Post doctor (2 years) within data privacy and machine learning

Wifo; Umeå kommun; On-site; SEK 350,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

Wifo is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Data Privacy and Machine Learning for a full-time, two-year position starting January 8, 2026. The project involves developing privacy-aware ML models for complex data, collaborating internationally, and preparing publications.

Applicants should have a PhD in Computer Science or related field, proven experience in data privacy and ML, and a strong publication record. The application includes a cover letter, CV, and other relevant documents, due by August 9.

This position encourages candidates from all backgrounds and supports equal opportunities.

Qualifications

• PhD (or equivalent) completed no later than three years before appointment.
• Documented knowledge in data privacy and machine learning.
• Strong publication record in top conferences.
• Excellent command of English.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on privacy-aware machine learning.
• Design algorithms and evaluate privacy models.
• Publish results in top venues.
• Collaborate with national and international research groups.

Skills

Data privacy

Machine learning algorithms

Research experience

Strong publication record

English proficiency

Education

PhD in Computer Science or related field

Job description

Postdoctoral researcher in data privacy and machine learning (2 years)

Full‑time position for two years, starting 8 January 2026 (or as mutually agreed).

Project description and working tasks

The project will develop privacy‑aware machine learning (ML) models for complex data, including temporal data. It covers data‑driven models built from synthetic data, privacy measures and models (differential, integral, k‑anonymity) across centralized and decentralized settings, with federated learning for decentralized data. The goal is to understand fundamental principles that enable privacy‑aware AI systems and to develop algorithms at scale.

Responsibilities

Conduct research on privacy‑aware machine learning, including designing algorithms, evaluating privacy models, and publishing results. Collaborate with national and international research groups and contribute to the group’s activities, including the journal of data privacy. Engage with the private and public sectors as required. Prepare publications in top venues (NeurIPS, ICML, S&P, PETs, ESORICS, etc.).

Qualifications

• PhD (or equivalent) in Computer Science or a related field, completed no later than three years before the appointment (special reasons such as illness or parental leave are considered).
• Documented knowledge and proven research experience in data privacy and machine learning algorithms.
• Strong publication record in top machine‑learning and security/privacy conferences.
• Excellent command of English (written and spoken).

Application

• Cover letter (maximum 2 pages) describing research interests and relevance to the position.
• Curriculum vitae with publication list.
• Verified copy of doctoral degree certificate or documentation of expected completion.
• Verified copies of other diplomas and academic records.
• Copy of doctoral thesis and up to five relevant articles.
• Additional documents (if desired).
• Contact information for two references.

Application must be written in English or Swedish and submitted through the electronic recruitment system in Word or PDF format. The closing date is 9 August. For further details contact Vicenç Torra, [e-mail].

Information box – Equal opportunity

Umeå University provides an equal environment and encourages applications from all backgrounds. The university welcomes applicants with a range of experiences.

The post‑doctoral position is funded by the WASP Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program and contributes to a national strategic research initiative. For more information on WASP, see https://wasp-sweden.org/.