Postdoctoral Researcher in Physical Geography

The Department of Physical Geography is one of the larger departments within the Faculty of Science, with approximately 110 employees and around 1,000 students per academic year.

We teach and conduct research in physical geography, a broad scientific field concerning the Earth's physical and biological phenomena, their properties, processes, patterns, and interactions with humans. We study phenomena related to physical, chemical, biological, geological, environmental, and societal 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 can be found at: https://www.su.se/institutionen-for-naturgeografi/ (https://www.su.se/institutionen-for-naturgeografi/).

Project Description

The position is linked to the project “Variations, trends, and their drivers for the world's terrestrial water systems” funded by the Swedish Research Council. The project aims to investigate the geographical variations and change trends over time in various aspects of (variables such as water flows, water storage/levels, extreme conditions during drought and flooding in) the Earth's coupled surface water and groundwater systems on land and identify the main causes of the variations/changes at different scales, from local to global.

Job Responsibilities

The position includes research to quantify and map the variations, trends, and extremes in the coupled surface water and groundwater system on land, as well as the effects of these from variations and changes in climate and human land and water use, in different regions around the world. This requires synthesis and analysis of large datasets for the studied variables for the water system, climate, land/water use, and possible other significant socio-economic conditions available in various open databases from both observations and models. The research also involves the use of physically interpretable machine learning and/or graph/network theoretical methods for data-driven modeling and analysis of the variations, trends, and extremes of the water system.

Eligibility Requirements

A postdoctoral researcher is defined as an employee primarily engaged in research and who has obtained a doctoral degree or has a foreign degree that is assessed to be equivalent to a doctoral degree.

Assessment Criteria

The degree must have been awarded 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 awarded earlier. Special reasons refer to leave due to illness, parental leave, union duties, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or relevant service/assignments for the subject area.

In the appointment process, special emphasis will be placed on scientific competence. Applicants should be able to demonstrate excellent skills in data-driven and computational research within hydrology and hydroclimatology with elements of machine learning or graph/network analysis methods. Furthermore, applicants should demonstrate an excellent ability to publish such research, as well as excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

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 in the autumn of 2025.

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 enjoy 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 Georgia Destouni, georgia.destouni@natgeo.su.se (mailto:georgia.destouni@natgeo.su.se).

Application

You apply for the position via Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the requested documents in the application form. As an applicant, you 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).

Stockholm University contributes to the development of a sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment, and the pursuit of truth.