PhD Position in Physical Geography (University of Gothenburg Department of Earth Sciences)

PhD Student Position in Physical Sciences, Specializing in Physical Geography Ref PAR 2022/586 Apply The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 56 000 students and 6 600 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract scientists and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future. At the Department of Earth Sciences, we have ca 75 employees (14 are PhD students) who work in the fields of Physical Geography and Geology. We have specializations in regional climate, polar climate, paleoclimate, urban climate, biogeochemistry, alpine and polar ecology, GIS and remote sensing, hydrogeology, geophysics, quaternary geology, and micro-geochemistry. Our three priority research themes are "Climate and Climate Change", "Earth Surface Processes" and "The Geosphere". The Department is well-equipped with a unique Ice Lab, several DJI drones, and biogeochemical analysis labs. Our mission is to develop and deliver research, education, and services to society that improve our understanding of how the Earth System functions and the impact of human actions in particular. Our department works to achieve diversity in the workplace and to create a family-friendly environment, and in addition, Sweden has generous family leave and childcare policies. Further information is available on our website: https://www.gu.se/en/earth-sciences General information about being a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg can be found on the university's doctoral student pages. Project description Palsa mires are a habitat type consisting of raised mounds or plateaus of peat with a permafrost core that form primarily in the sporadic permafrost regions of the subarctic. Climate change has led to thawing of permafrost in palsa mires around the Arctic. Around 2000 ha of palsa mires currently exist in Sweden, but high rates of thaw are predicted to lead to the disappearance of palsa mires in Sweden by 2100. As the palsas thaw and degrade, greenhouse gas emissions increase, and habitat for plants and animals is radically changed. This PhD project has the aim to better understand permafrost thaw processes of palsa mires through detailed study of a palsa mire in northern Sweden called Vissátvuopmi. It is a multi-disciplinary project that will combine remote sensing, climate data analysis, ice microstructure analysis, and greenhouse gas flux measurements with the aim to gain deeper understanding of palsa dynamics and their relationship to environmental factors and climatic drivers. To investigate these relationships, the PhD candidate will use drones equipped with LiDAR and other sensors to map the palsas’ exterior; the palsas’ interior will be investigated using ice microstructure analysis and ground penetrating radar; climatic drivers and environmental influences affecting palsa mires will be analysed together with data on palsa change; and greenhouse gas fluxes will be measured and related to the palsa mire environment. The student will be placed at the Department of Earth Sciences, and supported by a multi-disciplinary supervisory team who routinely works together to study this topic. This PhD position is one of two being financed by the Department as part of its strategic work to promote cross-disciplinary research within the Department of Earth Sciences. The PhD student’s specific research questions and approaches will be developed in collaboration with the supervisory team during the project. Duties The main task is to conduct the PhD thesis work under supervision, which includes development of the PhD student’s methodological experience, analytical skills, as well as theoretical depth and breadth. The studies will include field work, lab work, and computer-based analysis. A range of tools and techniques will be used in this project. The successful candidate must have a background in remote sensing theory and data analysis. Experience in other techniques needed for this study is meritorious, although training will be provided and the student should be active and willing to learn these new skills. Specific research topics, tools and techniques that may be used in the research project include: Permafrost dynamics in a palsa mire, and understanding these dynamics in relation to environmental factors and climatic drivers Remote sensing data collection, processing, and analysis from e.g., drones equipped with LiDAR and cameras, airborne LiDAR scanning, radar satellites, and optical satellites Climate data analysis using data from nearby weather stations and field instruments Ice microstructure analysis in the lab Greenhouse gas flux measurements in the field Geospatial data analysis including GIS and machine learning Mathematical analysis of collected data to quantitatively describe ecosystem and permafrost processes Education at third-cycle level comprises four years of full-time study, and leads to a doctoral degree in Natural Science, specializing in Physical Geography. Within the framework of your doctoral student employment, you may have departmental duties corresponding to up to 20 % of full-time employment, distributed throughout your study period. Departmental duties usually consist of teaching at first- and second-cycle levels, but may also include administration. Eligibility Education at third-cycle level requires general eligibility and, where appropriate, specific eligibility as set out in the general syllabus for the subject. The general eligibility requirements for education at third-cycle level are: having completed a degree at second-cycle level, or - the fulfilment of course requirements totaling at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits must be at second-cycle level, or the acquisition of equivalent knowledge in some other way, either in Sweden or abroad. To meet the specific entry requirements for third-cycle studies, applicants must: have a second-cycle (advanced-level) degree in a relevant* subject area in the natural sciences, or have completed studies for at least 60 higher education credits at a second-cycle level in relevant* subject areas in the natural sciences, or have completed a corresponding programme of relevance to the planned third-cycle programme, in Sweden or in another country, or have equivalent qualifications. Relevant subjects for the planned education is physical geography or a closely related field (e.g., geography, environmental science, geology) if these include substantial components of physical geography. Assessment criteria* The following assessment criteria will be applied in selection among applicants: merits from basic education credentials from the advanced level education claimed in special qualifications the relevance of the previous education for the planned education at postgraduate level assessment of the applicant's ability to assimilate postgraduate education where applicable, assessment of the applicant's ability to work within a research group The assessment of candidates will further be based on the following essential and advantageous attributes: Essential attributes: Completed university course(s) or equivalent experience that included remote sensing theory and analysis of remote sensing data Good knowledge of quantitative methods Good ability to communicate orally and in writing in English Works well independently as well as within a group Interest and opportunity to perform field work in northern Sweden during the summer and winter Advantageous attributes: Experience of LiDAR data processing and analysis, photogrammetry, and satellite image analysis Completed university course(s) which included geographic information systems, climate and climate data analysis, ecosystem studies, or geology Experience flying drones or willingness to learn Knowledge of scripting/programming Ability to read and communicate in Swedish (or willingness to learn) Interest in permafrost processes Employment Once you have been admitted for education at third-cycle level, you will be employed as a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg. The provisions for employment as a doctoral student can be found in ordinance SFS 1993:100. Initial employment as a doctoral student may apply for a maximum of one year, and may be renewed by a maximum of two years at a time. A doctoral student may be employed as a doctoral student for a maximum of eight years, but the total period of employment may not be longer than the equivalent of full-time education at third-cycle level for four years. Location: Department of Earth Sciences. Extent:100%. First day of employment: 2022-09-01 or upon agreement. The University applies a local agreement on salaries for doctoral students. Contact information If you have any questions about the position, please contact Heather Reese (main supervisor), Department of Earth Sciences, University of Gothenburg, heather.reese@gu.se, phone: +46 (0)31 7862803 Roland Barthel (Department head), Department of Earth Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Roland.Barthel@gu.se, +46 (0)31-786 19 53 Unions Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande Information for International Applicants Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit: https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services https://www.movetogothenburg.com/ Application Submit your application via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal by clicking the “Apply” button. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per the vacancy notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline. The application should preferably be written in English and must include: A short cover letter with the applicant’s justification for the application, i.e., that describes how the applicant meets the selection criteria An attested list of qualifications (CV) Examination certificates and a transcript of courses with grades A copy of the Master thesis (or equivalent) Employments certificates and other documents deemed important by the applicant Along with the application, write and attach also a description of why you want to work on this project at this department (1-2 pages). The top ranked candidates will be selected for an interview, which might be held in English and could also be performed by Zoom. Applications must be received by: 2022-05-31 The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations. Salaries are set individually at the University. In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed. In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies. Apply If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Physicaloxy

