Postdoctoral Researcher in Paleoceanography

The Department of Geological Sciences is part of the Faculty of Science at Stockholm University.

It consists of approximately 80 teachers, researchers, PhD students, and technical/administrative staff. The department conducts a wide range of fundamental and applied research in marine geology and geophysics, geochemistry, and classical geology.

More information about us can be found at: https://www.su.se/institutionen-for-geologiska-vetenskaper/ (https://www.su.se/institutionen-for-geologiska-vetenskaper/).

Project Description

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to investigate the paleoceanography of the North Greenland continental margin during the Holocene, back to 14,000 years ago. The goal is to reconstruct the properties of water masses, including their temperature, meltwater, and nutrient characteristics in relation to the changing North Greenland ice edge, focusing on inorganic geochemical proxies.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to develop and apply established and new geochemical methods, such as δ18O, Mg/Ca, and/or clumped isotopes, to map ocean-climate history and drivers in a remote and unexplored part of the Arctic undergoing significant environmental changes. You will work with marine sediment cores collected during previous expeditions to North Greenland and be part of a team of PhD students and postdocs collaborating to understand ocean-ice interactions at the North Greenland continental margin.

This position is part of THAWING, a large project funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation. The project investigates how changes in the properties and flow pathways of Atlantic water reaching North Greenland affect both the short-term stability and long-term development of the North Greenland ice sheet, its marine cryosphere, and marine ecosystems (https://kaw.wallenberg.org/inflode-av-atlantvatten-i-arktis-hotar-gronlands-isar (https://kaw.wallenberg.org/inflode-av-atlantvatten-i-arktis-hotar-gronlands-isar)). As such, the project involves collaboration with other postdoctoral researchers, PhD students, and faculty members at the Department of Geological Sciences as well as researchers at the Bolin Center for Climate Research at Stockholm University. This initiative provides a unique opportunity to work within a broad interdisciplinary network and apply various analytical methods in the latest ocean and climate models to contribute to our understanding of Arctic ocean vulnerability.

Eligibility Requirements

A postdoctoral researcher is defined as an employee primarily hired for research who has obtained a doctoral degree or has a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree.

Assessment Criteria

The degree must have been obtained no later than when the employment decision is made, but no more than three years before the application deadline. If there are special reasons, the doctoral degree may have been obtained earlier. Special reasons include leave due to illness, parental leave, trust assignments within trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or relevant service/assignments for the subject area.

We seek candidates with a strong background in proxy-based paleoceanography and an interest in Arctic marine systems. Documented experience in the analysis and interpretation of δ18O, Mg/Ca, and/or clumped isotopes in marine geological and paleoceanographic contexts is highly meritorious. Experience with foraminifera or ostracod geochemistry and Arctic climate history is also meritorious.

The candidate should be fluent in English and able to work independently as well as in a group and have the ability to meet deadlines. The successful applicant is expected to be based in Stockholm and may undertake research stays at partner institutions, such as in Norway, the USA, and/or the UK. There may also be opportunities to participate in a future icebreaker expedition to the Arctic Ocean.

The selection will be based on an assessment of how well the applicant is expected to carry out the project tasks. Particular emphasis will be placed on the applicant's knowledge and skills in the proposed specialization area, ability to express their work orally and in writing, creativity, initiative, independence, and ability to collaborate with other researchers. The evaluation will be based on previous education and experience, the quality of previously published research, ambition expressed in the cover letter, the description of the proposed project direction, and any interviews.

In the hiring process, particular attention will be paid to research skills. We ask applicants to attach a short research plan (max 2 pages) to their application, describing how they would achieve the project goals using relevant micropaleontological methods. This research plan will also be an important part of the selection process.

About the Position

The position is full-time and is permanent, but for at least two years and a maximum of three years, with the possibility of extension if there are special reasons. Start date by agreement, earliest 250701.

We Offer

With us, you will experience the dynamics of the interplay between higher education and research that makes Stockholm University an exciting and creative environment. You will work in an international environment and receive favorable conditions. The university is located in the National City Park with good connections to the city.

Stockholm University is committed to being a workplace free from discrimination and providing equal rights and opportunities for all.

Contact

Inquiries about the position can be made to Professor Helen Coxall, helen.coxall@geo.su.se (mailto:helen.coxall@geo.su.se) and Matt O’Regan, matt.oregan@geo.su.se (mailto:matt.oregan@geo.su.se).

Application

You apply for the position via Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a cover letter and CV as well as the requested documents in the application form. You as an applicant are responsible for ensuring that the application is complete and that it reaches the university no later than the application deadline.

Instructions for applicants can be found on the website: https://www.su.se/om-universitetet/jobba-på-su/att-söka-en-anställning (https://www.su.se/om-universitetet/jobba-p%C3%A5-su/att-s%C3%B6ka-en-anst%C3%A4llning).

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