Postdoctoral Position in Sociology

Reference number: PAR 2025/954

About the University of Gothenburg

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 58,000 students and 6,800 employees make the university 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 new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

About the Department

The Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences (BioEnv) conducts teaching and research activities spanning alpine ecosystems, forests, cultivated land, streams, and marine environments. Research addresses different levels of biological organisation, from genes, individuals and populations to communities and ecosystems. The department works within ecology, evolution, physiology, systematics, and combinations of these fields to understand the impacts of natural and anthropogenic environmental change.

The department is located at two sites: Natrium at Medicinaregatan 7B in Gothenburg, and the Kristineberg marine research station operated by the Marine Infrastructure at the University of Gothenburg. This position is based at Natrium.

We Offer

The University of Gothenburg is a state authority, which means special benefits, more holidays, and a strong pension scheme. More information about employment benefits is available on the university website.

Subject Area

Tropical Forest Socio-Ecology

Subject Area Description

The research focuses on advancing biodiversity conservation and ecosystem service assessment to support selection of native tree species for climate-adapted forest restoration and agroforestry in the Albertine Rift region of Africa. The postdoctoral researcher will integrate ecological, climatic, and social factors to evaluate species adaptability, environmental benefits, and ecosystem service provisioning.

A central component involves collaboration with diverse stakeholders to understand restoration and agroforestry needs and ensure socially grounded species recommendations. The position bridges ecological science and participatory approaches to develop evidence-based, purpose-driven native tree species selection frameworks that enhance landscape resilience, human well-being, and long-term forest restoration success.

Duties

The aim of the position is to advance the scientific and applied foundations for selecting climate-adapted native tree species that enhance biodiversity, ecosystem services, and community well-being within the Albertine Rift.

The postdoctoral researcher will lead key components of the Biodiversa+ funded project “OpTIBES – Optimisation of Tree Species Selection for Improved Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services.” This includes synthesizing biodiversity, ecosystem service, and environmental suitability data to support climate-adapted species recommendations.

Tasks include:

• Conducting a systematic literature review

• Mapping and engaging stakeholder groups

• Coordinating participatory workshops and Delphi-based expert assessments mainly in Rwanda, Burundi, and the DRC

• Analysing ecological, trait-based, and environmental datasets to establish species–environment relationships

• Assessing tree species sensitivity to climate stressors using global databases and experimental data from the Rwanda TREE project (https://www.rwandatree.com)

The researcher will collaborate closely with OpTIBES partners, including universities in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, as well as universities, government agencies, and NGOs in Rwanda, Burundi, and the DR Congo. The postdoc will contribute to scientific publications, reporting, and dissemination, supporting translation of results into actionable restoration and agroforestry recommendations.

The position is embedded in an interdisciplinary, international research environment covering ecology, remote sensing, socio-ecological systems, and climate adaptation. The working environment supports independent initiative, cross-disciplinary integration, and translation of scientific insights into practical guidance for sustainable forest landscape restoration.

The successful applicant may co-supervise PhD, MSc, and BSc students. A teaching agreement of up to 20% of full-time employment may be negotiated, which could extend the duration of employment.

The postdoctoral researcher will be hosted at the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences under the main supervision of Professor Göran Wallin, in collaboration with Professor Johan Uddling and Associate Professor Aida Cuni-Sanchez (Norwegian University of Life Sciences). The project is associated with BECC (Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in a Changing Climate; http://www.becc.lu.se/) and the Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Center (GGBC) (https://www.gu.se/en/ggbc-global-biodiversity).

Eligibility

Eligibility criteria follow Chapter 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance and the Appointment Procedure for Teaching Posts at the University of Gothenburg.

Applicants must hold a doctoral degree, a doctoral degree in art, or an equivalent foreign degree. This requirement must be met before the employment decision is made.

Priority is given to applicants who completed their doctoral degree no more than three years before the application deadline. Applicants who completed their degree earlier may also be considered if special grounds exist, such as parental leave, illness, military service, union assignments, or other relevant circumstances.

Assessment Criteria

Required Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in Plant Ecology, Forest Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Agroforestry, Conservation Biology, or a closely related field

• Excellent written and spoken English, with proven ability to write scientific publications and present research clearly

• Strong analytical skills for biological and socio-ecological data

• Experience in field-based ecological or forestry research, preferably in tropical or sub-tropical environments

• Willingness to conduct socio-ecological field work in tropical Africa, mainly Rwanda

Desirable Qualifications

• Strong publication record in tropical forest ecology, tree ecophysiology, tree mortality, and/or forest ecosystem services

• Background in restoration ecology, agroforestry systems, or forest management planning

• Experience in biodiversity assessment and/or ecosystem service evaluation

• Field experience in East or Central Africa or other culturally diverse research settings

• Demonstrated ability to work with local communities, government agencies, or NGOs

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in international research teams

• Experience with quantitative and qualitative data analysis in R

• Teaching and student supervision experience

• Familiarity with participatory research methods

• French language skills (asset, not required)

• Experience in science outreach

Application Documents

The application should preferably be written in English and must include:

• Cover letter describing how the applicant meets the selection criteria

• Curriculum Vitae

• PhD degree certificate

• Complete list of publications, including submitted and accepted manuscripts

Short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview.

Employment

• Temporary employment for two years

• Extent: 100% full-time

• Placement: Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences

• Start date: 2026-03-16 or upon agreement

Contact Information

Göran Wallin, Professor
Phone: +46 (0)705-821155
Email: goran.wallin@bioenv.gu.se
Webpage: https://www.gu.se/en/about/find-staff/goranwallin

Åsa Arrhenius, Head of Department
Phone: +46 31 786 26 25
Email: asa.arrhenius@bioenv.gu.se

For questions about the employment process:
Email: hr@bioenv.gu.se

Unions

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg:
https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande

Application Procedure

Submit your application via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal. Ensure that the application is complete and received by the deadline.

Publications that cannot be uploaded digitally should be sent in one copy to:

Department of Biological and Environmental Science
Att: Göran Wallin
University of Gothenburg
Box 463
SE-405 30 Gothenburg
Sweden

Label the envelope:
“Postdoctoral Position in Biodiversity, Ecosystem Services, and Stakeholder-Driven Species Selection, PAR 2025/954.”

Publications must be received no later than the application deadline.

Application deadline: 20 January 2026

Information for International Applicants

Information on living and working in Gothenburg is available at:

• https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services

• https://www.movetogothenburg.com/

The University of Gothenburg actively promotes equal opportunities and values diversity. Salaries are set individually.

In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, application documents are archived for two years after appointment.

The University has decided on recruitment channels and declines further contact with vendors, recruitment, and staffing companies.

In your application, please refer to Professorpositions.com