PhD Student Position in Physical Sciences, Specializing in Physical Geography

Ref PAR 2022/586

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 56 000 students and 6 600 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract scientists and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

At the Department of Earth Sciences, we have ca 75 employees (14 are PhD students) who work in the fields of Physical Geography and Geology. We have specializations in regional climate, polar climate, paleoclimate, urban climate, biogeochemistry, alpine and polar ecology, GIS and remote sensing, hydrogeology, geophysics, quaternary geology, and micro-geochemistry. Our three priority research themes are "Climate and Climate Change", "Earth Surface Processes" and "The Geosphere". The Department is well-equipped with a unique Ice Lab, several DJI drones, and biogeochemical analysis labs.

Our mission is to develop and deliver research, education, and services to society that improve our understanding of how the Earth System functions and the impact of human actions in particular. Our department works to achieve diversity in the workplace and to create a family-friendly environment, and in addition, Sweden has generous family leave and childcare policies. Further information is available on our website: https://www.gu.se/en/earth-sciences

General information about being a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg can be found on the university's doctoral student pages.

Project description

Palsa mires are a habitat type consisting of raised mounds or plateaus of peat with a permafrost core that form primarily in the sporadic permafrost regions of the subarctic. Climate change has led to thawing of permafrost in palsa mires around the Arctic. Around 2000 ha of palsa mires currently exist in Sweden, but high rates of thaw are predicted to lead to the disappearance of palsa mires in Sweden by 2100. As the palsas thaw and degrade, greenhouse gas emissions increase, and habitat for plants and animals is radically changed.

This PhD project has the aim to better understand permafrost thaw processes of palsa mires through detailed study of a palsa mire in northern Sweden called Vissátvuopmi. It is a multi-disciplinary project that will combine remote sensing, climate data analysis, ice microstructure analysis, and greenhouse gas flux measurements with the aim to gain deeper understanding of palsa dynamics and their relationship to environmental factors and climatic drivers. To investigate these relationships, the PhD candidate will use drones equipped with LiDAR and other sensors to map the palsas’ exterior; the palsas’ interior will be investigated using ice microstructure analysis and ground penetrating radar; climatic drivers and environmental influences affecting palsa mires will be analysed together with data on palsa change; and greenhouse gas fluxes will be measured and related to the palsa mire environment.

The student will be placed at the Department of Earth Sciences, and supported by a multi-disciplinary supervisory team who routinely works together to study this topic. This PhD position is one of two being financed by the Department as part of its strategic work to promote cross-disciplinary research within the Department of Earth Sciences. The PhD student’s specific research questions and approaches will be developed in collaboration with the supervisory team during the project.

