The University of Gothenburg welcomes motivated students and researchers to join its diverse and internationally oriented academic community. Renowned for its strong interdisciplinary research, commitment to sustainability, and high-quality education, the university offers a wide range of undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs across multiple disciplines.

Applicants must hold a relevant bachelor’s and master’s degree (or equivalent) with a strong academic record, meet the specific entry requirements of the chosen program, and demonstrate proficiency in English. Additional eligibility criteria may apply depending on the course or funding opportunity.

The University of Gothenburg is one of Sweden’s leading and most comprehensive universities, known for its strong commitment to interdisciplinary research, academic freedom, and societal impact. Founded in 1891, the university hosts a wide range of programs across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, medicine, education, business, fine arts, and IT.

• University or Organization: University of Gothenburg, Sweden
• Department: Department of Earth Sciences
• Course Level: Doctoral (PhD)
• Award: PhD position with salaried doctoral employment (according to University of Gothenburg salary agreement)
• Access Mode: Online
• Number of Awards: 1
• Nationality: Domestic and international
• The Award Can Be Taken In: Sweden

Eligibility

• Eligible Countries: All countries
• Acceptable Course or Subjects: The scholarship will be awarded in Physical Geography or closely related natural science disciplines such as Geography, Environmental Science, or Geology, provided they include substantial components of physical geography.
• Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
• Hold a second-cycle (Master’s) degree in a relevant natural science discipline, or
• Have completed at least 240 higher education credits, including a minimum of 60 credits at the second-cycle level, or
• Possess equivalent qualifications obtained in Sweden or abroad
• Have completed university-level coursework or equivalent experience in remote sensing theory and data analysis
• Demonstrate good knowledge of quantitative methods, including statistics or data analysis
• Show strong oral and written communication skills in English
• Have interest in and ability to conduct fieldwork in Arctic tundra environments

Advantageous qualifications include:

• Experience with multispectral and/or hyperspectral satellite data
• Background in GIS, climate data analysis, or plant ecology
• Knowledge of plant physiology
• Experience with UAV/drone operation or willingness to learn
• Programming or scripting skills (e.g., Python or R)
• Previous experience with tundra or Arctic vegetation studies

How to Apply

Applicants must apply through the University of Gothenburg’s online recruitment portal. The application must be written in English and include:

• A short cover letter explaining motivation and suitability
• A CV (list of qualifications)
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates
• Copy of the Master’s thesis (or equivalent)
• Employment certificates or other relevant supporting documents

Benefits

• Fully funded doctoral education with a competitive salary
• Four years of full-time PhD studies (with up to 20% teaching/departmental duties)
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities, including an Ice Lab, UAVs, and biogeochemical labs
• Opportunities for fieldwork in Swedish Arctic tundra environments
• Strong supervisory support and interdisciplinary research environment
• Family-friendly working conditions and generous Swedish parental and childcare benefits
• Equal-opportunity and diversity-focused workplace.

Apply Now