Vacant job

PhD Student in Integrated Ocean Observations

This is a shortened advertisement. For the full advertisement, please visit Uppsala University's website (https://www.uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/lediga-jobb/jobbannons?query=946523).

Do you want to work with integrated ocean observations, supported by competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Do you want an employer that invests in sustainable employee relations and offers secure, advantageous working conditions? You are welcome to apply for a PhD position in integrated ocean observations 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.

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

The PhD position is located at Campus Gotland in Visby within the research program Natural Resources and Sustainable Development (NRHU). Campus Gotland is an international campus located in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Visby on the island of Gotland, in the middle of the Baltic Sea. The work will be within the research group Ocean Futures, led by Lina Mtwana Nordlund.

The PhD position is linked to the research project Measuring What Matters: Integrating Diverse Data for Holistic Ocean Observing, funded by Formas and carried out in collaboration between Uppsala University, University of Gothenburg, Umeå University, SMHI (Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute), and the County Administrative Board of Gotland County. The project aims to develop future ocean observations by integrating biological, environmental, social, economic, and governance-related data to create a more holistic understanding of marine social-ecological systems. By combining research, environmental monitoring, and management, the project contributes to the development of a more integrated and socially relevant ocean observing system for Swedish marine areas.

Responsibilities

The PhD student's research will focus on how marine observation and monitoring data can be integrated to support national and international environmental reporting, with a particular focus on the EU and, for example, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). The work includes mapping and analyzing scientific literature, marine observation systems, monitoring programs, and international frameworks such as the Global Ocean Observing System's Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs). The research will investigate how different types of observation variables can be combined to better understand the state of the sea, its changes, and resilience from a social-ecological perspective.

The PhD student will also contribute to the development of a support tool for integrated ocean observations, designed to help researchers, authorities, and other stakeholders identify which variables need to be observed for various knowledge and reporting needs. The work is carried out in close collaboration with the project's research and authority partners and includes data analysis, scientific publishing, presenting results at national and international conferences, and participating in the project's interdisciplinary activities.

Qualifications

Eligibility for PhD studies requires that the applicant has:

• completed a master's degree in environmental science, marine biology/ecology, sustainable development, oceanography, or social-ecological systems;
• completed at least 240 higher education credits, including at least 60 credits at advanced level, including an independent project of at least 15 credits; or
• acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way.

Very good communication skills in English, both oral and written, are required.

Desirable/Additional Merits

Knowledge of or experience with issues related to ocean observations, environmental monitoring, coastal zone management, and marine management is particularly desirable. Practical experience with fieldwork in the Baltic Sea, interview methodology, and leading workshops is advantageous. Experience working with interdisciplinary approaches and using conceptual and analytical frameworks is also valuable. Building databases and having good skills in using various data systems related to ocean observations are meritorious. Knowledge of statistics and analytical skills, as well as documented creativity and the ability to collaborate both within and outside academia, are meritorious. Knowledge of Swedish is desirable. A driver's license and experience driving boats are also desirable.

Regulations for PhD 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

The position is fixed-term, according to the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5, Section 7. The position is full-time. Start date: 2026-10-01 or by agreement. Location: Visby.

For further information about the position, please contact: Lina Mtwana Nordlund, +46701679981, [email protected]

We welcome your application no later than August 17, 2026, Ref. UFV-PA 2026/2086.

About Campus Gotland: Uppsala University Campus Gotland offers the best of two worlds: the comprehensive university's broad range and weight in education and research, and a unique small-scale campus in an interdisciplinary research environment. Campus Gotland serves as a hub for the university's research and education in sustainability. See what it is like to live and work on Gotland.

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 all 7,500 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and engagement, 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 a security clearance. In the event of a security clearance, a prerequisite for employment is 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]

Open to all. We focus on your competence, not your other prerequisites. We are open to adapting the role or workplace to your needs.