PhD Student in Environmental Analysis with a Focus on Peatland Management

Do you want to work with water and carbon dioxide management in drained forest peatlands, 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 PhD position at Uppsala University.

The Department of Earth Sciences is Sweden's largest and most versatile institution of its kind with a unique breadth and approximately 300 employees. Our activities are interdisciplinary and combine natural sciences and engineering with social sciences. We have research programs in air, water, and landscape studies; geophysics; natural resources and sustainable development; mineralogy, petrology, and tectonics; paleobiology and wind energy. By studying the history of the Earth, we understand how the planet has developed and how our pursuit of sustainable development can benefit from this knowledge. Read more here: https://www.uu.se/institution/geovetenskaper (https://www.uu.se/institution/geovetenskaper)

The PhD position is part of the EU project ForPeat – FORest PEATtland ecosystem assessment and targeted management for enhanced carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and water quality. ForPeat brings together partners from 15 countries to develop practical, scientifically based solutions that balance climate actions, biodiversity conservation, and bioeconomic needs. Through “Open Labs,” the project strengthens monitoring and data collection, tests innovative methods for water and forest management, and supports policy-relevant knowledge that enhances the resilience and multifunctionality of peatlands.

Job Responsibilities

As a PhD student, you will plan and conduct fieldwork in experimental forest peatlands near Uppsala. Core tasks include:

• Designing and conducting field campaigns, including logistics and sampling plans.
• Collecting and analyzing data on groundwater level dynamics, biodiversity, water quality, and greenhouse gas fluxes.
• Managing, documenting, and quality-controlling datasets; contributing to reproducible workflows.
• Participating in national and international project meetings, workshops, and consortium activities within ForPeat.
• Developing scientific publications and presenting results at conferences.
• Completing PhD courses and meeting the requirements for a doctoral degree at Uppsala University.

Qualifications

Eligible for doctoral education is someone who has:

• completed a master's degree in environmental science, earth science, ecology, hydrology, water management, or a related field, or
• completed at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at the advanced level including an independent project of at least 15 higher education credits, or
• acquired equivalent knowledge in another way that the employer deems comparable/qualifying for the position.

The position requires a candidate who is motivated by research and can work independently and proactively.

You should also have:

• experience in fieldwork (preferably in peatlands, wetlands, or forest ecosystems)
• a valid driver's license
• good computer skills and experience in data management and analysis
• excellent proficiency in English, both spoken and written

Desirable/meritorious

It is particularly advantageous to have experience in one or more of the following areas:

• chemical analyses relevant to water quality
• interest in peatland ecology, hydrology, biogeochemistry, and forest management
• groundwater level or hydrological modeling in peatland systems
• measurements of greenhouse gases
• basic GIS and mapping

Great emphasis is placed on personal suitability, including reliability in the field, constructive teamwork, and a strong commitment to high-quality research.

Regulations for doctoral students can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5 §§ 1-7 and at https://www.uu.se/medarbetare/organisation-styrning/regler/ (https://www.uu.se/medarbetare/organisation-styrning/regler/).

Application should include

• a curriculum vitae (CV)
• two references (names and complete contact details), reference letters are not requested.
• copies of all degree certificates
• master's thesis (or bachelor's thesis)

About the position

The position is temporary, according to HF Chapter 5 § 7. The extent is full-time. Start date 2026-04-01 or by agreement. Place of employment: Uppsala

For inquiries about the position, please contact: Thomas Grabs, mailto:[email protected]

In this recruitment, we have replaced the personal letter with questions that you will answer in connection with your application. The answers will be used as part of the selection process.

Welcome with your application by February 23, 2026, UFV-PA 2026/287.

Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international position. 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 all 7,600 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of the country's most exciting workplaces.

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 position may be subject to security clearance. A prerequisite for employment in the case of security clearance is that the applicant is approved.

We decline offers of recruitment and advertising assistance.

Applications are received in Uppsala University's recruitment system.

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