Research Assistant in the INFLUX project

Stockholm Resilience Centre (SRC) explores how people and nature can live and develop within the limits of the planet. The Centre is a collaboration between Stockholm University and the Beijer Institute of Ecological Economics at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. We bring people together from around the world to research, study and collaborate for a thriving and resilient biosphere that enables well-being for all.

For more information, please visit: Stockholm Resilience Centre.

Project description

The position is part of the European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant project INFLUX: Emerging pests and pathogens as a novel lens for unravelling social-ecological cascades. Emerging pests and pathogens (EPPs) – including infectious diseases in humans, plants or livestock as well as agricultural pests – are increasingly disruptive forces that can trigger large-scale ecological and social change. INFLUX aims to understand how shocks and governance challenges associated with EPPs cascade across time, space and scales in social-ecological systems, and how they can be governed to support sustainable development.

The research assistant will support the INFLUX project with data management, analytical tasks and organisational support. This includes contributing to the building of comparative datasets on EPPs, supporting large-scale data collection and analysis (e.g. online media reporting, occurrence records, scientific data), and assisting with coordination of project activities.

Main responsibilities

The research assistant is expected to contribute to the project by:

1. Assisting in the collection, organization, and curation of large, heterogeneous datasets (e.g. occurrence records, text/media data, case study data).
2. Supporting data analysis using appropriate software tools (e.g. R, Python, relational databases).
3. Assisting with project coordination and administrative tasks, such as organising meetings and workshops.
4. Supporting the synthesis of research results for both academic and non-academic audiences. 

Qualification requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline (e.g. sustainability science, ecology, geography, data science, environmental studies). Strong skills in data management and analysis are essential, including experience with tools such as R, Python, or similar platforms. Excellent written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of Swedish is an advantage but not mandatory.

Experience with interdisciplinary research projects, database construction, or handling of large and heterogeneous datasets is meritorious, as are strong organizational skills and the ability to communicate research clearly across audiences.

About the employment

This is a full-time temporary position for 12 months. Stockholm University applies individual salary setting. Start date as agreement, preferably in the beginning of 2026. 

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 Dr. Peter Søgaard Jørgensen, peter.sogaard.jorgensen@su.se.

Application

Apply for the position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete and that it is submitted before the deadline.

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