Postdoctoral Researcher in Natural Disasters with a Focus on Landslide Prediction

Do you want to work on landslide prediction, supported by competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Do you want an employer that invests in sustainable employment and offers secure, favorable working conditions? Welcome to apply for a postdoctoral position at Uppsala University.

The Department of Earth Sciences is Sweden's largest and most versatile institution of its kind with approximately 300 employees. Our activities are interdisciplinary and combine natural sciences and engineering with social sciences. We have research programs that address natural resources and sustainable development, as well as wind energy. By studying questions about the planet and society, we understand how climate change and loss of biodiversity can be managed in the pursuit of sustainable development. For more information: https://www.uu.se/institution/geovetenskaper/ (https://www.uu.se/institution/geovetenskaper/).

The successful candidate for this position will be employed in the Air, Water, and Landscape Studies program at the Department of Earth Sciences, and the research group in geohydrology. Read more here: https://www.uu.se/institution/geovetenskaper/forskning/luft--vatten--och-landskapslara (https://www.uu.se/institution/geovetenskaper/forskning/luft--vatten--och-landskapslara)

Job Responsibilities

We offer an exciting postdoctoral position focusing on analysis, diagnosis, and prediction of landslides using groundbreaking theoretical and statistical frameworks. The successful candidate will work at the forefront of geohazards research and utilize advanced methods such as Dragon King theory, Endo-exo framework, LPPLS theory (log-periodic power law singularity), tipping point dynamics, and other methods developed by Qinghua Lei and Didier Sornette and others. A unique aspect of this position is the opportunity to collaborate with the Norwegian Water and Energy Directorate (NVE), a key partner in the project, and to work with their extensive and high-quality database of ongoing monitored landslides across Norway. This rare resource provides an exceptional empirical basis for testing and refining theoretical models. The position offers the freedom to explore new directions, develop original approaches, and contribute to shaping the future of natural disaster forecasting in close collaboration with Qinghua Lei, Didier Sornette, and researchers at NVE. The project is for two years.

The responsibilities for this position mainly consist of:

• conducting cutting-edge research in the aforementioned area,
• delivering interim results and preparing progress reports,
• presenting results at leading international conferences and journals, and
• interacting with researchers at NVE.

Qualifications

PhD in Earth Sciences, Physics, Mathematics, or Engineering or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a PhD in the above-mentioned fields. The degree must be completed by the time the employment decision is made. Primarily, candidates who have completed their degree within the last three years will be considered. When calculating the three-year time frame, the deadline for applications is the starting point. If there are special reasons, such a degree may have been obtained earlier. Special reasons include leave due to illness, parental leave, or trust assignments within trade unions, etc.

The successful candidate should have a solid foundation in mathematics and physics, as well as experience in scientific programming and data analysis. We are looking for a highly motivated researcher with a strong background in quantitative modeling and a keen interest in interdisciplinary methods for predicting natural disasters.

Other/Meritorious

We also strongly encourage the postdoctoral candidate to bring their own ideas, methods, and perspectives to the project - creativity, enthusiasm. Research excellence will be highly valued.

Application

The application should include a personal letter of a maximum of 2 pages briefly describing your personal motivation for applying for this postdoctoral position and how you see your role in contributing to the project, as well as your relevant skills, qualifications, and research interests. The application should also include a CV (with a complete publication list), degree certificates, doctoral thesis, and other relevant documents, as well as contact information for 2-3 referees.

About the Employment

The employment is temporary for 2 years according to the central collective agreement. The position is full-time. Start date 2026-04-01 or by agreement. Location: Uppsala

Inquiries about the position can be made to: Qinghua Lei ([email protected] (mailto:[email protected])).

Welcome with your application no later than January 13, 2026, UFV-PA 2025/3982.

Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international standing. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is our 7,600 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of the most exciting workplaces in the country.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/ (https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/)

The employment may be subject to security clearance. A prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved during the security clearance.

We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising assistance.

Applications are received in Uppsala University's recruitment system.

Union representatives: Saco-S - [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]), Seko - [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]), ST (OFR/S) - [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])