Scholarship Overview
Overview
The Umeå University Postdoctoral Scholarship in Philosophy is a competitive 2-year research position funded by the Kempe Foundations. The scholarship supports work on the project “Why is causation so useful?” under the supervision of Associate Professors Christian Loew and Bram Vaassen. The position is based in the Department of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies at Umeå University, one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students.
This opportunity is particularly suited to scholars from Zimbabwe and SADC countries with strong backgrounds in metaphysics, philosophy of science, or related fields who seek to advance their research careers in an internationally recognized environment.
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Scholarship Value and Duration
- Duration: 2 years, full-time (100%)
- Stipend: 720,000 SEK total (approximately 30,000 SEK per month)
- Tax status: Tax-free scholarship
- Payment: Four separate installments over the scholarship period
- Start date: January 1, 2027, or by agreement
The scholarship is not an employment contract but a research grant, meaning no salary deductions for tax or social security. However, recipients must arrange their own health insurance and pension contributions.
Research Focus: Why Is Causation So Useful?
The project investigates how causal reasoning can be both objectively reliable and shaped by human cognitive constraints. Key research questions include:
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- How does causal knowledge track objective features of the world while remaining sensitive to factors like normality and counterfactual mutability?
- What makes causal understanding cognitively valuable in scientific and everyday contexts?
- How do cognitive science findings about causal judgment inform philosophical accounts of causation?
Applicants are encouraged to think broadly and may propose research plans addressing any aspect of this topic. The successful candidate will join active international research groups led by Christian Loew and Bram Vaassen.
Eligibility Requirements
Academic Qualifications
- Completed doctoral degree in philosophy or equivalent foreign degree by the time of the scholarship decision
- Normally, the PhD must have been completed no more than 3 years before the application deadline (October 7, 2026)
- Extensions possible for special circumstances: illness, parental leave, trade union appointments, military service, or other relevant assignments
Field Requirements
- Background in metaphysics, philosophy of science, or closely related field
- Research interest in causation and related philosophical problems
Language and Location
- Proficiency in English (written and spoken) required
- Must be physically present in Umeå to a high extent
- Expected to participate regularly in departmental research seminars and activities
Assessment Criteria
Applications are evaluated on three main criteria:
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- Research excellence: Ability to conduct and publish research of the highest international quality (primary weight)
- Project alignment: Fit between proposed research plan and project aims
- Departmental fit: Compatibility with existing research environment and expertise at Umeå
Application Process
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare application materials in English or Swedish
- Ensure all documents are in Word or PDF format
- Register and submit via Umeå University’s e-recruitment system Varbi
- Submit by deadline: October 7, 2026
Required Documents
The following should be included in your application:
- Research proposal (addressing the project theme)
- CV including publication list
- Copies of doctoral degree certificate or equivalent
- Contact information for 2-3 academic references
- Sample of written work (publication or dissertation chapter)
About Umeå University and the Department
Umeå University is recognized for world-leading research, including the Nobel Prize-winning CRISPR-Cas9 discovery. The Department of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies employs approximately 110 staff across philosophy, archaeology, history, religious studies, and theology.
The philosophy unit comprises 18 tenured faculty members with active research programs spanning metaphysics, philosophy of science, epistemology, ethics, philosophy of AI, and more. Previous philosophy postdocs have secured positions at Stanford, Syracuse, Birmingham, Reading, and other leading institutions.
Living in Umeå
Umeå is located in northern Sweden (Västerbotten County), approximately 600 km north of Stockholm. The city offers:
- Strong academic community with cohesive campuses
- Lower cost of living compared to Stockholm, Gothenburg, or Lund
- Excellent work-life balance and outdoor recreation opportunities
- Growing green economy with substantial regional investment
For scholars from Zimbabwe and SADC countries, Sweden offers a welcoming research environment with established mobility programs and English as the working language in most academic settings.
Contact Information
- Bram Vaassen, Associate Professor: bram.vaassen@umu.se, +46 90-786 61 98
- Christian Loew, Associate Professor: christian.loew@umu.se, +46 90-786 69 36
Reference number for inquiries: FS 2.1.7-930-26
