Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.
The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.
The Department of Ecology and Environmental Science at Umeå University is looking for a PhD student in Physical Geography with a focus methane cycling in Arctic stream networks. Start date is 2025-05-01 or as agreed. The application deadline is 2025-03-01. Welcome with your application!
Project description River networks receive large amounts of carbon from terrestrial ecosystems, which is processed and “respired” into carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), the most important greenhouse gases. Norther rivers emit large amounts of CO2 and CH4 to the atmosphere, but the main controls on the production and delivery of these greenhouse gases is still unclear. Ongoing climate change is particularly severe at high latitudes and has the potential to massively increase the delivery of carbon to river networks and emissions to the atmosphere.
This PhD project will investigate carbon cycling in Arctic river networks, with a focus on CH4, and an emphasis on the groundwater-surface water connectivity. We will combine novel sensors, remote sensing products, microbial studies and large-scale isotopic analysis to unravel how the anaerobic carbon cycle shapes CO2 and CH4 dynamics in Arctic rivers. The project is part of an ERC Starting grant focused on Arctic CH4 emissions, which provides generous resources and important synergies with other researchers in the group performing modelling research on the same topic. The empirical part of the project will largely take in the Abisko Research Station.
The position is financed by the European Research Council. The main supervisor will be Dr. Gerard Rocher-Ros, with Ylva Sjöberg and Jan Karlsson as assistant supervisors.
Qualifications To be admitted for studies at third-cycle level the applicant is required to have completed a second-cycle level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are at second-cycle level, or have an equivalent education from abroad, or equivalent qualifications. To fulfil the specific entry requirements to be admitted for studies at third-cycle level within the subject of physical geography, the applicant is required to have completed courses within a first-cycle subject relevant to physical geography comprising at least 120 credits. At least one course at second-cycle level in a subject that is relevant to physical geography shall have been completed, as well an independent piece of work (degree project) with relevant specialization of at least 15 credits. The eligibility requirements must have been met when the position is taken up.
We are looking for a person with an interest in biogeochemistry, ecosystem ecology, microbial ecology, hydrology and/or climate science. The ideal candidate has experience in arctic fieldwork and an academic background in ecology, physical geography, environmental science, or a similar field. The applicant should also have good ability to write and speak in English, initiative, independence, and good cooperation skills. Strong credentials include experience with any of the following: water chemistry, statistical and data analysis using R, environmental sensors, microbial analysis. Evaluations will be based on the application and on interviews.
Terms for the employment The employment is expected to result in a doctoral degree and the main assignment for the doctoral student is thus to be part of the research education, which includes participation in the described research project but also to take relevant courses. Teaching and other departmental work (up to a maximum of 20%) can be included. The employment is limited to four years at full time or up to five years if teaching and other departmental work is performed. The salary is fixed according to the established salary level for doctoral students.
Application You apply through our recruitment system on March 01, 2025 at the latest. The application may be written in English or Swedish and should include:
A short (max 2 pages) description of why you are interested in the position
CV
Copy of certificates from higher education
List of completed university courses and the grades
Copy of publications/degree thesis
Contact information of two reference persons
Documents sent electronically should be in MS Word or PDF format.
The employment will be based on the application and interview.
Contact If you have questions regarding the position, please contact Gerard Rocher-Ros (gerard.rocher.ros@umu.se).
Umeå University wants to offer an equal environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity and development. We welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current employment.
We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising help.
