PhD position in global change biology University of Gothenburg in Sweden

PhD position in global change biology at the University of Gothenburg

The Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences (BioEnv) at the University of Gothenburg is offering a fully funded PhD position focused on global change biology, with an emphasis on how climate change and heatwaves affect animal biodiversity across life stages. The project asks how and why thermal sensitivity varies through the life cycle, and what this means for populations under climate change.

The research is part of a program funded by the Swedish Research Council (Vetenskapsrådet) on the vulnerability of fish life stages to climate change. The project is expected to combine empirical research with evidence synthesis and comparative analyses. While fish may be a primary focus, the scope can extend to other taxa, including freshwater and marine invertebrates. This flexibility gives the student room to develop original questions and increasing intellectual ownership of the research direction.

The position is based at Natrium in Gothenburg, with possible research activities at Kristineberg marine research station and other locations in Sweden or abroad. The department works across ecology, evolution, physiology, systematics, and related fields, offering a strong interdisciplinary environment for research on organisms ranging from genes to ecosystems.

Supervision will be led by Patrice Pottier, with co-supervision by Prof. Fredrik Jutfelt. The student will benefit from regular supervision, early-stage support, mentoring, and career development guidance, and will have opportunities to contribute to collaborations through the Thermal Ecology Alliance and broader national and international networks.

Training opportunities include experimental design, laboratory and field research on animals, statistical modelling and programming, evidence synthesis, climate modelling, open and reproducible research, scientific writing, teaching, communication, and leadership/project management skills. Departmental duties may amount to up to 20% of full-time employment, typically teaching at first- and second-cycle levels, with a corresponding extension of study time.

Eligibility requires a second-cycle degree or equivalent in a relevant natural science field such as ecology, evolutionary biology, animal physiology, zoology, marine or freshwater biology, environmental science, or quantitative biology. The selection process will focus on motivation, prior research experience, English proficiency, independence, critical thinking, quantitative and reproducible research skills, collaboration, and commitment to open science and scientific integrity. Desirable experience includes R programming, experimental work with animals, field ecology or monitoring, meta-analysis, comparative methods, and scientific publishing.

The position is employed at 100% and is expected to start flexibly, preferably before the end of 2026, subject to notice periods and residence permit considerations. Application materials must be submitted in English through the university recruitment portal by 2026-09-21. Required documents include a cover letter, CV, transcripts and certificates, a copy of the Master’s thesis or equivalent, employment certificates, and contact details for referees.