Vacant job

ERC-funded Postdocs in Natural Hazards focusing on Catastrophic Fracture Processes (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 postdoctoral 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 solutions for important societal issues.

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 data-driven 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 postdocs will be part of a dynamic international research environment and collaborate with leading researchers and international partners in forecasting and risk management of natural disasters. More information about the ERC project FORECAST can be found at: cordis.europa.eu/project (https://cordis.europa.eu/project). The positions offer:

• World-class ERC-funded research – Participate in a prestigious ERC Consolidator Grant with long-term funding and ambitious research goals.
• Groundbreaking research – Contribute to the development of the next generation of predictive science for catastrophic natural events.
• Interdisciplinary research environment – Work at the interface between geomechanics, geophysics, statistical physics, and data-driven modeling.
• International collaboration – Collaborate with leading researchers and international partners in georisks and natural hazards.
• Scientific independence – Develop your own ideas and research directions within the framework of the project.
• Career development – Receive support in scientific writing, publishing, grant applications, and academic career development.
• Leadership experience – Opportunity to participate in supervising PhD students and contribute to the development of the ERC program.
• Excellent working conditions – Access to advanced research infrastructure, including high-performance computing resources, as well as a high quality of life in Uppsala.

Job Description

The postdoctoral 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 postdoctoral positions are advertised: one with a primary focus on glacier instabilities and the other on volcanic eruptions. 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.

The postdocs will also have the opportunity to participate in supervising PhD students working on related topics, including landslides and rockbursts, as well as contribute to the broader development of the ERC research program.

Qualifications

A PhD in geomechanics, geophysics, physics, mathematics, or engineering, or a foreign degree assessed as equivalent to a PhD in the aforementioned fields. The degree must be completed no later than at the time the employment decision is made. Priority will be given to candidates who obtained their degree no more than three years before the application deadline. If there are special reasons, the degree may have been obtained earlier. Special reasons include, for example, leave due to illness, parental leave, trust positions in trade unions, or similar circumstances.

You should have a strong foundation in mathematics, mechanics, and physics, as well as substantial experience in scientific programming and computational modeling. Documented scientific proficiency through publications in international peer-reviewed journals is a requirement. The candidate must be able to conduct independent research while contributing effectively to an interdisciplinary and international research collaboration.

Desirable/Additional Qualifications

We also strongly encourage the candidate to contribute their own ideas, methods, and perspectives to the project – creativity, enthusiasm, and scientific independence will be highly valued.

About the Position

Two positions. The employment is fixed-term for 3 years according to the central collective agreement. The scope is full-time. Start date: February 1, 2027, or as agreed. Location: Uppsala.

Information about the position is provided by: Qinghua Lei, email: [email protected] (mailto:[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 reference persons.

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, Ref: UFV-PA 2026/1959.

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

We decline offers of recruitment and advertising assistance.

Applications are received via Uppsala University's recruitment system.