The scholarship is full-time for two years, starting on January 1st, 2027, or by agreement.
- The scholarship is funded by the Kempe Foundations.
- The tax-free scholarship amounts to 720 000 SEK (approximately 30,000 SEK per month) and is typically paid out in four separate installments during the scholarship period.
- The postdoctoral scholarship is fixed-term (2 years) and full-time (100%) in accordance with the terms of the Kempe Foundations.
Eligibility Criteria for the Umeå Postdoctoral Scholarship 2026
- The post-doctoral fellow is required to have completed a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree in philosophy or have equivalent competence. This qualification requirement must be fulfilled no later than at the time of the decision about scholarship recipient.
- To be considered, applicants should normally have completed their doctoral degree no more than three years before the application deadline.
- 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 organizations, military service, or similar circumstances, or other forms of appointment/assignment relevant to the subject area.
- Proficiency in English, both written and spoken, is required.
How to Apply for Umeå Postdoctoral Scholarship 2026?
- 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 the deadline October 7th 2026.
- Log in and apply for the scholarship using the Varbi application link provided on the announcement page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Umeå Postdoctoral Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply based on the official announcement.
What is the duration and start date of the scholarship?
Umeå Postdoctoral Scholarship 2026 is full-time for two years, with a starting date of January 1st, 2027, or by agreement. It is a fixed-term appointment of two years in accordance with the terms of the Kempe Foundations.
How much is the scholarship worth and how is it paid?
Umeå Postdoctoral Scholarship 2026 is tax-free and amounts to 720 000 SEK in total (approximately 30,000 SEK per month). It is typically paid out in four separate installments during the scholarship period, as stated in the announcement.
Who funds the postdoctoral scholarship?
Umeå Postdoctoral Scholarship 2026 is funded by the Kempe Foundations. The announcement specifies that the Kempe Foundations provide the funding and the scholarship follows their terms for a full-time, fixed-term postdoctoral position.
What are the main eligibility requirements?
Applicants must have completed a doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree in philosophy (or have equivalent competence) no later than the decision date. Normally the doctoral degree should have been completed within three years before the application deadline, though exceptions can be made for special reasons.
Is proficiency in any language required?
Yes. Proficiency in English, both written and spoken, is required for applicants. The application itself should be written in English or Swedish, and attached documents should be in Word or PDF format.
Where will the successful applicant be based?
The successful applicant will be expected to work in Umeå and participate regularly in the department’s research seminars and activities. The announcement notes the candidate is expected to be physically present in Umeå to a high extent.
What research topics are sought for this project?
The scholarship is for research on the project ‘Why is causation so useful?’. The project investigates causal understanding in science and everyday life and how causal reasoning can be objectively reliable while shaped by human cognitive constraints. Applicants should submit a research plan related to this topic.
How should I submit my application?
Applications must be registered via Umeå University’s e-recruitment system Varbi. The application should be written in English or Swedish, with attached documents in Word or PDF format, and submitted by the deadline of October 7th, 2026.
What assessment criteria will be used?
Successful applications must demonstrate the ability to conduct and publish research of the highest international quality, alignment of the research plan with project aims, and fit with the department’s research environment. Active participation in departmental activities and seminars is expected.
Who can I contact for further information?
Further details can be provided by Bram Vaassen ([email protected]) or Christian Löw ([email protected]). Contact names and phone numbers are listed in the announcement for additional inquiries.
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