PhD student in Computing Science with focus on Agent Based Modelling  

To our institution, which conducts research at the highest international level and offers several high-quality educational programs in Computing Science, we are now seeking a PhD student with a focus on agent-based modelling. 

The Department of Computing Science has been growing rapidly in recent years, with a focus on creating an inclusive and bottom-up driven research environment.  Our workplace consists of a diverse set of people from different nationalities, backgrounds and fields. As a PhD student working with us, you receive the benefits of support in career development, networking, administrative and technical support functions, along with good employment conditions. More information about the department is available at: Department of Computing Science 

Project description 
The project will explore how to improve organ donation (OD) rates in Sweden and the Nordics using agent-based modeling (ABM). Despite policy reforms, expected gains have stalled due to system bottlenecks. The project identifies these gaps, compares with Spain’s best practices, and supports future-oriented policy planning through simulation, stakeholder mapping, and scenario analysis. The project is led by Professor Frank Dignum (main supervisor) and Dr. Jason Tucker. 

Requirements  
The general admission requirements for doctoral studies are a second- cycle level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS credits are at second-cycle level, or have an equivalent education from abroad, or equivalent qualifications.  

To be admitted to doctoral studies in the field of computing science, the applicant must have completed courses totaling at least 90 higher education credits in computing science or in subjects directly relevant to the specific specialization. 

It is a requirement that you have:

• Experience working with Agent-based Modeling and Simulation 
• Experience working with Agent-based Modeling and Simulation frameworks (e.g., NetLogo)
• Broad experience from applying Agent-based Modeling and Simulation in different application areas, in particular areas of societal relevance, such as public health and safety
• Excellent oral and written English proficiency

It is meritorious if you have:

• Demonstrated ability to perform applied research together with external partners, especially interdisciplinary / cross-sectoral collaborations
• Experience applying Agent-based Modeling and Simulation for policy modeling
• Experience working in Swedish context or the Nordics States on public policy
• Experience of transnational comparative policy analysis
• Experience working with policy actors (in healthcare or organ donation)
• Experience with writing scientific manuscripts and/or publishing papers in scientific conferences
• Experience teaching modelling and simulation
• Oral and written Swedish proficiency

As a person, you:

• Have a good ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
• Are good at working within a diverse team. 

About the position
The position provides you with the opportunity to pursue PhD studies in Computing Science for four years, with the goal of achieving the degree of Doctor in Computing Science. While the position is mainly devoted to PhD studies (at least 80% of the time), it may include up to 20% department service (usually teaching). If so, the total time for the position is extended accordingly, resulting in a maximum of five years. 

Wage placement takes place according to the established salary ladder for doctoral student employment. According to the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 12, Section 2), the decision on employment cannot be appealed.

The expected starting date is 1 January 2026 or as otherwise agreed. 

Application 
Applications must be submitted electronically using the e-recruitment system of Umeå University. 

A complete application should contain the following documents: 

• A cover letter including a description of your research interests, your reasons for applying for the position, and your contact information (2 pages max)
• A curriculum vitae  (CV)
• Copies of degree certificates, including documentation of completed academic courses and obtained grades  
• Copies of completed BSc and MSc theses and other relevant publications, if any
• Documentation and description of other relevant experiences or competences. 
• List of two references with their contact details.
  
  

The application must be written in English or Swedish. Attached documents must be in word or pdf format. Applications must be submitted electronically using the e-recruitment system of Umeå University and be received no later than 19 November 2025.  

The Department of Computing Science values gender diversity, and therefore particularly encourages women and those outside the gender binary to apply for the position. 

For additional information, please contact Dr Jason Tucker (jason.tucker@umu.se). 

We look forward to receiving your application!