Postdoctor in data analysis with applications in environmental sciences

At the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences (BioEnv) we have teaching and research activities that stretch from the alpine ecosystem, through forests, cultivated land and streams, all the way into the marine environment. In these environments we study different levels of biological organisation from genes, individuals and populations, to communities and ecosystems. We work within ecology, evolution, physiology, systematics and combinations of these fields in order to understand the impact of natural and anthropogenic changes of the environment.

The department is placed at two different localities: in Natrium at Medicinaregatan 7B in Gothenburg and at the Kristineberg marine research station operated by the Marine Infrastructure at the University of Gothenburg. The current position is placed at Natrium Medicinaregatan 7B.

We offer

The University of Gothenburg is a state authority, which means special benefits, more holidays and a great pension. You can read more about our employment benefits here.

Subject area

Environmental sciences

Subject area description

Chemicals in water are an increasing global concern, affecting ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Pollutants such as pesticides, industrial waste, pharmaceuticals, and heavy metals often enter waterways through runoff and wastewater effluents. These substances can disrupt aquatic life, contaminate drinking water supplies, and accumulate in the food chain.

We are now looking for a postdoctor who wants to contribute to a better understanding of environmental and health risks from these chemicals. The postdoctoral project is part of a larger project funded by VINNOVA, called “New chempraxis 2.0". The overall aim is to address the growing risks of unwanted chemicals in water, which threaten both the environment and public health. The aim is to develop and implement a new national praxis for risk assessment and early management of chemicals in water.

Duties

We are looking for a postdoctor who wants to work at the interface of data analysis, environmental science, and risk assessment. In this role, you will develop and apply modelling tools for chemical hazardousness to address the data needs required for assessing chemical risks towards the environment and human health, both in drinking water, surface water, and wastewater effluents.

The work builds on existing models and experimental data from both animal studies and cell lines, aiming to efficiently interpret complex information and draw conclusions that can support water managers.

The work will result in a digital tool that enables employees at authorities and companies to assess the risk from chemicals they suspect may be present in the water.

You will work as part of a group with expertise in risk assessment, environmental chemistry, statistics, and programming. The project is embedded within a larger consortium that includes collaborators from 12 different companies and universities.

Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for employing teaching staff are set out in Chapter 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance and in the Appointment Procedure for Teaching Posts at the University of Gothenburg.

To be eligible for appointment as a postdoc, the applicant is required to have a doctoral degree, a doctoral degree in art or a foreign degree that is deemed to be equivalent to a doctoral degree. This eligibility requirement must be met before the employment decision is made.

In the first instance, those who have completed their degree no more than three years prior to the end of the application period shall be considered. Those who have completed their degree more than three years prior to the end of the application period may also be considered in the first instance if special grounds exist. Special grounds relate to leave of absence due to illness, parental leave, commissions of trust within union organisations, service within the defence services or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or service/assignment relevant to the subject area.

Assessment criteria

Required qualifications for the employment:

Applicants should hold a PhD degree in environmental engineering, environmental chemistry, biotechnology, chemical engineering, data science, computer science, statistics or equivalent. Experience in statistical data analysis and programming is a requirement.

Strong collaborative and communication skills are required, as the project involves coordination with a multidisciplinary team across institutions. A high proficiency in written and spoken English is required as the work will be conducted in an international environment.

Desirable qualifications for the employment: Specialization in hazard or exposure modelling and/or biostatistics is a merit.

Personal qualifications
A special emphasis is placed on personal qualities, such as analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently.

Regulations for the evaluation of qualifications for academic positions are given in Chapter 4,Section 3 - 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance.

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

• A cover letter with the applicant’s justification for the application, i.e., that describes how the applicant meets the selection criteria
• A list of qualifications (CV)
• Certificate of PhD exam
• Complete list of publications, including submitted and accepted manuscripts

The most qualified candidates, in relation to the assessment criteria in the advertisement, are invited for an interview.

Employment

The employment is a temporary employment during 2 years, 100 % of full time, placed at the Department of Biological and Environmental Science. Starting date around 15 September 2026, or upon agreement.