Linköping University DDLS PhD Position 2026 | Eligibility and How to Apply

Linköping University in Sweden is offering a fully funded PhD position in biomedical engineering, focusing on deep learning for medical image analysis. This position is part of the prestigious SciLifeLab and Wallenberg National Program for Data-Driven Life Science (DDLS), one of the most ambitious research initiatives in Europe, backed by 3.3 billion SEK over 12 years from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation. If you are passionate about using artificial intelligence to improve healthcare outcomes, this is a rare opportunity to work at the frontier of medical AI research in a world-class environment.

This position is designed for graduates with a strong background in biomedical engineering, machine learning, computer science, or a closely related field. You will join a vibrant research community dedicated to data-driven precision medicine, working alongside medical professionals, AI researchers, and international collaborators. The position is fully funded, meaning you will receive a salary and benefits while pursuing your doctoral degree.

This post covers everything you need to know about the position, including eligibility requirements, what the role involves, benefits, required documents, and a step-by-step guide to applying before the May 15, 2026 deadline.

Scholarship Overview

Eligibility

To be considered for this position, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Citizenship: No citizenship restriction is stated. The position appears open to candidates from any country, subject to Swedish work permit requirements. 
2. Academic qualifications: You must have completed a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, machine learning, statistics, computer science, or a closely related field. Alternatively, you must have completed at least 240 higher education credits, of which a minimum of 60 must be at advanced (postgraduate) level. Specific eligibility for doctoral studies in Biomedical Engineering Science requires at least 60 advanced-level credits in a relevant field.
3. Work experience: Not required, but knowledge of computer vision, medical image analysis, and deep learning is expected.
4. Language requirements: Documented proficiency in English is required. 
5. Other requirements: You must have substantial programming experience, especially in Python. You are expected to be independent, meticulous, and efficient, with good communication skills and an ability to engage actively in team discussions and meetings.

Eligible Countries

The job posting does not restrict applicants by nationality. All countries appear eligible, subject to Swedish immigration and work permit regulations.

If you are from outside the European Union or European Economic Area (EU/EEA), you will likely need to apply for a work permit to take up employment in Sweden.

Eligible Fields of Study

The position is specifically targeted at graduates from the following fields:

Biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, machine learning, statistics, computer science, and any closely related area relevant to medical image analysis and deep learning. Candidates from adjacent disciplines with demonstrable expertise in the required technical areas may also be considered.

Benefits

This is a salaried position, not a traditional scholarship. As a PhD student at Linköping University, you will receive:

1. Starting monthly salary of SEK 36,400 (revised annually on October 1), with progression based on a locally negotiated salary scale.
2. No tuition fees apply, as PhD positions in Sweden are employment-based.
3. Access to state-of-the-art computing infrastructure, including the national Berzelius supercomputing facility and powerful local computers for machine learning research.
4. Employment benefits as per Linköping University’s standard package, which includes health and social security coverage under the Swedish employment system. [Full details available at Linköping University’s employment benefits page]
5. Collaborative opportunities with researchers at Linköping University Hospital, the Computer Vision Laboratory, and the Division of Statistics and Machine Learning.

Required Documents

Prepare the following before you apply:

1. Academic transcripts from all relevant higher education institutions
2. Degree certificate(s) confirming your Master’s-level qualification
3. Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing your academic and professional background
4. Cover letter or personal statement explaining your motivation and relevant expertise
5. Proof of English language proficiency (such as IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent) 
6. Contact details for at least two academic references or reference letters 
7. Any published work, thesis, or project reports demonstrating relevant research experience
8. Passport or national ID copy 

How to Apply

Follow these steps carefully to submit a complete and competitive application:

Step 1: Read the full job posting at the official URL (https://liu.se/en/work-at-liu/vacancies/29003) to confirm all requirements match your profile.

Step 2: Gather all required documents, including transcripts, your CV, degree certificate, and proof of English proficiency.

Step 3: Prepare a strong cover letter that specifically explains your experience in computer vision, medical image analysis, or deep learning, and how your background fits this particular project on lung cancer detection using CT imaging.

Step 4: Clearly describe your Python programming experience and any relevant projects, research, or publications in your CV.

Step 5: Identify two academic referees who can speak to your technical skills and research potential. Contact them in advance to inform them you are applying.

Step 6: Visit the official application portal at Linköping University’s vacancies page and click the “Apply” button on the vacancy listing (Ref IMT-2026-00023).

Step 7: Complete the online application form, uploading all required documents as directed by the portal.

Step 8: Review your entire application carefully before submission to ensure there are no missing documents or errors.

Step 9: Submit your application before 23:59 CET on May 15, 2026. Late applications will not be considered.

