Leading Researcher

Profile: Leading Researcher (R4) Positions: PhD Positions Application Deadline: 11 Dec 2026 - 17:00 (Europe/Riga) Country: Latvia Type of Contract: Temporary Job Status: Part-time Hours Per Week: Less then 20 h Offer Starting Date: 7 Jan 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No Offer Description UNIVERSITY OF LATVIA (Registration No. 90000076669), Faculty of Science and Technology, invites applications for one Leading Researcher position in the area of Earth sciences, physical geography and environmental sciences, with specialization in physical geography (research on the climate of Latvia and its dynamics). The position is intended to strengthen research on the climate of Latvia and its dynamics, including climate extremes, adaptation to climate change, and climate governance, at the Department of Geography of the Faculty of Science and Technology. The successful candidate will contribute to research, teaching and supervision of students, science communication, and the attraction of national and international research funding. The position is related to the research and study activities of the Department of Geography of the Faculty of Science and Technology in climate science and climate change adaptation. Work duties and areas of responsibility: conduct research in physical geography on the trends and drivers of climate dynamics and territorial implications in Latvia, including climate extremes, the impact of climate dynamics on surface waters, and long-term and seasonal changes in climatic and hydrometeorological phenomena; assess climate change adaptation strategies and stability of climate system, and study climate change governance issues; participate in the preparation and implementation of research project for national grant competitions in Latvia, as well as for international and EU collaboration programs. Supervise the scientific work of students, doctoral students or researchers; participate in the implementation and development of study programmes, supervise final theses, advise PhD students within the area of competence, and participate in science popularisation; participate in the review and discussion of scientific works, provide expert opinions, and contribute to activities supporting the development of the Faculty and the Department of Geography. Main qualification requirements: PhD in Earth sciences, physical geography or environmental sciences; at least 6 years of research experience; language requirements: Latvian (C1) and English (B2). Specific requirements The following will be considered an advantage: research experience in climatology and climate dynamics (e.g. climate extremes, hydrometeorological phenomena, climate change adaptation); a record of publications in journals indexed in Scopus or Web of Science; experience in preparing and leading research projects and research groups in the particular field of science. Documents to be submitted: application to the Rector of the University of Latvia; CV; self-declaration; copy of educational documents. We offer: gross monthly salary: 3060,00 EUR per month for full-time position; health insurance and social guarantees; 56 paid vacation days (8 weeks) annually, with the potential up to 10 additional paid vacation days; support for research, teaching, professional development or mobility; access to infrastructure, laboratories, databases or research equipment; opportunities to participate in national and international projects; the position is expected to start after the academic staff elections, which will take place at 7 January 2027. Applications must be submitted electronically through the website www.lu.lv/en/about-us/vacancies/ by 11 of December 2026. To learn more, please contact UL by writing to pd.vakances@lu.lv . The University of Latvia is the largest comprehensive university in Latvia with a prominent standing both in the development of the entire education system and in the overall growth of the country's economy. UL is a modern center of academic and professional studies, which, along with research in natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, technical sciences, and medicine provides opportunities to acquire various types and levels of higher education to the residents of Latvia and other countries. Where to apply Website: https://www.lu.lv/en/about-us/vacancies/ Requirements Research Field: Environmental science » Earth science Education Level: PhD or equivalent Languages: LATVIAN — Excellent Languages: ENGLISH — Good Work Location(s) Number of offers available: 1 Company/Institute: Faculty of Science and Technology Country: Latvia Contact City: Riga Website: https://www.lu.lv/en/ Street: Raiņa bulvāris 19 Postal Code: LV-1586