Vacant job

ERC Doctoral Researchers in Environmental Analysis focusing on Catastrophic Fracture Processes in Geomaterials (2 Positions)

Do you want to work on groundbreaking research within the framework of an ERC-funded project, supported by competent and friendly colleagues in an international research environment? Do you want an employer that invests in sustainable employment and offers secure and advantageous working conditions? Welcome to apply for a doctoral position at Uppsala University.

The Department of Earth Sciences is Sweden's most comprehensive academic environment for research and education in earth sciences. Here, broad expertise contributes to solving important societal challenges.

For more information, see: www.uu.se/geovetenskaper (https://www.uu.se/geovetenskaper)

The successful candidates for this position will be employed at the Air, Water and Landscape Science (LUVAL) programme at the Department of Earth Sciences.

The research will be conducted within the framework of an ERC Consolidator Grant project (FORECAST) at Uppsala University, focusing on developing the next generation of predictive science for natural hazards through an interdisciplinary framework integrating geomechanics, geophysics, statistical physics, and computational modeling. The project covers a broad spectrum of natural hazards, including landslides, rockbursts, glacier instabilities, and volcanic eruptions, with the aim of improving our ability to diagnose and predict catastrophic fracture processes in complex geophysical systems. The doctoral researchers will be part of a dynamic international research environment and collaborate with leading researchers and international partners in the prediction and risk management of geohazards. More information about the ERC project FORECAST can be found at: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101232311 (https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101232311).

We offer

• Prestigious ERC Funding – Become part of a well-funded ERC Consolidator Grant with a long-term and ambitious research vision.
• Groundbreaking Research – Work on the next generation of predictive science for catastrophic natural hazards.
• Interdisciplinary Research Environment – Collaborate at the interface between geomechanics, geophysics, statistical physics, and computer science.
• International Network – Interact with leading researchers and international collaboration partners.
• Scientific Creativity – Develop and explore your own ideas within a dynamic and supportive research environment.
• Career Development – Receive mentorship in scientific publishing, grant writing, and academic career development.
• State-of-the-Art Doctoral Education – Build advanced competence in computational modeling, scientific programming, and prediction of natural hazards.
• Excellent Working Conditions – Benefit from advanced research infrastructure, including high-performance computing resources, and the high quality of life offered by Uppsala University and the city of Uppsala.

Job Responsibilities

The doctoral projects will focus on the development of physics-based numerical models for simulating progressive to catastrophic fracture processes in geomaterials at the site scale. The research aims to improve the understanding, diagnosis, and prediction of geohazard phenomena.

Two doctoral positions are advertised: one with a primary focus on landslides and the other on rockbursts. The projects will combine theoretical modeling, statistical physics, numerical simulations, and analysis of monitoring data to investigate the mechanisms behind fracture precursors, instability development, and predictability in geophysical systems.

Qualifications

Eligibility for doctoral studies requires that you have:

• a master's degree (second cycle) in geomechanics, geophysics, engineering geology, geotechnics, applied mathematics, physics, or a comparable area relevant to the project,
• completed at least 240 higher education credits, including at least 60 higher education credits at advanced level, including an independent project of at least 15 higher education credits, or
• acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way.

The successful candidate should have a strong foundation in mathematics, mechanics, and physics, as well as knowledge in computer simulation and scientific programming.

Desirable/Additional Merits

Previous experience in numerical and/or mathematical modeling is desirable. Previous experience in scientific publishing is also desirable.

Regulations for doctoral students can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5, Sections 1-7, as well as in the university's rules and guidelines.

About the Position

2 positions. The employment is fixed-term, according to the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5, Section 7. The scope is 100%. Start date: February 1, 2027, or as agreed. Location: Uppsala.

For further information about the position, please contact: Qinghua Lei ([email protected])

The application should include a CV, copies of relevant degree certificates and transcripts, master's thesis, and other relevant documents, including contact details for two referees.

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

Welcome to submit your application by August 14, 2026, UFV-PA 2026/1964.

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 a security clearance. If a security clearance is required, it is a condition of employment that the applicant is approved.

We decline offers of assistance with recruitment and advertising.

Applications are received via Uppsala University's recruitment system.

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