Postdoctoral scholarship (2 years) within register-based epidemiology of scoliosis and psychiatric disorders

The Department of Diagnostics and intervention is offering a postdoctoral scholarship within the project “Scoliosis and Psychiatric Disorders: Associations and Postoperative Outcomes in a National Cohort.” The scholarship is for two years with access starting by agreement. Last day for application is 2026-02-28.

Departmental specific information

At the Department of Diagnostics and Intervention, we conduct research and teach within nine different subject areas, working closely with the four regions of Norrland. We have internationally recognised research environments where the breadth of subjects enables innovation and collaboration across boundaries. Most of our researchers and teachers also work clinically, and our facilities are located at the regional hospitals in Östersund, Sunderbyn, Sundsvall and Umeå—right at the heart of operations.

The current research group focuses on musculoskeletal disorders in children and adolescents, with particular emphasis on scoliosis, surgical outcomes, and long-term health consequences. The group combines clinical expertise with advanced epidemiological and statistical methods and collaborates closely with national register holders and multidisciplinary researchers in psychiatry, epidemiology, and biostatistics.

Project description

Why do some children and adolescents with scoliosis also develop psychiatric disorders? And do such conditions influence outcomes after scoliosis surgery?

This postdoctoral scholarship is connected to a national register-based research project that investigates associations between scoliosis and selected psychiatric disorders – schizophrenia, eating disorders, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) – as well as the impact of psychiatric comorbidity on postoperative outcomes following scoliosis surgery.

Using high-quality Swedish population and health registers, the project aims to generate new knowledge at the intersection of orthopaedics, psychiatry, and neurodevelopment. The research addresses both clinical outcomes and broader questions about shared etiological mechanisms, with potential implications for future multidisciplinary care models.

Umeå University offers a collaborative and supportive research environment with access to rich register data, strong methodological competence, and close interaction between clinical and epidemiological researchers. The setting is characterized by openness, academic curiosity, and opportunities for independent scientific development.

The postdoctoral researcher will have the opportunity to:

• develop and deepen their knowledge by conducting independent registry-based epidemiological analyses using large national datasets,
• enhance their methodological competence in advanced statistical modelling of longitudinal and matched cohort data,
• and, if desired, contribute to high-quality scientific publications and support the international dissemination of research findings.

Qualifications

Formal requirements

To qualify as a postdoctoral scholarship holder, the applicant must have completed a doctoral degree, or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree. This requirement must be fulfilled no later than at the time of the decision regarding the scholarship.

Priority will be given to candidates who have completed their doctoral degree no more than three years prior to the application deadline. Older degrees may be considered if there are special reasons, such as parental leave, illness, clinical practice, or other relevant professional assignments.

The doctoral degree should be within medicine, epidemiology, statistics, biostatistics, public health, psychology, or a related field.

Additional requirements

Documented experience of quantitative research methods Demonstrated ability to perform statistical analyses using software such as R, Stata, SAS, or equivalent Good proficiency in written and spoken English

Meriting criteria

Experience of register-based research, preferably using national health or population registers Previous research involving psychiatric disorders, musculoskeletal conditions, or surgical outcomes Experience with longitudinal data, matched cohort designs, or survival analysis Scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals

Personal qualities

We are looking for candidates who show scientific curiosity, analytical thinking, and motivation to develop as an independent researcher in a multidisciplinary environment.

Application

The application should be written in English or Swedish. Attached documents should be in Word or PDF format. The application must be submitted via Umeå University’s e-recruitment system Varbi no later than 2026-02-28.

A full application should include:

• A cover letter (maximum 1–2 pages) describing the applicant’s research background, experience in statistics and/or register-based research, and how their expertise aligns with the project
• Curriculum vitae (CV) including publication list Verified copy of doctoral degree certificate or documentation stating the expected date of degree completion
• Verified copies of other relevant diplomas and academic transcripts Copy of doctoral thesis and up to relevant publications
• Any other documents the applicant wishes to submit Contact information for two references