Postdoctoral Fellow in Ecology

University of Gothenburg

University: University of Gothenburg, Sweden
Reference Number: PAR 2025/697
Faculty: Faculty of Arts – HDK-Valand, in collaboration with the Hasselblad Foundation
Employment Type: Full-time, Fixed-term (2 years)
Starting Date: 1 September 2026 (or as agreed)
Application Deadline: 30 January 2026

About the Faculty & Collaboration

  • HDK-Valand – School of Art and Design and the Hasselblad Foundation collaborate to support photographic research.

  • The postdoctoral fellow will be part of the unit for film, photography, and literature, focusing on the intersection of photography with nature, environment, ecology, and climate.

  • The Plants & Symbiosis: Expanding Photography project explores photography’s role in botany and ecology from multidisciplinary perspectives, including ecofeminism, indigenous knowledge, and sustainable technologies.

Role Overview

The postdoctoral fellow will:

  • Conduct independent, practice-based or practice-led research in photography, lens-based technologies, or photographic methods.

  • Contribute to research and teaching at HDK-Valand and collaborative activities with the Hasselblad Foundation.

  • Present projects in artistic, public, and academic contexts.

  • Engage in research symposia, educational seminars, and exhibitions.

Primary Focus Areas:

  • Innovative approaches to contemporary nature photography

  • Archival and photohistorical studies relevant to ecology and conservation

  • Intersection of photography, technology, and ecological research

  • Ethical and critical perspectives on environmental and technological issues

Eligibility & Qualifications

Required:

  • Doctoral degree (or equivalent) in relevant fields (art, photography, visual culture, or interdisciplinary studies)

  • Degree obtained no more than three years prior to application (exceptions possible for special circumstances)

  • Strong knowledge and experience in photography, art, and visual practices

  • Ability to design and execute an independent, innovative project

  • Communication, collaboration, and organizational skills

  • Ethical and critical approach to subject matter and technology

Desirable:

  • Practice-based or practice-led artistic research

  • Engagement with interdisciplinary projects (e.g., conservation, citizen science, XR storytelling)

  • Teaching experience

Application Requirements

  1. Project description (max. 6,000 characters) outlining research plan

  2. CV including bibliography and three references

  3. Portfolio: two examples of previous work related to the call + a 1-page account of research activities

  4. Copies of educational certificates/diplomas

Language: Applications may be submitted in English or Swedish.

Employment & Benefits

  • Full-time (100%) for 2 years, based at HDK-Valand, Gothenburg

  • Work primarily on campus; remote work may be allowed per university regulations

  • Participation in research, teaching, exhibitions, and collaborative projects

  • Opportunity to contribute to innovative, internationally connected photographic research

Contacts

Unions: University of Gothenburg Union Representatives

Apply