Postdoctoral Fellow in Ice core chemistry

The Department of Physical Geography is one of the major departments within the Faculty of Science. The department has approximately 110 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

Ice cores archive a wealth of atmospheric and environmental information, from stable water isotopes and major ion chemistry to insoluble particles and cosmogenic radionuclides. The department of Physical Geography has a long tradition in ice core science and has participated in many international campaigns. As a Postdoctoral Fellow in this project, you will work with polar ice core samples from Greenland and Antarctica spanning the Holocene, generating and interpreting isotope geochemistry and ion chemistry records. One aim of the project is to develop ice-core-based proxies for atmospheric chemistry, combining these geochemical datasets with climate reanalysis products. You will contribute to a project funded by the Swedish Research Council (VR) investigating past solar activity and its influence on atmospheric chemistry.

Main responsibilities

The main responsibilities of this position are sampling, data generation and analysis of ice core material, with a focus on isotope geochemistry and ion chemistry. This includes work in a freezer dedicated to ice core storage, and subsampling and processing of ice core sections. You will also contribute to developing the department’s current analytical capabilities for ice core chemistry, and to combining measured proxy records with climate reanalysis data to test new proxy relationships.

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.

In the appointment process, special attention will be given to research skills including experience in working with ice cores, isotope geochemistry, paleoclimate and data analysis skills.

The qualifications are meriting:

• Experience working with analytical instruments relevant to ice core studies
• Experience working in a freezer or polar field environment
• Development of scripts processing data
• Experience with continuous flow analysis (CFA)
• A track record of relevant publications.

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 Assistant Prof. Florian Mekhaldi, florian.mekhaldi@natgeo.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.

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-2937-26 | 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: 2026-09-09 | Sista ansökningsdag: 2026-10-07