PhD student in Physical Geography: mapping permafrost landforms and soils

Stockholm University

Position details

• Institution: Stockholm University, Department of Physical Geography
• Location: Stockholm, Stockholms län, Sweden
• Employment type: Temporary, full-time (100% FTE)
• Salary: Fixed salary
• Number of positions: 1
• Reference number: SU FV-0859-26

About the Department of Physical Geography

The Department of Physical Geography is one of the major departments within the Faculty of Science. The department has approximately 110 employees and educates around 1,000 students annually.

Research and education in Physical Geography cover a wide-ranging scientific field, dealing with the diverse physical and biological features of Earth, their characteristics, processes, patterns, and interactions with humans. The department studies connected physical, chemical, biological, geological, environmental, and social processes and changes in the world’s land areas, water, ice, and geological formations, climate systems, and ecosystems, in relation to each other and to human societies.

We offer a stimulating and friendly environment in a diverse and international institution with research and education at a very high level.

More information: Department of Physical Geography

Project description

The northern permafrost region has been projected to shift from a net sink of greenhouse gases to a net source under global warming. The PhD candidate will create improved geospatial databases of permafrost landscapes through mapping of landforms and soils across the circumpolar permafrost region.

The research contributes to:

• Rapid Permafrost Thaw Carbon Trajectories (PetCat) project funded under Schmidt Futures
• Northern Peatlands in the face of climate warming and abrupt changes (CLIMPEAT) ERC Synergy project funded by the European Research Council

You will work in a dynamic international research environment with opportunities for international collaboration and exchange.

Research tasks include:

• Landform mapping and digital soil mapping
• Compilation and analysis of geodata for permafrost landscape characterization
• Mapping of geomorphology, surface hydrology, vegetation dynamics and phenology, freeze-thaw dynamics, and spectral characteristics of the land surface
• Enhanced mapping products to support land surface modelling and greenhouse gas upscaling
• Possible fieldwork in permafrost regions

Qualification requirements

General entry requirements:

• Completed a second-cycle degree, or equivalent knowledge (at least 240 higher education credits, including 60 credits at advanced level).

Specific entry requirements:

• Knowledge in Earth Science, Biology-Earth Science, Geography, or other relevant natural or engineering sciences
• Independent work totaling at least 30 higher education credits, with at least 15 credits at advanced level

Selection criteria

Selection is based on the capacity to benefit from the training:

• Documented knowledge relevant to geodata compilation and analysis, and digital soil mapping
• Documented knowledge of permafrost landscapes

Additional assessment:

• Analytical and creative thinking
• Initiative and independence
• Ability to collaborate
• Written and oral proficiency in English

Admission Regulations: Doctoral Studies at Stockholm University

About the employment

• Fixed-term employment as a doctoral student according to Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100)
• Duration corresponds to full-time doctoral education for four years
• Employment may include up to 20% work with education, research, or administration
• Initial employment is for one year and may be renewed for up to two years at a time
• Stockholm University is committed to equal opportunities and a workplace free from discrimination

Contact

• Gustaf Hugelius: +46 8 674 78 73, gustaf.hugelius@natgeo.su.se

Union representatives:

• ST/OFR: st@st.su.se
• Saco-S: saco@saco.su.se
• Seko: sekodirekt@seko.se

Application

Apply via Stockholm University’s recruitment system. Attach a personal letter, CV, and required documents. Ensure the application is complete and submitted before the deadline.

Instructions: How to apply for a position

Published: 17 Mar 2026
Application deadline: 23 Apr 2026