Postdoctoral Fellow in Terrestrial Water System Variations and Trends

Department of Physical Geography is one of the major departments within the Faculty of Science. The department has approximately 110 employees and educates approximately 1 000 students annually. Our research and education is in Physical Geography, a wide-ranging scientific field dealing with the diverse physical and biological features of Earth, their characteristics, processes, patterns and interactions with humans. We study connected physical, chemical, biological, geological, environmental and social processes and changes in the world's land areas and their water, ice and geological formations, climate systems and ecosystems, in relation to each other and to human societies. We offer a stimulating and friendly environment in a diverse and international institution with research and education at a very high level. More information about us, please visit: the Department of Physical Geography

Project description

The position will be associated with the project “Coupled freshwater system variations, trends and their drivers around the world” funded by the Swedish Research Council. The project is about investigating the geographical variations and the change trends over time in different aspects of (variables, such as water fluxes, water reservoirs/levels, and their extreme conditions under droughts and floods in) Earth's coupled surface water and groundwater system on land (the terrestrial water system), and identifying main causes (drivers, pressures) for the variations/changes at different scales, from local to global.

Main responsibilities

The position involves research to quantify and map the variations, trends and extremes of the coupled terrestrial surface water and groundwater system, and the impacts on these of the variations and changes in climate and human land and water uses in different regions around the world. This requires the synthesis and analysis of large datasets for the studied variables of the water system, climate, land/water uses, and possible other relevant socio-economic conditions, available in various open databases from both observations and models. The research also includes use of physically interpretable machine-learning and/or graph/network-theory methods for data-driven modeling and analysis of the water system variations, trends and extremes.

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.

In the appointment process, special attention will be given to research skills. Applicants should be able to demonstrate excellent skills in data-driven and computational research on hydrology and hydroclimate with elements of machine learning or graph/network analysis methods. Applicants should also demonstrate excellent ability to publish such research, and excellent written and oral writing and communication skills in English.

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 per agreement in the autumn of 2025.

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 favourable 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 Georgia Destouni, georgia.destouni@natgeo.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.

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