Step 10: If you have questions about the position itself, contact senior supervisor Anders Eklund at anders.eklund@liu.se or call +46 13 28 67 14. For administrative and HR questions, contact Christina Inglisedotter at christina.inglisedotter@liu.se.

Key Dates and Timeline

Application Deadline

The application deadline is May 15, 2026, at 23:59 CET (Central European Time).

Applications and documents received after this time will NOT be accepted. Do not wait until the last day.

Selection Criteria

The selection panel will evaluate candidates based on the following:

1. Academic excellence: A strong academic record at Master’s level in a relevant field, with demonstrated expertise in deep learning, computer vision, or medical image analysis.
2. Technical ability: Proven Python programming skills and hands-on experience with machine learning frameworks. Prior work on medical image datasets will be a significant advantage.
3. Research potential: Evidence of independent thinking, problem-solving ability, and potential to contribute original ideas to the research project.
4. Communication skills: The position involves frequent interaction with supervisors, medical doctors, and other researchers. Candidates must demonstrate strong verbal and written communication ability in English.
5. Personal qualities: The selection panel looks for independence, attention to detail, and efficiency. The ideal candidate is someone who actively participates in discussions and can collaborate across disciplines.
6. Diversity and background: Linköping University explicitly welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives as part of its commitment to equal opportunities.

Important Tips

1. Tailor your cover letter directly to this project. Mention lung cancer detection, CT imaging, and multimodal data fusion specifically. A generic cover letter will not stand out.
2. Highlight any experience with 3D medical image data (CT volumes, MRI) in your CV and cover letter. This is directly relevant to the project.
3. Demonstrate familiarity with the SCAPIS study or similar population-based medical imaging datasets if you have any, as this is the dataset central to the research.
4. Mention specific deep learning frameworks you have worked with, such as PyTorch or TensorFlow, and any experience with segmentation, detection, or classification of medical images.
5. Apply early. Submitting your application weeks before the deadline gives you time to fix any technical issues with the portal and reduces stress.
6. Reach out to the supervisor before applying. Sending a brief, professional email to Anders Eklund (anders.eklund@liu.se) to express your interest and ask a thoughtful question about the research can help you stand out as a genuinely motivated candidate.
7. Make your CV concise and achievement-focused. List relevant projects, GitHub repositories, publications, or thesis work prominently.
8. Ensure your English proficiency documentation is current and meets academic standards, as this is explicitly listed as a requirement for doctoral admission.
9. Familiarise yourself with Sweden’s PhD system. Swedish PhD students are employees, not students in the traditional sense. Understanding this distinction shows maturity and preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a scholarship or a paid job?

This is a paid employment position. PhD students at Swedish universities are employed, receive a salary (starting at SEK 36,400 per month), and have access to Sweden’s social welfare and employment benefits system.

Can international students outside Europe apply?

The posting does not restrict applicants by nationality. However, non-EU/EEA applicants will need a Swedish work permit to take up the position. We recommend checking with the Swedish Migration Agency for guidance on permit requirements.

Do I need a Master’s degree, or is a Bachelor’s degree enough?

You must have completed a Master’s degree (or equivalent), or at least 240 higher education credits, with a minimum of 60 credits at advanced level. A Bachelor’s degree alone is not sufficient.

Is Swedish language required?

The posting does not require Swedish language skills. English proficiency is the stated language requirement, and research environments at Linköping University operate in English. However, learning some Swedish will help with daily life.

How long is the PhD program?

The normal duration is four years of full-time study. This can be extended to five years if the student takes on teaching or departmental duties (up to 20% of full time). Further extensions may be granted in exceptional circumstances.

What is the research focus of this specific position?

The research focuses on developing deep learning methods for early detection of lung cancer using chest CT volumes and clinical variables, using data from the Swedish SCAPIS project covering more than 30,000 subjects. This includes detecting lung nodules and classifying them as benign or malignant.

Who should I contact if I have questions before applying?

For research-related questions, contact Associate Professor Anders Eklund at anders.eklund@liu.se or +46 13 28 67 14. For HR and administrative questions, contact Christina Inglisedotter at christina.inglisedotter@liu.se or +46 13 28 10 13.

Can I apply if my degree is in a field not explicitly listed, such as physics or mathematics?

The posting says candidates from fields “considered relevant for the research topic” may apply. If your background includes strong quantitative skills, programming experience, and exposure to machine learning or image processing, it is worth applying and making the case clearly in your cover letter.

Official Link

Apply directly through Linköping University’s official vacancies portal: https://liu.se/en/work-at-liu/vacancies/29003

Reference number: IMT-2026-00023

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