About this role
Umeå University is one of Sweden's largest institutions of higher education, with over 37,000 students and approximately 4,700 employees. The university offers a diverse range of high-quality programs and world-leading research across several scientific fields, including the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. At Umeå University, everything is close at hand. Our cohesive campus makes it easy to meet, collaborate, and exchange knowledge, fostering a dynamic and open culture.
The societal transformation and significant green investments we are witnessing in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, this means conducting research on – and within – a transforming society. It also involves delivering education for regions that need to expand rapidly and sustainably. This is where the future is being created.
Are you interested in learning more? https://www.umu.se/jobba-hos-oss/om-universitetet-som-arbetsplats/
The Faculty of Medicine is one of the largest faculties at Umeå University and attracts many students with a comprehensive range of programs in medicine, dentistry, health, and care. We offer a well-developed research infrastructure and an inspiring, dynamic environment with leading research. Our close collaboration with the four regions in the Northern Healthcare Region is seen as a significant mutual asset for developing research and education and ensuring the availability of future healthcare personnel.
Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine
The Department of Clinical Science is announcing a PhD position in medical science within the field of speech-language pathology.
The employment period is four years and is intended to be full-time, starting on January 8, 2026, or as agreed.
Those accepted into the doctoral education program will be part of the faculty-wide doctoral training program at the Faculty of Medicine. The program consists of 25 ECTS credits and is offered at two study paces: 25 ECTS over 8 semesters (totaling 4 years) or over 12 semesters (totaling 6 years), with program starts each autumn and spring semester. More information about the program can be found on the faculty's website for doctoral education (Doctoral Education).
Project Description and Responsibilities
The project aims to study the effect of a new treatment method for persistent swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) in the subacute phase of stroke. The research group is also working on validating assessment scales for instrumental examination methods, developing normative data for these scales, and studying how normal swallowing changes across different life stages and ages. The relationship between swallowing function and complementary clinical examinations, such as lip and chewing strength, will also be investigated.
The overarching goal of the research group's work is to contribute to a better understanding and diagnosis of swallowing-related problems and to improve care for individuals with swallowing difficulties after stroke, ultimately aiming to enhance the quality of life for these individuals. We also hope that improved care can reduce complications and lower healthcare costs. The project is interdisciplinary and conducted in collaboration with several national hospitals and centers, primarily consisting of quantitative sub-studies.
The position aims for a doctoral degree, and the main task of the PhD student is to engage in their own doctoral training, which includes participation in research projects as well as doctoral training courses, journal clubs, seminars, etc. Within the framework of the research project, the PhD student will conduct assessments and follow-ups of research participants, manage data, analyze, and write research reports. Additionally, travel to other participating centers for data collection will be required during the course of the research project.
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to doctoral education, the applicant must have basic eligibility and specific eligibility as outlined below, and be assessed to possess the necessary abilities to successfully complete the education.
Basic Eligibility
Basic eligibility for doctoral education is granted to those who have obtained a degree at the advanced level, completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits (ECTS), of which at least 60 ECTS at the advanced level, or who have acquired equivalent knowledge in some other way, either within or outside the country (HF Chapter 7, Section 39).
Specific Eligibility
To be eligible for doctoral education, the applicant must have the necessary knowledge from higher education. The applicant must be a licensed speech-language pathologist and have a fundamental general orientation within the clinical subject area, as well as the necessary language skills in Swedish and English. Both written and oral skills are required.
Other Qualifications
Particularly advantageous are publications in the field of dysphagia, experience in data collection using REDCap, and familiarity with the medical record systems Take Care, System Cross, and Cosmic. Additionally, experience with flexible endoscopic examination of swallowing in individuals with stroke and/or other conditions that may cause swallowing symptoms is also beneficial. Work with data collection and processing within similar research projects is also highly meritorious. To perform well in this role, you should be proactive, flexible, organized, and possess good collaborative skills