Postdoctoral Position in Geography

University of Gothenburg

Institution: University of Gothenburg, Sweden
Department: Earth Sciences
Reference Number: PAR 2025/814
Employment Type: Full-time (100%)
Position Type: Doctoral student / Third-cycle education
Start Date: As soon as possible or by agreement
Application Deadline: 19 January 2026

About the Department

  • The Department of Earth Sciences has ~70 employees (10 PhD students) working in Physical Geography, Ecosystem Sciences, and Geology.

  • Priority research themes: Climate and Climate Change, Earth Surface Processes, The Geosphere.

  • Facilities: Ice Lab, DJI drones, biogeochemical analysis labs.

  • Department mission: Research, education, and societal services to improve understanding of the Earth system.

Website: Department of Earth Sciences
Doctoral studies info: Doctoral Studies at GU

Project Description

  • Focus: Effects of climate change on tundra vegetation in the Swedish Arctic.

  • Aim: Assess the utility of hyperspectral satellite data to quantify biochemical and biophysical properties of tundra vegetation.

  • Research Questions:

    • Can hyperspectral data detect vegetation changes due to warmer/drier climate?

    • Can plant diversity be detected via hyperspectral data?

    • What are the benefits of combining hyperspectral and multispectral satellite data?

  • Funding: Swedish National Space Agency

  • Research Methods: Field work, lab work, computer-based analysis; includes remote sensing, chemical analysis, UAV data collection, geospatial analysis, machine learning, multivariate statistics, and programming (Python/R).

Duties

  • Conduct PhD research under supervision, develop analytical, methodological, and theoretical skills.

  • Potential departmental duties up to 20% (teaching, administration).

  • Perform field work in tundra environments during the vegetation period.

Eligibility

General requirements:

  • Completed second-cycle (Master’s) degree or equivalent (240 ECTS, 60 at second-cycle level).

Specific requirements:

  • Master’s degree in physical geography or a closely related field (e.g., environmental science, geology) with substantial physical geography components.

  • Applicants near completion of Master’s degree may apply if they will finish before starting.

Assessment Criteria

Essential attributes:

  • Knowledge of remote sensing theory and data analysis

  • Quantitative methods/statistics

  • Strong English communication

  • Ability and willingness to perform field work

Advantageous attributes:

  • Experience with multispectral/hyperspectral satellite data

  • GIS, climate data, or plant ecology coursework

  • Knowledge of plant physiology

  • Drone operation or willingness to learn

  • Programming skills (Python, R)

  • Experience with tundra vegetation

Admission and Employment

  • Upon admission to third-cycle studies, employed as a doctoral student under SFS 1993:100.

  • Initial employment: max 1 year, renewable up to 2 years; total employment not exceeding 4 years full-time equivalent.

  • Salary: According to local doctoral student agreement.

Contact Information

Union Info: Union Representatives at GU

Application Requirements

  • Cover letter addressing selection criteria

  • CV

  • Degree certificates and transcripts

  • Master’s thesis or equivalent

  • Employment certificates and other relevant documents

Application portal: University of Gothenburg recruitment system
Deadline: 19 January 2026

International applicant info:

Apply