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 wide variety of high-quality education and world-leading research across multiple scientific fields. It is here that the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made. At Umeå University, everything is close at hand. Our compact campus fosters easy meetings, collaboration, and knowledge exchange, benefiting 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 involves conducting research about—and within—a society in transition, while also providing education for regions that need to expand quickly 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/
At Umeå University, which conducts research at the highest international level and offers several high-quality educational programs in both computer science and informatics, we are now seeking a PhD candidate focused on AI models and policy applications for climate risk communication.
The position is a collaboration between two departments across different faculties: the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Informatics. By uniting these two environments, the project creates a unique interdisciplinary platform where technical expertise in AI and simulations combines with social science perspectives on policy processes, communication practices, and societal challenges. More information:
https://www.umu.se/institutionen-for-datavetenskap/
https://www.umu.se/institutionen-for-informatik/
https://www.aipolicylab.se
Project Description
This PhD project will investigate how artificial intelligence, particularly AI-based simulations, data-driven modeling, and generative systems, can support decision-makers in addressing climate change by developing and testing human-centered climate risk scenarios and narratives. The aim is to explore how computational and AI-driven tools can contribute to strategies that are both evidence-based and widely accessible, thereby bridging the gap between complex scientific knowledge and societal decision-making. The PhD candidate will receive joint supervision from experts in computer science and informatics, will be affiliated with the AI Policy Lab at the Department of Computer Science, and will participate in research environments at the Department of Informatics. The project is led by Dr. Jason Tucker (AI Policy Lab), Dr. Pedro Sanches (Informatics), and Prof. Dr. Virginia Dignum (Computer Science).
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for doctoral education, a master's degree or completed coursework totaling at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 credits are at the master's level, or an equivalent education from abroad is required. To be admitted to the doctoral program in computer science, the applicant must have completed courses totaling at least 90 higher education credits in computer science, informatics, information science, or other subjects with direct relevance to the specialization.
You are required to have:
A background in Computer Science (e.g., AI, machine learning, simulations, data analysis) or equivalent
Documented experience in interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral research
Excellent oral and written English skills
Experience in climate research, science communication, participatory methods, or policy studies
Experience working with decision-makers, non-profit organizations, international organizations, or in participatory processes with citizens or local communities
It is a merit if you have:
Knowledge of ethical, legal, and societal debates surrounding AI and digital technology
Experience in developing interactive narratives with participatory methods
Experience in scientific writing or publishing in conferences/journals
Oral and written proficiency in Swedish
As a person, you are:
Independent and capable of formulating and addressing research problems
Collaborative and comfortable working across disciplinary and cultural boundaries
Motivated by societal challenges and translating research into practice
About the Position
The position offers the opportunity to pursue doctoral studies in computer science over four years, with the goal of obtaining a PhD in computer science. The position is primarily intended for doctoral studies (at least 80%), but may include up to 20% departmental duties (typically teaching). In that case, the appointment may be extended to a maximum of five years.
The recruitment process follows the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 12, §2), and the decision on employment cannot be appealed.
Application
Applications must be submitted electronically via Umeå University's recruitment system.
A complete application must include the following documents:
A personal statement (maximum 2 pages) that includes:
A description of your research background and experience relevant to this position.
Your reasons for applying for this specific position.
A brief outline of your ideas and plans for the research project you wish to pursue within the framework of the PhD position.
Please note: applications without a personal statement, or with generic letters not tailored to this position, will not