Doctoral students in economics

School of Business and Economics at Umeå University

Umeå University is one of Sweden's largest universities with over 37,000 students and approximately 4,700 employees. The university offers a variety of high-quality education and world-leading research in several scientific fields, and was the site of the groundbreaking discovery of the gene scissors CRISPR-Cas9, which won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. At Umeå University, everything is close by. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, collaborate and exchange knowledge, which fosters a dynamic and open culture.

The societal transformation and the large green investments we see in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, it is about conducting research about – and in the midst of – a society in transformation. But also about delivering education for regions that need to expand quickly and sustainably. This is simply where the future is created.

Are you interested in knowing more? Read more about Umeå University as a workplace.

The Department of Economics at the School of Economics, Umeå University, is looking for doctoral students in the areas of public economics and industrial organization. Please submit your application by 2025-05-02.

The PhD students will be part of a research project that deals with various efficiency aspects of public sector choices, such as redistributive taxation, provision of public goods, policy coordination (or lack thereof) between different levels of the public sector (municipal, regional and national), and externality correction. The project also deals with studying how the provision of public services can be organised with the aim of improving economic efficiency through efficient procurement, contract design and related issues of market regulation. The intention is to take a broad perspective on public sector tasks and procedures with the aim of achieving improved resource allocation.

Specifically, the research project underlying this recruitment encompasses three interconnected research areas with the overall aim of further developing research on economic efficiency in contexts where the public sector plays a major role. One such area deals with interactions between different levels of decision-making – the national government, regional decision-makers and local decision-makers. A key aspect here is the inefficiency that such interactions can give rise to due to a lack of coordination between the different parts of the public sector and the overall consequences this has for policymaking. 

Another area deals with the advantages and disadvantages of public procurement versus different choice systems (e.g. where the public sector pays for elderly care but users can choose the provider). This also includes potential problems that contracting entities may face, such as collusion between bidders and how collusion can be prevented by market regulations. 

The third area focuses on secondary objectives in public procurement by examining the possibility of using procurement as a means to achieve environmental and social objectives (in addition to achieving the primary objectives behind the procurement). It is worth emphasizing that these three areas are not mutually exclusive: a PhD project can be based either on a specific area or a mix between these areas.

Research environment
The Department of Economics has approximately 30 employees, of whom eight are professors, eight associate professors, two associate professors and five postdoctoral fellows. The department has a broad research tradition, with the main research areas being public economics, labor economics, environmental economics and industrial organization. Five themes in particular are central to our research: (i) economic policy and behavioral economics; ii) economic policy and labor market; iii) sustainable development; (iv) economic policy and fiscal federalism; and (v) competition and procurement.

The research covers a wide range of topics, including optimal taxation and public spending, income distribution, behavioral effects of taxes and other economic policies, local public finance, environmental policy, public procurement, price coordination, and the functioning of the pharmaceutical market. From a methodological perspective, both economic-theoretical and empirical research is conducted within the unit. The unit is also the host institution for the Erik Kempe Prize in Environmental and Resource Economics. The research environment is open and welcoming, and doctoral students are fully integrated into the various activities of the Unit.

Job duties
You are expected to work independently with your studies but also collaborate with other members of the research group and participate in seminars and other departmental activities. 

Eligibility and selection for doctoral studies

• The basic eligibility for admission to doctoral studies is to have completed a degree at advanced level, or have at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits are at advanced level.
• Special eligibility for admission to doctoral studies in economics requires approved courses in economics comprising at least 90 higher education credits.
• The most important assessment criteria are verified analytical ability, a strong interest in research, and the ability to work in a group and to independently carry out the tasks.
• Applicants are expected to have good oral and written presentation skills in English.
• Applicants with a degree from a non-Swedish university are asked to show results from the GMAT (and/or GRE) and TOEFL test if available.
• Documented knowledge of quantitative methods such as mathematics and econometrics is an advantage.

Application
A complete application must contain:

• Personal letter explaining your research interest and motivation for applying for doctoral studies (max. 2 pages).
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Copies of grades and diplomas.
• Copy of thesis/thesis.
• Names and contact information of two references.

The application must be written in English. You apply via the university's e-recruitment system and the application must be received no later than 2025-05-02.

Other information
Doctoral studies normally involve four years of full-time study. Doctoral studies are financed by a scholarship for up to two years followed by two years of employment as a doctoral student. If necessary, you can also participate in undergraduate education and/or other departmental activities up to 20% of your working time. In such cases, the employment will be extended accordingly.

The working time is spent in Umeå where the doctoral student is expected to participate in the department's activities. Information about the doctoral program in economics, including its general curriculum, can be found here: www.umu.se/handelshogskolan/utbildning/utbildning-pa-forskarniva/nationalekonomi/

For further information, please contact David Granlund, research manager, david.granlund@umu.se , or Giovanni Forchini, doctoral education manager, giovanni.forchini@umu.se . 

More about the School of Business and Economics
As an internationally respected, nationally influential and regionally anchored part of Umeå University, the School of Business and Economics contributes to societal development through education and research of a high international standard.

In interaction with our surrounding society, we conduct education and research that contributes to individuals' understanding, ability and responsibility regarding societal challenges and the importance of sustainable development. We are AACSB accredited and sustainability certified according to the environmental management standard ISO14001.

We educate responsible individuals who, with insights into society's challenges, regardless of their future professional role, can make a difference on both a local and global level. We do this by integrating learning about and for sustainable development into our education. The research environment allows for both breadth and depth in a way that encourages the initiation of new research areas while maintaining and developing established areas.

We have approximately 150 employees divided between our office and our units for business administration, economics and statistics. Nearly 4,000 students pass our courses and programs annually. We provide education from undergraduate to postgraduate level in business administration, economics and statistics.

Read more about the School of Economics here: www.umu.se/handelshogskolan/

Welcome with your application!

Umeå University wants to offer an equal and fair environment where open conversations between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity and development. We therefore welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current position.

To staffing and recruitment companies and to you who are salespeople: We kindly but firmly refrain from direct contact with staffing and recruitment companies and salespeople of additional job advertisements.

Employment type: Fixed-term employment

Scope of employment: Full-time

Access: September 1, 2025 or as agreed

Salary form: Monthly salary

Number of vacant positions: 4

Employment rate: 100%

City: Umea

County: Västerbotten County

Country: Sweden

Reference number: AN 2.2.1-228-25

Contact:

• David Granlund, research manager, 090-7869940, david.granlund@umu.se
• Giovanni Forchini, researcher training manager, 090-7867876, giovanni.forchini@umu.se

Union representative:

• SACO, 090-7865365
• SEKO, 090-7865296
• ST, 090-7865431

Published: 2025-03-24

Application deadline: 2025-05-02

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