PhD student in Physical Geography focusing on Glacial Biogeochemistry

Department of Physical Geography is one of the major departments within the Faculty of Science. The department has approximately 100 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 nutrients in glacial meltwater impact on downstream primary productivity and thus the flow of carbon in proglacial, fjord and marine ecosystems. Flowing ice crushes the underlying bedrock and sediments, generating fine-grained sediments, often termed “glacial flour”. Reactions between this material and water in subglacial environments generate both aqueous nutrients and reactive colloids that can also release nutrients downstream. The limited research to date has shown that the mineralogy of the bedrock/sediments is an important determinant on nutrient concentrations. Meltwater volumes from mountain glaciers and the Greenland Ice Sheet have been increasing over at least the past two decades and are predicted to continue their increase over the coming decades. However, the associated change in nutrient supply accompanying this meltwater increase is poorly understood, yet critical for understanding changes in carbon flows in these impacted systems.

This PhD project will address this knowledge gap by quantifying nutrient release from glacial sediments from a range of glaciated catchments and lithologies, primarily through laboratory-based experiments. These experiments will include investigation of the effect of parameters such as grain size, suspended sediment concentration and solute concentration on the release of nutrients. The PhD offers hands-on training in laboratory geochemical and biogeochemical experimentation and analytical techniques. Data analysis requires quantitative approaches, including statistical analysis and modelling to interpret the data. There are opportunities to collaborate with national and international research groups focused on geochemistry and biogeochemistry of glacial systems, and analytical work will involve partner laboratories both in Sweden and abroad. There will also be the opportunity for field research to complement the existing samples. The successful candidate is expected to present their work at national/international conferences and workshops.

Qualification requirements

In order to be admitted to postgraduate education, the applicant must have the general and specific entry requirements. The qualification requirements must be met by the deadline for applications.

You meet general entry requirements if you have completed a second-cycle degree, or completed courses equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits, of which 60 credits must be in the second cycle, or have otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or elsewhere.

Specific entry requirements. In order to meet the specific entry requirements, and to fulfil the general syllabus for doctoral studies in Physical Geography, the candidate for this position should have acquired a total of at least 240 higher education credits (of which at least 60 at advanced level), or acquired in some alternative way, the equivalent knowledge in the fields of Earth Science, biology-Earth science, Geography, or other relevant natural or engineering scientific disciplines. This program should include independent work totaling at least 30 higher education credits, of which 15 credits are at an advanced level.

Selection

The selection among the eligible candidates will be based on their capacity to benefit from the training. The following criteria will be used to assess this capacity:

• documented knowledge in a relevant field of research, for example, Physical Geography, Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences
• documented knowledge of geochemistry/biogeochemistry
• experience with geochemical laboratory analytical methods and techniques
• capacity for analytical and creative thinking
• initiative
• independence
• ability to collaborate
• written and oral proficiency in English.

Admission Regulations for Doctoral Studies at Stockholm University.

About the employment

We offer a fixed-term employment as a doctoral student according to Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). The period of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for four years. As a doctoral student, you should primarily devote yourself to your own doctoral education, but the employment may include work with education, research and administration to a limited extent (maximum 20 %).

A new employment as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, the employment is then renewed for a maximum of two years at a time.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

For more information, please contact Associate Professor Mark Skidmore, mark.skidmore@natgeo.su.se.

Application

Apply for the PhD student 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.

Stockholm University contributes to the development of sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment and the pursuit of truth.

Anställningsform: tidsbegränsad anställning | Anställningens omfattning: heltid | Antal lediga befattningar: 1 | Sysselsättningsgrad: 100 % | Ort: Stockholm | Län: Stockholms län | Land: Sweden | Referensnummer: SU FV-2905-26 | Facklig företrädare: ST/OFR ST/OFR 08162000, ST/OFR ST/OFR 08162000, Saco-S Saco-S 08162000, Saco-S Saco-S 08162000, Seko Seko 0770457900, Seko Seko 0770457900, | Publicerat: 2026-09-07 | Sista ansökningsdag: 2026-10-06