Postdoctoral Fellow in Subsea Permafrost and Methane

The Department of Environmental Science is one of the largest departments at the Faculty of Science of Stockholm University. Our research spans from couplings between climate change and biogeochemical cycles (atmosphere-land-ocean) to the sources, transport and effects of environmental contaminants. The department consists of four units with more than 170 researchers, PhD students, technical and administrative staff from over 30 countries. We are deeply engaged also in the Bolin Centre for Climate Research, a national center of excellence that facilitates research, teaching and outreach related to the Earth’s climate across disciplines. For more information about us, please visit https://www.su.se/department-of-environmental-science/.

Research in the Biogeochemistry Unit focuses on the cycles of carbon, nutrients and trace metals on land, in water and in the atmosphere, and their interaction with human activities and climate. The unit has a strong and long-standing research focus on the impact of global warming on Arctic environments with the overarching goal to improve the systems understanding and future projections of biogeochemical cycles in this system.

We are now recruiting a postdoctoral fellow to complement our team, with a focus on subsea permafrost and its role as a source, sink, and conduit of methane.

More information about us, please visit: the Department of Environmental Science.

Project description

The position will be associated with the Wallenberg Academy Fellowship project SuPerTip that aims to quantify methane emissions from the subsea permafrost tipping system. Subsea permafrost extends over large areas under the Arctic Ocean and represents one of the least understood but likely critical components of the Earth System. Hotspots of high methane concentrations have been observed above subsea permafrost and might be linked to subsea permafrost thaw, implying that emissions from this system could substantially increase in the future. Our current understanding of subsea permafrost and its potential as a source, conduit, or sink of methane is however extremely scarce and limits projections of possible future emissions from this system. The SuPerTip project integrates experimental and modelling tools to understand the relationship between subsea permafrost and methane, and quantify emissions under current and future conditions. This post doc will focus on modelling methane fluxes through subsea permafrost, led by project PI Birgit Wild (Stockholm Univ. Dept. Environmental Science), in collaboration with Christian Stranne (Stockholm Univ. Dept. Geological Sciences).

Main responsibilities

The position involves modelling methane fluxes through subsea permafrost on the Arctic Ocean shelves, under present and future conditions. A numerical methane hydrate model is available to build on (Stranne et al. 2022 Comm. Earth Environ.), but also other modelling approaches are possible and the post doc is encouraged to bring in own ideas. Observational data on subsea permafrost and key drivers of methane dynamics are available as model input. The post doc will also be part of a larger research team working on different aspects of carbon cycling and greenhouse gas emissions in the terrestrial and marine Arctic.

Beyond the immediate project goals, we aim to provide post docs with attractive opportunities to develop their careers. We will discuss personal development goals at the beginning and throughout the post doc period. We offer possibilities to develop new method skills, be involved in teaching, in bachelor and master thesis supervision, and in other ongoing research if the post doc is interested. Stockholm University also offers courses and workshops on university pedagogics and proposal writing. 

Qualification requirements

In order to qualify for a Postdoctoral position, applicants are required to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent relevant degree from another country. The degree must have been completed no later than when the employment decision is made.

Assessment criteria

It is considered an advantage if the doctoral degree or an equivalent degree was completed no more than three years prior to the application deadline. Under special circumstances, an older degree may also be an advantage. Special circumstances 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.

A doctoral degree is required for starting this position, but does not have to be completed before the deadline for applications. Please feel free to apply for this position if you expect to finish your doctoral degree in the months after the application deadline, and indicate in your application when you expect to defend your thesis.

In the appointment process, special attention will be given to research skills. Special emphasis is put on the applicant’s knowledge and skills within the subject area, ability to express themselves verbally and in writing, analytical aptitude, creativity in scientific thinking, initiative and independence, and a capacity for working together with others. Experience with coding is required, and experience with similar models is a strong advantage. The evaluation will be based on the quality and ambition of previous work, scientific publications, references, a cover letter motivating the candidate’s interest, and interviews. High value will be placed on the scientific quality and feasibility of the research proposal submitted with the application, and the ability of the candidate to execute the plan.

We are looking for a highly motivated person with a strong interest in modelling and large-scale greenhouse gas emissions and feedbacks to climate warming. A background in e.g., Environmental Sciences, Biology, or Geosciences, but also Engineering or Mathematics would be highly suitable. Collaborative skills and proficiency in English are required.

If you are unsure about your eligibility for the position, please contact Ass. Prof. Dr. Birgit Wild birgit.wild@aces.su.se.

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 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 the project leader Assistant Prof. Birgit Wild, birgit.wild@aces.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.