Postdoctoral Fellow in Geomorphological Analyses of Submarine Landforms

The Department of Geological Sciences is a department within the Faculty of Science with courses at master's, bachelor's and orientation levels. The department supports a broad range of basic research within marine geology and geophysics, geochemistry and classical geology.

More information about us, please visit: the Department of Geological Sciences.

Project description

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher for our interdisciplinary project focused on understanding submarine glacial landforms and their implications for glacial ice dynamics and ocean systems. This position is ideal for a geoscientist with expertise in submarine geomorphology and glacial geology as well as experience in working with marine geophysical mapping data. You will analyze high-resolution seafloor terrain models collected via multibeam sonar systems, interpreting these features to advance our knowledge of ice dynamics, ice-ocean interactions and the processes shaping the seafloor. You will:

• Collaborate with machine learning specialists to develop models for automatic recognition and classification of submarine landforms.
• Provide critical geological insights to validate and refine machine learning outputs
• Contribute to understanding how glacial ice moves, melts, and impacts ocean systems under climate change.

This role offers a unique opportunity to bridge traditional geological methods with cutting-edge computational approaches. This postdoctoral position is for two years, with the possibility of a one-year extension. It is part of a project funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, which focuses on leveraging machine learning to interpret seafloor patterns and better understand the behavior of marine glaciers. The project involves collaboration with other postdoctoral scientists, PhD students, and faculty, as well as key international partners at the University of New Hampshire (USA), Scripps Institution of Oceanography (USA), and JAMSTEC (Japan). The Department of Geological Sciences hosts one of four regional centers within the Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 project. Launched in 2017, Seabed 2030 aims to inspire ocean mapping and deliver a complete map of the world's ocean floor by 2030 for the benefit of humankind. 

This initiative provides a unique opportunity for you to engage with a broad international network, and contribute to advancing the science of submarine glacial morphology, seafloor mapping and climate research. 

Qualification requirements

Postdoctoral positions are appointed primarily for purposes of research. Applicants are expected to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent degree from another country.

Assessment criteria

The degree must have been completed at latest before the employment decision is made, but no more than three years before the closing date. An older degree may be acceptable under special circumstances. Special reasons refer to sick leave, parental leave, elected positions in trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances as well as clinical attachment or service/assignments relevant to the subject area.

We seek candidates with a strong background in geoscience and expertise in recognizing and classifying submarine glacial landforms using marine geophysical mapping data, particularly multibeam bathymetry. Documented experience in analyzing submarine seafloor morphology through marine geophysical mapping data and general GIS applications is highly desirable. The candidate should be fluent in English, and be able to work independently and in groups, as well as towards deadlines as the project has specific sub-goals. The candidate will collaborate closely with a postdoctoral scientist specializing in computer science to develop machine learning algorithms as part of this interdisciplinary project.

The selection among the eligible candidates is based on their expected capacity to complete the project tasks. The following criteria are used to assess this capacity: the applicant's documented knowledge and skills within the subject of their proposed specialization, capability to express their work orally and in writing in English, creativity, ability to take initiatives, capacity for analytical thinking, independence and ability to work with other researchers. The evaluation is based on previous education and experience, quality of previous published research, ambition expressed in the motivation letter, description of the proposed project direction and potentially interviews.

About the employment

The position involves full-time employment for a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years, with the possibility of extension under special circumstances. Start date as per agreement.

We offer

With us, you will experience the dynamic interaction between higher education and research that makes Stockholm University an exciting and creative environment. You will work in an international environment and get favorable conditions. The university is located in the National City Park with good transport links to the city.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

Further information about the position can be obtained from Professor Martin Jakobsson,  martin.jakobsson@geo.su.se.

Application

Apply for the position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline. We recommend that you submit your application, including the necessary documents, in English.

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.