PhD Position in Geography (Stockholm University)

The Department of Physical Geography, one of the major departments within the Faculty of Science at Stockholm University, has approximately 110 employees and educates around 1,000 students annually. Our research and education span a wide range of topics in Physical Geography, including the physical and biological features of Earth, their processes, interactions, and the ways they connect with human societies. We offer a stimulating and international environment with high-level research and teaching. [More about the Department of Physical Geography →] Project Description In recent years, scientists have discovered that Earth has been hit by several extreme solar storms during the Holocene, identified through sharp peaks in cosmogenic radionuclides (¹⁰Be, ¹⁴C, ³⁶Cl) preserved in archives such as tree rings and ice cores. Such events, if occurring today, could pose serious risks to satellites, aviation, power grids, and atmospheric chemistry. However, their frequency, intensity, and full impacts remain poorly understood. This PhD project will investigate these questions by focusing on cosmogenic radionuclides preserved in Greenland ice cores. These radionuclides, produced by cosmic rays in the atmosphere, provide a unique record of past solar activity and extreme solar storms. Tasks and Responsibilities The successful candidate will: Work with ice-core material from Greenland and other relevant sites covering the past few centuries. Prepare and process samples for radionuclide analyses, with Accelerator Mass Spectrometry conducted in collaboration with partner laboratories. Conduct complementary chemical analyses of ice-core samples stored at the Ice Core Lab, Department of Physical Geography. Apply statistical and modelling approaches to interpret the data. Collaborate with national and international research groups across the fields of solar, ice-core, and atmospheric sciences. Present findings at international conferences and workshops; analytical work may involve travel to partner laboratories in Sweden and abroad. Qualification Requirements To be admitted to postgraduate education, applicants must meet both general and specific entry requirements. These requirements must be fulfilled by the application deadline. General requirements: A completed second-cycle degree, or Courses equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits (ECTS), including 60 credits at the second-cycle level, or equivalent qualifications obtained in Sweden or abroad. Specific requirements for this position: A total of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 are at advanced level, in Earth Science, Biology-Earth Science, Geography, or another relevant natural or engineering scientific discipline. Completion of independent work totaling at least 30 credits, with at least 15 at the advanced level. Selection criteria: Documented knowledge in relevant subjects (e.g., Earth, climate and atmospheric sciences, geochemistry). Capacity for analytical and creative thinking. Ability to take initiative and work independently. Ability to collaborate effectively. Strong written and spoken English skills. Programming knowledge and quantitative skills are advantageous but not required. Terms of Employment Type of employment: Temporary (PhD position) Extent: 100% (full-time) Duration: Four years (full-time doctoral education), with the possibility of extension if departmental duties (max. 20%) are included. Salary: Fixed, according to university regulations Location: Stockholm, Sweden Reference number: SU FV-3457-25 A new employment is initially offered for one year, with renewal for up to two years at a time. Stockholm University is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all. Application Procedure Apply via Stockholm University’s recruitment system. Applications must include: A personal letter (statement of motivation and suitability) Curriculum Vitae (CV) Required attachments as specified in the application form It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete and submitted before the deadline. Deadline for applications: 3 November 2025 Published: 24 September 2025 Contact Information For more information about this position, please contact: Assistant Professor Florian Mekhaldi Email: florian.mekhaldi@natgeo.su.se Union representatives: ST/OFR: st@st.su.se Saco-S: saco@saco.su.se Seko: seko@seko.su.se If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Physicaloxy

The Department of Physical Geography, one of the major departments within the Faculty of Science at Stockholm University, has approximately 110 employees and educates around 1,000 students annually. Our research and education span a wide range of topics in Physical Geography, including the physical and biological features of Earth, their processes, interactions, and the ways they connect with human societies. We offer a stimulating and international environment with high-level research and teaching.
[More about the Department of Physical Geography →]

Project Description

In recent years, scientists have discovered that Earth has been hit by several extreme solar storms during the Holocene, identified through sharp peaks in cosmogenic radionuclides (¹⁰Be, ¹⁴C, ³⁶Cl) preserved in archives such as tree rings and ice cores. Such events, if occurring today, could pose serious risks to satellites, aviation, power grids, and atmospheric chemistry. However, their frequency, intensity, and full impacts remain poorly understood.

This PhD project will investigate these questions by focusing on cosmogenic radionuclides preserved in Greenland ice cores. These radionuclides, produced by cosmic rays in the atmosphere, provide a unique record of past solar activity and extreme solar storms.

Tasks and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

Work with ice-core material from Greenland and other relevant sites covering the past few centuries.
Prepare and process samples for radionuclide analyses, with Accelerator Mass Spectrometry conducted in collaboration with partner laboratories.
Conduct complementary chemical analyses of ice-core samples stored at the Ice Core Lab, Department of Physical Geography.
Apply statistical and modelling approaches to interpret the data.
Collaborate with national and international research groups across the fields of solar, ice-core, and atmospheric sciences.
Present findings at international conferences and workshops; analytical work may involve travel to partner laboratories in Sweden and abroad.

Qualification Requirements

To be admitted to postgraduate education, applicants must meet both general and specific entry requirements. These requirements must be fulfilled by the application deadline.

General requirements:

A completed second-cycle degree, or
Courses equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits (ECTS), including 60 credits at the second-cycle level, or equivalent qualifications obtained in Sweden or abroad.

Specific requirements for this position:

A total of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 are at advanced level, in Earth Science, Biology-Earth Science, Geography, or another relevant natural or engineering scientific discipline.
Completion of independent work totaling at least 30 credits, with at least 15 at the advanced level.

Selection criteria:

Documented knowledge in relevant subjects (e.g., Earth, climate and atmospheric sciences, geochemistry).
Capacity for analytical and creative thinking.
Ability to take initiative and work independently.
Ability to collaborate effectively.
Strong written and spoken English skills.
Programming knowledge and quantitative skills are advantageous but not required.

Terms of Employment

Type of employment: Temporary (PhD position)
Extent: 100% (full-time)
Duration: Four years (full-time doctoral education), with the possibility of extension if departmental duties (max. 20%) are included.
Salary: Fixed, according to university regulations
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Reference number: SU FV-3457-25