Postdoctoral Fellow in Digital mapping of northern peatlands

Department of Physical Geography is one of the major departments within the Faculty of Science. The department has approximately 110 employees and educates approximately 1 000 students annually. Our research and education is in Physical Geography, a wide-ranging scientific field dealing with the diverse physical and biological features of Earth, their characteristics, processes, patterns and interactions with humans. We study connected physical, chemical, biological, geological, environmental and social processes and changes in the world’s land areas and their water, ice and geological formations, climate systems and ecosystems, in relation to each other and to human societies. We offer a stimulating and friendly environment in a diverse and international institution with research and education at a very high level. More information about us, please visit: The Department of Physical Geography

Project description

The northern permafrost region has been projected to shift from a net sink of greenhouse gases to a net source under global warming. As a Postdoctoral Fellow in this project, you will work with digital mapping of northern wetlands and peatlands, mainly in the permafrost region, to support modelling of carbon budgets, now and in the future. The research contributes to the Northern Peatlands in the face of climate warming and abrupt changes (CLIMPEAT) ERC Synergy project funded by the European Research Council. You will work in a dynamic international research environment with many possibilities for international collaboration and exchange. The work may include fieldwork in remote permafrost regions.

Main responsibilities

The main responsibilities of this position are the collection and use of different types of geodata for digital mapping of northern wetlands and peatlands. This includes working with time series of greenhouse gas and lateral fluxes as well as the use of remote sensing products and geospatial data for characterization of high-latitude landscape types. The work will include mapping geomorphology, surface hydrology, vegetation dynamics and phenology, freeze-thaw spatial and temporal dynamics. You will further develop classification schemes for permafrost wetland and peatlands, related primarily to geomorphology, hydrology and freeze-thaw dynamics, and with implications for assessing monthly and annual greenhouse gas and lateral flux budgets. You will also be active in project management and collaboration with other partners in the projects. This offers opportunities to form collaborations with leading international researchers from many different institutions.

Qualification requirements

In order to qualify for a Postdoctoral position, applicants are required to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent relevant degree from another country. The degree must have been completed no later than when the employment decision is made.

Assessment criteria

It is considered an advantage if the doctoral degree or an equivalent degree was completed no more than three years prior to the application deadline. Under special circumstances, an older degree may also be an advantage. Special circumstances refer to sick leave, parental leave, elected positions in trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical attachment or service/assignments relevant to the subject area.

In the appointment process, special attention will be given to research skills, including knowledge of wetlands and peatlands, permafrost ecosystems and geospatial modeling and analyses skills.

These qualifications are meriting:

• Experience of using Earth Observation and/or in-situ data to assess carbon cycle dynamics, preferably in wetland and peatland landscapes
• Experience of digital soil mapping
• Development of scripts for processing of large amounts of geographical data
• Experience from field sampling of vegetation, soil, water or fluxes preferably in wetland and peatland landscapes.

About the employment

The position involves full-time employment for a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years, with the possibility of extension under special circumstances. Start date 2026-06-01 or as per agreement.

We offer

With us, you will experience the dynamic interaction between higher education and research that makes Stockholm University an exciting and creative environment. You will work in an international environment and get favorable conditions. The university is located in the National City Park with good transport links to the city.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

Further information about the position can be obtained from Professor Gustaf Hugelius, phone: +46 8 674 78 73, gustaf.hugelius@natgeo.su.se.

Application

Apply for the position at Stockholm University’s recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.

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