PhD student in Environmental Science

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We are now looking for a PhD student in Environmental Science with focus on remote sensing of aquatic environments.

Your work assignments

Are you interested in becoming a PhD student working with novel remote sensing-based methods for studying the littoral zones of lakes? As a PhD student you would be part of a competent and friendly research group at Linköping University who develops and uses new methods for environmental research. The position is within a new project related to climate change with a focus on greenhouse gas emissions from lakes and involves collaboration with other universities in the project team. 

The successful applicant will focus on the mapping of key properties of the littoral zones, including plant communities (emergent, floating and submerged), net primary productivity, and bottom substrates using different remote sensing datasets, including drone and satellite imagery. A key objective is to devise methods and workflows that enable characterization of the littoral zone at both local and regional scales, as well as for different temporal scales. These tasks will include working with Big-data, cloud-based computing, and machine learning/AI approaches, but also collection and processing of field data and drone-imagery. 

As a PhD student, you collaborate with other researchers, but you are also expected to conduct independent research in line with the project focus. The position will require writing scientific research articles which will contribute to your PhD thesis, presenting results at conferences and project meetings. In addition to research work within the RELITORATE project the position includes research education, involving courses, and can include institutional tasks such as teaching up to a maximum of 20% of full time. 

Your qualifications

We are looking for academically strong candidates with a background in natural science. You hold a master’s degree in physical geography, geoscience, civil- or environmental engineering, computer science, physics or a related field, or have completed courses with a minimum of 240 credits, at least 60 of which must be on an advanced level. Alternatively, you have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way. 

The candidate should be a highly motivated, positive and creative person that can take responsibility and perform independent work while also acting as a team player. In addition, personal skills such as an ability to cooperate, and a strong command of both spoken and written English is essential. 

A prerequisite for the position is openness to spend considerable amounts of time in the field in remote areas, staying and working under fairly simple conditions. A driving license valid in Sweden (at least type B) is therefore also required. Another requirement is experience in programming and Big data processing. 

Other desired qualifications (not necessary but adding merit value): 

- Knowledge in hydrology or limnology 

- Knowledge of statistical analysis 

- Experience with data-processing and programming in Python, Matlab, JavaScript, R, or equivalent 

- Experience with geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing 

- Experience in field work 

- Technical aptitude 

- A willingness to learn new things such as flying different types of drones and programming 

Your workplace

Environmental Change carries out research and education on the interaction between environment and society in an analytically innovative way. Third cycle and first cycle studies specialising in environmental science are carried out at the department. First cycle studies include a bachelor's and a master's programme, as well as stand-alone courses and teacher-training courses in environment science, thematic natural science and geography. 

This position is part of a group that focuses on greenhouse gas emissions from different anthropogenic and natural environments using several methods, some of which have been developed in the group. 

The employment

When taking up the post, you will be admitted to the program for doctoral studies. More information about the doctoral studies at each faculty is available at Doctoral studies at Linköping University 

The employment has a duration of four years’ full-time equivalent. You will initially be employed for a period of one year. The employment will subsequently be renewed for periods of maximum duration two years, depending on your progress through the study plan. The employment may be extended up to a maximum of five years, based on the amount of teaching and departmental duties you have carried out. Further extensions can be granted in special circumstances. 

Starting date is 2025-09-01 or by agreement.  

Salary and employment benefits

The salary of PhD students is determined according to a locally negotiated salary progression.

More information about employment benefits at Linköping University is available here.

Union representatives

Information about union representatives, see Help for applicants.

Application procedure

Apply for the position by clicking the “Apply” button below. Your application must reach Linköping University no later than June 2, 2025.

Applications and documents received after the date above will not be considered.

We welcome applicants with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives - diversity enriches our work and helps us grow. Preserving everybody's equal value, rights and opportunities is a natural part of who we are. Read more about our work with: Equal opportunities.

We look forward to receiving your application!

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