Research Assistant in Earth Sciences

University of Gothenburg

Position: Research Assistant in Dendrochronology and Quantitative Wood Anatomy

Institution: University of Gothenburg, Department of Earth Sciences

Location: Gothenburg, Sweden

Employment type: Permanent, full-time (100% FTE)

Reference number: PAR 2026/277

About the University of Gothenburg

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. With 58,000 students and 6,800 employees, it is a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

The Department of Earth Sciences has about 80 employees and offers Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in Earth Sciences and Geography, as well as third-cycle education. Research focuses on climatology, ecosystem sciences, geology, and applied geoscience. The department’s strategy emphasizes the development of Earth System Science. More information: Department of Earth Sciences

Project description

The position is within the newly established Xylometrics Laboratory, a cutting-edge research environment dedicated to advancing microdensitometric and quantitative wood anatomical research within dendrochronology. The lab focuses on wood anatomical analyses and develops high- and low-end versions of Blue Intensity technology.

The position is funded by the ERC Consolidator grant BOREAUSTRALIS (project details). The project investigates the degree to which known climate forcing is imprinted in tree-ring data and how these records compare with climate model simulations. The infrastructure aims to improve data accessibility and quality in microdensitometric techniques, building large-scale, high-quality datasets spanning both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

Job assignments include:

  • Maintenance and management of a state-of-the-art wood anatomy laboratory
  • Preparation of wood samples and production of microsections for quantitative wood anatomy (QWA)
  • Capturing microsections using slide scanner technology
  • Participation in image analysis using ROXAS software
  • Participation in crossdating of tree-ring samples
  • Development of blue intensity (BI)-based microdensitometry data
  • Supporting laboratory workflows related to dendrochronological and anatomical analyses
  • Contributing to data quality and reproducibility
  • Assisting researchers and guest scientists in laboratory work and data production
  • Participating in dendrochronological sampling campaigns nationally and internationally (optional)

Requirements

Applicants should have:

  • A background in Earth sciences, biology, forestry, or a related field
  • Experience with laboratory work, preferably in wood anatomy or dendrochronology
  • Familiarity with microscopy, sample preparation, or image-based analysis (meritorious)
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Experience with tree-ring analysis or crossdating (meritorious)
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research team
  • Effective English communication skills, suitable for an international environment

Employment

  • Permanent full-time appointment (100%)
  • Probationary period of six months may apply
  • Start as soon as possible or no later than the end of July 2026
  • One-month training period in August 2026 at the Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL in Birmensdorf

What we offer

  • Position in a highly interdisciplinary and internationally connected research environment
  • Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities
  • Opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in climate science and dendrochronology
  • Participation in an ERC-funded project with global scientific relevance
  • Positive collegial atmosphere with interactions with PhD, MSc, and BSc students and senior researchers in the Xylometrics Lab and Gothenburg University Laboratory for Dendrochronology

Contact

Union representatives:

Application

Apply via the University of Gothenburg’s online recruitment system. The application must include:

  • Personal letter explaining why you are applying
  • Work samples (preferably digitized microsections or other relevant examples)
  • CV
  • Relevant certificates and documentation of qualifications

Applications must be complete and submitted before the deadline. Only applications submitted via the recruitment system will be considered.

Application deadline: 25 April 2026

Interviews: Early May 2026, position expected to be filled shortly thereafter

Additional information:

  • Salaries are set individually
  • Application documents are archived for two years in accordance with the National Archives of Sweden
  • The University actively promotes diversity and equal opportunities in the workplace
Apply