Postdoctoral Position in Psychology

Reference number PAR 2025/402
The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 56 000 students and 6 600 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.
The Department of Psychology employs over 160 people and conducts extensive research and education in collaboration with the wider society. Our research is internationally recognized for its high quality, and our programs are consistently popular. For more information, visit https://www.gu.se/en/psychology

Research area

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join a project focused on the development, training, and evaluation of machine learning prediction algorithms in the field of aging. Applications include for instance the prediction of cognitive decline, dementia, mobility, and wellbeing in older adults. The aim is to develop clinically applicable forecasting tools for diagnoses and dependency risk. The project involves secondary data analyses of already collected longitudinal datasets.

Responsibilities

The postdoctoral researcher will take a leading role in data management, data preparation, statistical modeling, and reporting results in peer-reviewed journals. As the project relies exclusively on secondary data, no data collection is involved. The researcher is also expected to actively participate in departmental research activities and scholarly events (e.g., seminars, conferences). Teaching and supervision duties may be included, up to a maximum of 20% of the position.
The position is full-time and based on-site at the Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg. The successful applicant is expected to relocate to the Gothenburg area for the duration of the position.

Qualifications

Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in psychology, biostatistics, or a related discipline within the health or social sciences. The doctoral degree must be awarded by the time of appointment. Preference will be given to applicants who received their degree within the last three years. Applicants who have held a postdoctoral position at the University of Gothenburg for more than one year in the same or a closely related subject are not eligible.
The following qualifications are meritorious but not required:
Research experience in gerontology or aging researchExperience with machine learning prediction algorithmsExperience with longitudinal data analysisApplicants must have a genuine interest in quantitative data analysis and gerontology.

Assessment criteria

The position will be offered to the candidate who, following a comprehensive assessment of qualifications, experience, and personal suitability, is deemed most capable of carrying out the project.
We are looking for a driven and curious researcher with a background in psychology, statistics, gerontology, or related health sciences. Strong skills in quantitative methods and data mining are essential. The candidate should be able to work both independently and collaboratively. Proficiency in spoken and written English is required. Knowledge of Swedish is considered an asset but is not mandatory.
Personal qualities such as reliability, resourcefulness, being self-propelled, planning ability, collaboration skills, and effective communication skills will be considered. The selection process may include interviews, work samples, and reference checks.

Employment terms

Type of position: Full-time, fixed-term postdoctoral appointment (2 years)Starting date: October 1, 2025, or as agreedLocation: Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg

How to apply

Applications must be submitted via the University of Gothenburg's recruitment portal.
Required documents:
A cover letter detailing your research interests and backgroundA complete CV including the date and title of your dissertation, names of your doctoral supervisors, and a full list of publicationsContact information (name, email, phone number) for two academic references

Contact

For questions about the position, contact:
Professor Valgeir Thorvaldsson – valgeir.thorvaldsson@psy.gu.se, +46 (0)31 786 1675Professor Linda Hassing – linda.hassing@psy.gu.se, +46 (0)31 786 42 58For questions about the recruitment process, contact:
HR Officer Therese Björkäng – therese.bjorkang@psy.gu.se, +46 (0)31 786 1632

Additional information

The University of Gothenburg values diversity and aims to create an inclusive environment with equal opportunities for all. Salaries are set individually. According to the regulations of the National Archives of Sweden, application materials will be archived for two years after the position is filled. Applicants may request that their documents be returned after that time.

Unions 

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande 

Application 

To apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to create an account in our recruitment system. Submit your application via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal by clicking the “Apply” button. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per the vacancy notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline. 
Applications must be received by: 2025-08-11
The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.

Salaries are set individually at the University.

In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.

In your application, please refer to Professorpositions.com