Postdoc Position in Biogeochemistry

University of Gothenburg

Reference number: PAR 2026/100
Application deadline: 15 March 2026
Start date: Negotiable, preferably no later than 31 May 2026
Location: Department of Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
Employment type: Fixed-term, 2 years, full-time (100%)

About the University of Gothenburg

The University of Gothenburg is a leading university with 58,000 students and 6,800 employees, dedicated to tackling societal challenges with diverse knowledge. Strong research and educational programmes attract researchers and students from around the world.

About the Department

The Department of Marine Sciences (https://www.gu.se/en/marina-vetenskaper) offers a complete environment for marine science research and education in Sweden. The department’s scope includes:

  • Marine biology, chemistry, geology, and oceanography

  • Preservation of marine cultural heritage

  • Education at BSc, MSc, and PhD levels

The department operates at two marine research stations (Tjärnö and Kristineberg) and conducts research expeditions on the vessel Skagerak. Researchers often participate in international collaborations, including polar and global ocean expeditions.

Project Description

The postdoc will join the international, interdisciplinary project “FAME: Fjord Alien Microeukaryotes – New Drivers of Ecosystem Functioning?” funded by the Swedish Research Council (VR).

Focus of FAME:

  • Study of invasive benthic foraminifera (Nonionella sp. T1) in Swedish fjords

  • Assessment of their contribution to nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) cycling

  • Evaluation of their impact on fjord biodiversity

The postdoc will work in a team of researchers from Sweden, France (LPG University of Angers), and Germany (University of Hamburg).

Duties

  • Plan and conduct fieldwork, laboratory work, and analyses independently

  • Analyse living benthic foraminifera using CTG-labelling and epifluorescent microscopy

  • Perform nutrient analyses (nitrate, phosphate) in sediment porewater using centrifugation and 2D-gels

  • Measure intracellular nitrate and phosphate storage and foraminifera-mediated denitrification

  • Examine apatite presence in dead foraminifera shells

  • Collaborate with project members on data analysis, publications, and presentations at international conferences

  • Contribute to BSc and MSc teaching and public science outreach as required

Eligibility

Applicants must hold a doctoral degree (or foreign equivalent) in:

  • Marine geology

  • Marine ecology

  • Biogeochemistry

  • Or a closely related field

Preference: Candidates who completed their degree within the last three years, unless special grounds exist (e.g., parental leave, clinical service, union assignments, or relevant professional experience).

Required Qualifications

  • Strong research experience with benthic foraminifera or other microeukaryotes and/or marine sediment biogeochemistry

  • Excellent oral and written English proficiency

  • Demonstrated ability to lead and co-author scientific publications

Highly desirable skills (candidate should fulfil at least two):

  • Sampling, preparation, and analysis of benthic foraminifera or microeukaryotes

  • Colorimetric and chemoluminescence analysis of porewater and intracellular nutrients

  • Epifluorescent microscopy

  • Microelectrode measurements

Additional: A valid driver’s license (category B) is beneficial. Strong social and communication skills are valued.

Assessment Criteria

Candidates will be assessed on:

  • Academic track record relative to experience

  • Proficiency in English

  • Motivation and ability to successfully complete scientific projects

  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively

  • Willingness to disseminate research results to the public

  • Teaching contributions at MSc and BSc levels

Top candidates may be invited for an interview.

Employment Conditions

  • Type: Fixed-term postdoctoral position (2 years)

  • Extent: 100%

  • Location: Department of Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg

  • Start date: Negotiable, preferably by May 2026

Application Instructions

Submit your application via the University of Gothenburg recruitment portal. Ensure your application is complete and includes:

  1. Cover letter

  2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

  3. Copy of doctoral degree certificate and transcripts (certified and translated to English if needed)

  4. Contact information for two references (recent PhD supervisors; recommendation letters will be requested later)

  5. Up to 3 selected publications of relevance

Deadline: 15 March 2026

Contact Information

Union information:
https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande

Information for International Applicants

The University actively promotes equality and diversity in the workplace. Salaries are set individually. Application documents are archived for two years.

Apply