by
2026-04-06
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The Department of Ecology, Environment and Geoscience (EMG) at Umeå University is looking for a PhD student in physical geography, for research on the role of perennial snowfields in the water cycle in northern Sweden, with special focus on evapotranspiration. The start date is fairly flexible but ideally sometime between August and November 2026. Deadline for applications is April 6th 2026.
Project descriptions and work tasks
The planned research aims to develop a new mechanistic understanding of the role of perennial snowfields for growing season water availability and cooling in the Scandinavian mountains. Arctic uplands and mountainous areas, such as the Scandinavian mountains where glaciers and perennial snowfields are common, are especially sensitive to warming. Here, perennial snowfields constitute a source of meltwater during the growing season, and provide cooling, as their high albedo limits the surface net radiation, and because snowmelt and evapotranspiration (ET) of meltwater are sinks for latent heat. Growing season water inputs in these environments originate from both rain and meltwater, but these do not necessary contribute equally to evapotranspiration, groundwater recharge and streamflow. A potential decrease in snow might therefore impact headwater streams and plant water availability differently than would a decrease in rain. A future reduction in perennial snowfields could have severe impacts for plant water availability, streamflow, and surface temperatures during the growing season driven by consequent changes in ET. Therefore, a mechanistic understanding of the contribution of snow to ET would enable more robust projections for future risks of drought, wildfires, and stream ecosystem health in the northern Scandinavian mountain ranges.
The project will include fieldwork in the mountains near Abisko in northern Sweden, where eddy covariance sensors will be used to measure ET in the vicinity of perennial snow fields during the growing season. The PhD student will also be responsible for analysis of data from eddy covariance sensors, weather stations, and hydrological installations, as well as physically-based hydrological model development. The principal supervisor will be Ylva Sjöberg at Umeå University, and the research involves an interdisciplinary team of collaborators at Gothenburg University, Oulu University, and the University of Cologne.
Entry requirements and prerequisites
To be admitted to doctoral education, the applicant must meet the general entry requirements and the specific entry requirements established by the Faculty Board of Science and Technology, and be deemed to have the overall ability required to benefit from the education (Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 7, Section 35).
General entry requirements
To fulfil the general entry requirements, the applicant must have qualifications equivalent to either a completed degree at advanced level (second-cycle), or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS, including at least 60 ECTS at advanced level, or has otherwise acquired essentially equivalent knowledge within or outside Sweden. The faculty board may, in the case of a specific applicant, consent to an exemption from the general entry requirements if there are special reasons to do so. (Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 7, Section 39)
Specific entry requirements
In order to fulfil the specific entry requirements for admission to doctoral studies in physical geography, the applicant must have passed courses in a basic higher education subject relevant to physical geography of at least 120 credits. At least one course at advanced level in a subject that is central to the doctoral student's planned specialization must be included, as well as an independent project (degree project) with a relevant specialization of at least 15 credits. The requirements for prior knowledge as described above are also considered to be met by those who have otherwise acquired essentially equivalent knowledge.
Qualifications
We are looking for candidates with creativity, power of initiative, independence, good collaboration skills, and good ability to write and speak in English. A solid theoretical understanding of hydrology, boundary layer meteorology, and arctic ecosystem dynamics will be ideal for the planned work. Strong quantitative skills, including programming, numerical modeling and model development, are considered important merits. Experience and willingness to conduct fieldwork in remote areas and challenging conditions, requiring independent problem-solving, logistical and planning skills, are desirable qualifications.
The assessments will be based on the application, reference check and interview.
Terms of employment
The employment is expected to result in a doctoral degree and the main assignment for the doctoral student is thus to be part of the research education, which includes participation in the described research project but also to take relevant courses. Teaching and other departmental work (up to a maximum of 20%) can be included. The employment is limited to four years at full time or up to five years if teaching and other departmental work is performed. The salary is fixed according to the established salary level for doctoral students.
How to apply
You apply through our recruitment system on April 6th 2026, at the latest. The application, written in English or Swedish, should include:
The documents should be in PDF-format.
Preliminary date for interviews is April 24 2026.
Contact
If you have questions regarding the position, please contact Associate Professor Ylva Sjöberg, ylva.sjoberg@umu.se
The Department of Ecology, Environment and Geoscience (EMG) is both a research and teaching department situated within the Umeå University campus. The department has approximately 160 staff members, of which 30 are PhD students. For more information, visit https://www.umu.se/en/department-of-ecology-and-environmental-science/
Admission
According to agreement
Salary
Månadslön
Application deadline
2026-04-06
Registration number
AN 2026/330
Contact
Ylva Sjöberg
090-7869405
Union representative
SACO
090-7865365
SEKO
090-7865296
ST
090-7865431