Reference Number: PAR 2026/530
Department: Department of Earth Sciences
Institution: University of Gothenburg
Employment Type: Fixed-Term
Duration: 2 Years (Full-Time, 100%)
Starting Date: 1 October 2026, or upon agreement
Application Deadline: 31 July 2026

About the University

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

The Department of Earth Sciences conducts interdisciplinary research spanning the land, oceans, and atmosphere. We investigate Earth systems, human–environment interactions, and their impacts to address global sustainability challenges. The department has strong expertise in advanced research tools, including:

• Remote sensing
• Climate modelling
• Isotope analysis
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Subject Area

Regional Climate Dynamics

Subject Area Description

The subject refers to the study of dynamic processes governing regional climate variability across different climate regimes. It focuses on the mechanisms linking large-scale atmospheric circulation, mesoscale processes, and local feedbacks that shape precipitation, storms, and hydroclimatic events.

A particular strategic emphasis is placed on understanding regional climate dynamics and extreme events in high-mountain and monsoon-affected environments, where complex topography and land–atmosphere interactions strongly influence atmospheric circulation and local extreme events.

To strengthen this profile, expertise in process-based climate and weather modelling across spatial scales and regions is considered highly meritorious.

The primary criterion for the position is scientific excellence, and researchers with outstanding documented merit within regional climate dynamics are encouraged to apply.

Duties

The postdoctoral researcher will lead research on extreme precipitation associated with the Asian summer monsoon over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) under climate change.

The position focuses on understanding how climate warming affects:

• Monsoon-driven changes in local dynamical and thermodynamical processes.
• Large-scale moisture transport.
• Atmospheric circulation.
• The characteristics of mesoscale convective systems (MCS).

The work includes:

• Analysis of observational datasets and reanalysis datasets to characterize MCS occurrence and associated large-scale drivers.
• High-resolution atmospheric modelling (e.g., WRF) to investigate selected case studies.
• Quantifying the influence of monsoon variability on MCSs.
• Dynamical downscaling using ERA5 reanalysis to assess long-term trends and variability in MCS activity under changing climate conditions.

The postdoctoral researcher is expected to:

• Contribute to model configuration.
• Design simulations.
• Analyse data.
• Prepare scientific publications.
• Collaborate closely with project partners.
• Work both independently and collaboratively.
• Co-supervise MSc or BSc students, where appropriate.

Eligibility

To be eligible for appointment as a postdoctoral researcher, applicants must:

• Hold a doctoral degree in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, Climate Science, or a closely related field before the start of the position.

Applicants who have not obtained their PhD at the time of application must attach a letter from their supervisor confirming the expected defence date.

The doctoral degree must have been awarded no more than three years before the application deadline, unless special circumstances apply.

Applicants whose degree was awarded more than three years before the closing date may also be considered where special grounds exist, including:

• Illness.
• Parental leave.
• Union-related commissions.
• Military service.
• Clinical service.
• Other relevant service or assignments.

Assessment Criteria

Essential

• Background in atmospheric sciences or a climate-related field.
• Experience analysing atmospheric processes relevant to clouds, monsoon circulation and/or climate variability.
• Experience working with reanalysis datasets and large observational datasets.
• Proficiency in scientific programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB, Fortran, or similar).
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.

Meritorious

• Demonstrated experience in numerical atmospheric modelling (e.g., WRF or comparable regional climate models).
• Experience with high-resolution or convection-permitting simulations.
• Experience working with High Performance Computing (HPC) environments.
• Strong publication record related to:Experience in international research collaborations.
  • Asian summer monsoon.
  • Extreme precipitation.
  • Tibetan Plateau.

Applicants should be:

• Highly motivated.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong in analytical and problem-solving skills.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability and the ability to collaborate within an international and interdisciplinary research environment.

Employment

• Employment Type: Fixed-term.
• Duration: Two years*.
• Workload: 100% (Full-Time).
• Department: Department of Earth Sciences.
• Starting Date: 1 October 2026, or upon agreement.

*Employment may be extended if necessary to achieve the purpose of the employment; however, the total period of employment may not exceed three years.

Contact Information

Hans Linderholm

Head of Department

Email: hansl@gvc.gu.se

Hui-Wen Lai

Project Leader

Email: hui-wen.lai@gu.se

HR Contact

For questions regarding the recruitment process:

Email: therese.vestlund@gu.se

Union Information

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found via the University's employment information page.

Application

Submit your application through the University of Gothenburg Recruitment Portal by clicking the "Apply" button.

Applicants must ensure that the application is complete and submitted before the application deadline.

Required Documents

• Cover letter explaining:
  • Motivation for applying.
  • Future research plans.
  • Maximum two pages.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV), including:Contact details for two referees.
  • Complete publication list.
  • Conference presentations.
• Certificates:
  • Degree certificates; or
  • Letter from the PhD supervisor confirming the expected graduation date.

Application Deadline: 31 July 2026

Additional Information

The University of Gothenburg works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.

Salaries are determined individually.

In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden's regulations, application documents will be archived for two years after the appointment has been filled. If applicants request the return of their documents, they will be returned after this two-year period; otherwise, they will be destroyed.

In connection with this recruitment, the University has already decided which recruitment channels to use and therefore declines further contact from vendors, recruitment agencies and staffing companies.

In your application, please refer to Professorpositions.com