Doctoral student in Environmental Science

Subject description

Environmental science is the scientific study of environmental problems resulting from human activity, including climate change. The subject combines the study of human impact on natural processes and the measures and strategies that can be implemented in order to prevent, avert or counteract environmental problems and achieve long-term sustainable development. Environmental science research is based on a fundamental understanding of natural processes and how they are affected by human activity and therefore has a broad foundation in traditional subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics, geology and physical geography. It also includes the study of relevant measures and strategies to tackle environmental problems. This enables the research to be based on interdisciplinary approaches in collaboration across traditional subject boundaries.

Work duties

Forests play an important role in reaching the climate targets as they can act as natural carbon sinks. However, human interventions can significantly impact the forests’ ability to contribute to greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions. For example, clear-cutting can turn the forests’ carbon sinks into carbon sources for decades. In this PhD project, we take the starting point in a rotation forest with the overall aim to investigate and compare management strategies for even-aged forest in terms of climate impact in the short term. Based on empirical data, the project aims to quantify changes in net GHG emissions for alternative management strategies such as delaying the clear-cut, replacing clear-cutting with selective harvest or reducing the size of the clear-cut area. Compared to traditional, process-based models, this project aims to use data observed in the field paired with high-spatial resolution drone imagery and machine learning modelling. It therefore has the potential to contribute to the literature by revealing new patterns and relationships.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Admission requirements

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Environmental Science if the applicant has:

• completed an independent project, e.g. a degree project in the relevant subject comprising at least 30 credits and have good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Qualifications other than the applicant’s subject-specific competence in environmental science may be taken into consideration in order to enable interdisciplinary initiatives and important specialisations in certain areas.

Additional requirements:

• University degree (MSc or equivalent) in a natural science or engineering subject (e.g. environmental sciences, computational sciences, physics, atmospheric sciences)
• Interdisciplinary study background including understanding of climate change from a natural science perspective, sustainable development, political climate targets, mitigation and adaption in the society to future effects of climate change
• Excellent numeric and analytical problem-solving skills, and experience with programming languages (Matlab, Python) and geoscience tools (e.g. ArcGIS)
• Competence in mathematical statistics, quantitative modeling, applied calculation methods, and machine learning approaches
• Solid understanding of greenhouse gas exchanges of terrestrial ecosystems, as well as in modelling their relevant processes
• Proficiency in both oral and written English, very good communication skills, including exchange with stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to tackle complex research problems and to work in a team but also independently, and to complete activities on time

Assessment criteria

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study (see requirements listed above). An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems. Written and oral communication skills Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Terms of employment
Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

The advertised position will be located at Centre for Environmental- and Climate Science within the Faculty of Science in 2025, to be transferred to the newly formed Department of Environmental and Earth Sciences within the same faculty from 1 January 2026.
By merging the Centre for Environmental and Climate Science, the Department of Physical Geography and Ecosystem Science and the Department of Geology in a joint and co-located organisation, the new department will strengthen the link between different research fields, develop new educational programmes and promote collaboration with society.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).