Postdoctoral Position in Geography

University of Gothenburg

Institution: University of Gothenburg, Sweden
Department: Earth Sciences
Reference Number: PAR 2025/814
Employment Type: Full-time (100%)
Position Type: Doctoral student / Third-cycle education
Start Date: As soon as possible or by agreement
Application Deadline: 19 January 2026

About the Department

• The Department of Earth Sciences has ~70 employees (10 PhD students) working in Physical Geography, Ecosystem Sciences, and Geology.
• Priority research themes: Climate and Climate Change, Earth Surface Processes, The Geosphere.
• Facilities: Ice Lab, DJI drones, biogeochemical analysis labs.
• Department mission: Research, education, and societal services to improve understanding of the Earth system.

Website: Department of Earth Sciences
Doctoral studies info: Doctoral Studies at GU

Project Description

• Focus: Effects of climate change on tundra vegetation in the Swedish Arctic.
• Aim: Assess the utility of hyperspectral satellite data to quantify biochemical and biophysical properties of tundra vegetation.
• Research Questions:
  • Can hyperspectral data detect vegetation changes due to warmer/drier climate?
  • Can plant diversity be detected via hyperspectral data?
  • What are the benefits of combining hyperspectral and multispectral satellite data?
• Funding: Swedish National Space Agency
• Research Methods: Field work, lab work, computer-based analysis; includes remote sensing, chemical analysis, UAV data collection, geospatial analysis, machine learning, multivariate statistics, and programming (Python/R).

Duties

• Conduct PhD research under supervision, develop analytical, methodological, and theoretical skills.
• Potential departmental duties up to 20% (teaching, administration).
• Perform field work in tundra environments during the vegetation period.

Eligibility

General requirements:

• Completed second-cycle (Master’s) degree or equivalent (240 ECTS, 60 at second-cycle level).

Specific requirements:

• Master’s degree in physical geography or a closely related field (e.g., environmental science, geology) with substantial physical geography components.
• Applicants near completion of Master’s degree may apply if they will finish before starting.

Assessment Criteria

Essential attributes:

• Knowledge of remote sensing theory and data analysis
• Quantitative methods/statistics
• Strong English communication
• Ability and willingness to perform field work

Advantageous attributes:

• Experience with multispectral/hyperspectral satellite data
• GIS, climate data, or plant ecology coursework
• Knowledge of plant physiology
• Drone operation or willingness to learn
• Programming skills (Python, R)
• Experience with tundra vegetation

Admission and Employment

• Upon admission to third-cycle studies, employed as a doctoral student under SFS 1993:100.
• Initial employment: max 1 year, renewable up to 2 years; total employment not exceeding 4 years full-time equivalent.
• Salary: According to local doctoral student agreement.

Contact Information

• Main Supervisor: Heather Reese – heather.reese@gu.se, +46 31 7862803
• Department Head: Hans Linderholm – Hansl@gvc.gu.se, +46 708 58 95 04

Union Info: Union Representatives at GU

Application Requirements

• Cover letter addressing selection criteria
• CV
• Degree certificates and transcripts
• Master’s thesis or equivalent
• Employment certificates and other relevant documents

Application portal: University of Gothenburg recruitment system
Deadline: 19 January 2026

International applicant info:
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