Postdoc position (2 years) in aquatic biogeochemistry

We are announcing a postdoctoral position in aquatic biogeochemistry and ecosystem ecology. The employment is full time for two years and the position is expected to start on November 1st 2025, or according to agreement. The position is based at the Department of Ecology, Environment and Geopscience at Umeå University. Last application date is 2025-07-15.

Research description 
The postdoc position is supported by a new ERC Starting Grant, ARIMETH. The project aims to unravel how methane emissions form Arctic river networks are controlled, to develop predictive models of methane cycling in northern rivers. 

This postdoc position will focus on assessing how stream methane emissions are linked to permafrost thaw, using radioisotopes to track sources and ages of different carbon components. The postdoc will lead the acquisition and analysis of aquatic water chemistry data, collected in different Arctic settings such as northern Alaska and Greenland. 

The postdoc will work with Assistant Prof. Gerard Rocher-Ros (Umeå University), and international collaborators within the broader ARIMETH project.  

Qualifications 
To be appointed under the postdoctoral agreement, the postdoctoral fellow is required to have completed a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree. This qualification requirements must be fulfilled no later than at the time of the appointment decision. 

To be appointed under the postdoctoral agreement, priority should be given to candidates who completed their doctoral degree, according to what is stipulated in the paragraph above, no later than three years prior. If there are special reasons, candidates who completed their doctoral degree prior to that may also be eligible. Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, appointments of trust in trade union organisations, military service, or similar circumstances, as well as clinical practice or other forms of appointment/assignment relevant to the subject area. 

The successful candidate should have a PhD in ecosystem ecology, biogeochemistry, physical geography, or a related field.  

Past experience of synoptic surveys of water chemistry, carbon radioisotopic analysis, and fieldwork in remote settings is a requirement.  

We are seeking a candidate who combines independent and creative thinking with strong collaboration skills and a proven ability to lead and complete research projects. 

Excellent written and oral communication skills are required. 

Experience, and knowledge of modeling aquatic metabolism using dissolved oxygen data is considered a strong merit, but not a requirement. 

How to apply 
The application should contain the following: 

• A personal cover letter motivating your application and how you can contribute to the research (max one page)
• CV including full list of publications,
• Copy of doctoral thesis,
• A copy of doctoral degree certificate or documentation that clarifies when the degree of doctor is expected to be obtained,
• Contact information for two reference persons,
• Other documents that the applicant wishes to submit.

The application must be written in English or Swedish. The application is made through our electronic recruitment system, Varbi. Documents sent electronically must be in Word or PDF format. Log in to the system and apply via the button at the end of this page. 

The closing date is 2025-07-15.

Contact 
Any additional questions about the research or application should be directed to Gerard Rocher-Ros, Umeå University (Gerard.rocher.ros@umu.se ) 

The Department of Ecology Environment and Geoscience carries out research and postgraduate education in ecology, environmental science and physical geography. The department has about 160 employees, about 40 of whom are postdoctoral researchers. For more information, visit: https://www.umu.se/en/department-of-ecology-and-environmental-science/