Duties

The main task is to conduct the PhD thesis work under supervision, which includes development of the PhD student’s methodological experience, analytical skills, as well as theoretical depth and breadth. The studies will include field work, lab work, and computer-based analysis.

A range of tools and techniques will be used in this project. The successful candidate must have a background in remote sensing theory and data analysis. Experience in other techniques needed for this study is meritorious, although training will be provided and the student should be active and willing to learn these new skills.

Specific research topics, tools and techniques that may be used in the research project include:

Permafrost dynamics in a palsa mire, and understanding these dynamics in relation to environmental factors and climatic drivers
Remote sensing data collection, processing, and analysis from e.g., drones equipped with LiDAR and cameras, airborne LiDAR scanning, radar satellites, and optical satellites
Climate data analysis using data from nearby weather stations and field instruments
Ice microstructure analysis in the lab
Greenhouse gas flux measurements in the field
Geospatial data analysis including GIS and machine learning
Mathematical analysis of collected data to quantitatively describe ecosystem and permafrost processes

Education at third-cycle level comprises four years of full-time study, and leads to a doctoral degree in Natural Science, specializing in Physical Geography.

Within the framework of your doctoral student employment, you may have departmental duties corresponding to up to 20 % of full-time employment, distributed throughout your study period. Departmental duties usually consist of teaching at first- and second-cycle levels, but may also include administration.

Eligibility

Education at third-cycle level requires general eligibility and, where appropriate, specific eligibility as set out in the general syllabus for the subject.

The general eligibility requirements for education at third-cycle level are:

having completed a degree at second-cycle level, or
- the fulfilment of course requirements totaling at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits must be at second-cycle level, or
the acquisition of equivalent knowledge in some other way, either in Sweden or abroad.

To meet the specific entry requirements for third-cycle studies, applicants must:

have a second-cycle (advanced-level) degree in a relevant* subject area in the natural sciences, or
have completed studies for at least 60 higher education credits at a second-cycle level in relevant* subject areas in the natural sciences, or
have completed a corresponding programme of relevance to the planned third-cycle programme, in Sweden or in another country, or have equivalent qualifications.

*Relevant subjects for the planned education is physical geography or a closely related field (e.g., geography, environmental science, geology) if these include substantial components of physical geography.

Assessment criteria

The following assessment criteria will be applied in selection among applicants:

merits from basic education
credentials from the advanced level education claimed in special qualifications
the relevance of the previous education for the planned education at postgraduate level
assessment of the applicant's ability to assimilate postgraduate education
where applicable, assessment of the applicant's ability to work within a research group

The assessment of candidates will further be based on the following essential and advantageous attributes:

Essential attributes:

Completed university course(s) or equivalent experience that included remote sensing theory and analysis of remote sensing data
Good knowledge of quantitative methods
Good ability to communicate orally and in writing in English
Works well independently as well as within a group
Interest and opportunity to perform field work in northern Sweden during the summer and winter

Advantageous attributes:

Experience of LiDAR data processing and analysis, photogrammetry, and satellite image analysis
Completed university course(s) which included geographic information systems, climate and climate data analysis, ecosystem studies, or geology
Experience flying drones or willingness to learn
Knowledge of scripting/programming
Ability to read and communicate in Swedish (or willingness to learn)
Interest in permafrost processes

Employment

Once you have been admitted for education at third-cycle level, you will be employed as a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg. The provisions for employment as a doctoral student can be found in ordinance SFS 1993:100.

Initial employment as a doctoral student may apply for a maximum of one year, and may be renewed by a maximum of two years at a time. A doctoral student may be employed as a doctoral student for a maximum of eight years, but the total period of employment may not be longer than the equivalent of full-time education at third-cycle level for four years.

Location: Department of Earth Sciences. Extent:100%. First day of employment: 2022-09-01 or upon agreement.

The University applies a local agreement on salaries for doctoral students.

Contact information

If you have any questions about the position, please contact

Heather Reese (main supervisor), Department of Earth Sciences, University of Gothenburg, heather.reese@gu.se, phone: +46 (0)31 7862803

Roland Barthel (Department head), Department of Earth Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Roland.Barthel@gu.se, +46 (0)31-786 19 53

Unions

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande

Information for International Applicants

Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit:

https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services
https://www.movetogothenburg.com/

Application

Submit your application via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal by clicking the “Apply” button. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per the vacancy notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline.

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

A short cover letter with the applicant’s justification for the application, i.e., that describes how the applicant meets the selection criteria
An attested list of qualifications (CV)
Examination certificates and a transcript of courses with grades
A copy of the Master thesis (or equivalent)
Employments certificates and other documents deemed important by the applicant

Along with the application, write and attach also a description of why you want to work on this project at this department (1-2 pages).

The top ranked candidates will be selected for an interview, which might be held in English and could also be performed by Zoom.

Applications must be received by: 2022-05-31

The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.

Salaries are set individually at the University.

In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.

Apply

If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Physicaloxy

Apply

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