Doctoral student in Land Use and Climate Impacts Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden

Chalmers University of Technology invites applications for a fully funded Doctoral student position in Land Use and Climate Impacts, based at the Division of Physical Resource Theory within the Department of Environmental and Energy Sciences. The research group is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach, combining natural sciences and systems analysis to address sustainability challenges such as climate change, energy transitions, and land use. The successful candidate will join a dynamic team in Gothenburg, Sweden, contributing to innovative research that informs policy and advances environmental science.

The research project focuses on the carbon impacts of forestry and wood-based products, exploring the balance between carbon sequestration and harvesting for material substitution. The project may also examine the environmental footprint of agriculture and food production, with a central theme of trade-offs among competing land uses—wood, food, energy, and conservation—and their influence on policy decisions. The doctoral student will develop and apply biophysical and economic models of greenhouse gas emissions from forest and agricultural systems, building on frameworks such as ClimAg and CRAFT within the EU Horizon-funded TERRAMARE project. This project aims to equip policymakers with tools to evaluate biomass source trade-offs for food, energy, and fiber needs, as well as impacts on climate change, biodiversity, and environmental health.

Key responsibilities include modeling greenhouse gas emissions, analyzing trade-offs between carbon sequestration and other land-use demands (biodiversity conservation, food production, timber, bioenergy), and working at both European and sub-national levels. The position also involves advanced coursework within the Graduate School of Energy, Environment & Systems and may include teaching or departmental duties up to 20% of working hours.

Applicants must hold a master's degree (120 credits) or magisterexamen (60 credits) in environmental science, forestry, physical geography, agricultural science, or a closely related discipline. For candidates educated outside Sweden, a 4-year Bachelor's degree is accepted. Essential skills include strong analytical and mathematical abilities, proficiency in quantitative modeling, data analysis, and scientific computing (R, Python), and excellent English communication skills. Experience with lifecycle assessment, carbon accounting, agricultural greenhouse gas estimation, spatial data, geospatial tools, and interest in science–policy interfaces are advantageous.

The position is fully funded, with a fixed-term appointment of four years (up to five years with teaching duties), and a starting salary of 34,550 SEK per month (valid from May 25, 2025). Doctoral students at Chalmers are employees and enjoy comprehensive benefits, including access to Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, and healthcare. Chalmers is committed to gender equality and diversity, offering Swedish language courses for international students and fostering an inclusive environment.

Applications must be submitted in English via the online application form, with all required documents attached as PDFs (CV, personal letter, motivation, thesis, transcripts). Incomplete applications and those sent by email will not be considered. The deadline for applications is April 30, 2026. For further information, contact Associate Professor Stefan Wirsenius at [email protected].

Chalmers University of Technology is a leading institution in engineering, science, shipping, and architecture, dedicated to scientific excellence and sustainable solutions. Founded in 1829, Chalmers continues to advance knowledge and innovation in close collaboration with society.