Postdoctoral Position in Geography

University of Gothenburg

Sweden

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.