PhD in psychology

PhD student in developmental psychology

Are you interested in working with developmental psychology, with the support of competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Are you looking for an employer that invests in sustainable employeeship and offers safe, favourable working conditions? We welcome you to apply for a fully funded PhD position at Uppsala University.

Within the Development and Neurodiversity Lab   (DiVE), we study early childhood development. One of our projects is a unique longitudinal twin study of young children, in which we investigate how genetic and environmental factors contribute to individual differences in brain development and behavior. The PhD student will work within this study, focusing on the development of temperament, emotion regulation, and prosocial behavior. Data collection for the study has been completed, and the cohort comprises more than 1,000 twins (500 twin pairs).

Duties

The duties primarily involve formulating research questions, analyzing data, writing scientific articles, and presenting research findings orally in a variety of contexts. In addition to research work, the doctoral program includes coursework equivalent to 60 higher education credits. The duties may also include teaching and other departmental responsibilities, up to a maximum of 20% of full working time.

Eligible for admission to the PhD-program  is anyone who meets the university´s conditions for both the general and the specific entry requirements. Eligibility also requires that the applicant is considered to have the capabilities needed to complete the education. (cf. SFS 2010:1064, HF ch. 7 § 35).

The general entry requirements are met by those who have completed a degree at advanced level, completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits are at advanced level. The general entry requirements are also met by those who have acquired essentially equivalent knowledge in some other way within or outside of Sweden. The university may, for an individual applicant, grant exemptions from the general requirements if there are special reasons. (cf. SFS 2010:1064, HF ch. 7 § 39).

The specific entry requirements are met by those who have passed psychology courses of 90 credits. The specific entry requirements are also met by those who have acquired essentially equivalent knowledge in some other way within or outside of Sweden.

Specific requirements

Excellent proficiency in spoken and written English is required, as well as strong general communication and collaboration skills. The position also requires documented experience in, and aptitude for, quantitative data analysis and statistics.

Desirable qualifications

Experience with research similar to that conducted within the group. Documented experience of taking independent responsibility for projects and driving them forward under supervision. Programming skills.

More information about PhD studies in psychology: https://www.uu.se/en/department/psychology/study/phd-studies

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7.

Application procedure

The application must be written in Swedish or English and contain as follow:

• Application for admission
• A personal statement, no longer than one A4 page, in which you specifically comment on your suitability in relation to the specific requirements and desired qualifications listed above, as well as any other information that is directly relevant
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Certified diploma confirming that you have basic and special qualifications
• Register extract of completed relevant courses
• Contact details for clinical and academic references Other meritorious information, for example publications

Description of the  assessment procedure  for the PhD program in psychology.

About the employment

The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7 .  Scope of employment 100 %.   Starting February 1, 2027 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact:  Professor Terje Falck-Ytter,  terje.falck-ytter@psyk.uu.se Please submit your application by November 2, 2026. UFV-PA 2026/2915.