PhD Position in Physical Geography

The Department of Physical Geography is one of the larger departments within the Faculty of Science, with approximately 100 employees and about 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 here (https://www.su.se/enheter/institutionen-for-naturgeografi).

Project Description

The PhD project aims to understand how the Riiser-Larsen Ice Shelf and other nearby ice shelves in Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica, are changing in response to warming oceans and atmosphere. The reaction of the ice shelves provides early warning signals for how the large ice sheet may affect sea-level rise. The project will involve analyses of structural and mass changes on interannual to decadal timescales. The PhD candidate will use advanced satellite data, such as altimetry and interferometry, to develop products for these analyses. Due to the volume of data, automation using programming and machine learning is expected.

The project is part of the Polar Research Secretariat's Antarctic research theme here (https://www.su.se/english/research/research-catalogue/research-projects/d/ng--iq2300-east-antarctic-sea-level-rise-contribution-in-2300) led by Stockholm University. iQ2300 is an international, interdisciplinary research theme aimed at reducing uncertainties in future scenarios regarding sea-level rise by the year 2300. The project will utilize data collected from field expeditions and remote sensing. The results will contribute to addressing key knowledge gaps that limit our ability to describe the ice sheet's response to future climate change through ice modeling. The PhD project is based at Stockholm University and includes close collaboration with here (https://www.dlr.de/en/eoc/about-us/german-remote-sensing-data-center/land-surface-dynamics/polar-and-mountain-regions) and is funded by the Swedish National Space Agency.

Eligibility Requirements

To be admitted to the doctoral program, the applicant must have both general and specific eligibility. The eligibility must be fulfilled by the application deadline.

General eligibility is met if you have obtained a master's degree or completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits (hp), of which at least 60 hp at the master's level, or otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or abroad.

For specific eligibility, the general study plan for doctoral education in physical geography applies. To be admitted to this PhD position, you need to have obtained a master's degree, completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at the master's level, or otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in geoscience, bio-geoscience, geography, or another relevant natural or engineering science field. This education should include independent work totaling at least 30 higher education credits, of which 15 higher education credits at the master's level.

Selection

Selection among applicants will be made with regard to the ability to benefit from doctoral education. Criteria used to assess this ability include:

• documented knowledge in advanced satellite remote sensing
• knowledge of programming
• analytical and creative thinking
• initiative and independence
• collaboration skills
• ability to express oneself in spoken and written English.

More information about admission regulations (https://medarbetare.su.se/vart-su/styrning/regelboken/utbildning/antagningsordning-for-utbildning-pa-forskarniva)

About the Position

We offer a temporary position as a PhD student according to Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). The duration of employment may not exceed what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for four years. As a PhD student, you will primarily focus on your own doctoral education, but the position may include limited work with teaching, research, and administration (maximum 20%).

A new PhD position is valid for a maximum of one year, and the position is then renewed for a maximum of two years at a time.

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

Contact

Further information can be provided by Associate Professor Ian Brown, phone 08-16 39 84, email: [email protected]

Application

You apply for the PhD position via Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter, CV, and research plan, as well as the requested documents in the application form. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete in accordance with the advertisement and that it is submitted to the university by the application deadline.

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

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