Irina Polovodova Asteman

The Department of Marine Sciences at the University of Gothenburg is seeking a postdoctoral researcher in marine biogeochemistry, with a focus on living benthic foraminifera and sediment biogeochemistry. This position is part of the VR-funded project FAME – Fjord Alien Microeukaryotes: New Drivers of Ecosystem Functioning? in collaboration with Université d'Angers (France) and the University of Hamburg (Germany). The project investigates the role of hidden invaders, specifically microbial eukaryotes such as benthic foraminifera, in nitrogen and phosphorus cycling within fjord ecosystems, aiming to understand their impact on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. The successful candidate will join an international, interdisciplinary team and will be responsible for planning and conducting independent field and laboratory work, analyzing living benthic foraminifera using epifluorescent microscopy, performing nutrient analyses (nitrate and phosphate) in sediment porewater, measuring intracellular nutrient storage and denitrification rates, and collaborating internationally to publish scientific results. The role also includes contributing to teaching at the BSc/MSc level and engaging in outreach activities. Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in marine geology, marine ecology, biogeochemistry, or a related field, with experience in research on benthic foraminifera or marine/sediment biogeochemistry. Strong English proficiency and a proven publication record are required. Additional skills such as experience with colorimetric and chemoluminescence analysis, epifluorescent microscopy, and microelectrodes are desirable. Good social and communication skills, motivation, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are valued. A category B driver’s licence is beneficial due to fieldwork requirements. The position is fully funded for two years (100% full-time) and is based in Gothenburg, Sweden. The start date is negotiable but should be no later than May 2026. Salary is set individually by the University. Applications must be submitted via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal by March 15, 2026, and should include a cover letter, CV, degree certificates, contact information for two referees, and up to three relevant publications. All documents must be in English. For further information, contact Assoc. Prof. Irina Polovodova Asteman at [email protected]. Keywords: marine biogeochemistry, benthic foraminifera, sediment biogeochemistry, marine geology, nutrient cycling, microeukaryotes, marine ecology, fjord ecosystems.

The University of Gothenburg, a leading institution in Sweden, offers a postdoctoral position in living benthic foraminifera and sediment biogeochemistry within the Department of Marine Sciences. The department is renowned for its interdisciplinary research, advanced infrastructure, and international collaborations, providing an exceptional environment for marine science and education. The postdoc will join the FAME project (Fjord Alien Microeukaryotes – New Drivers of Ecosystem Functioning?), funded by the Swedish Research Council (VR), and work alongside researchers from Sweden, France, and Germany. The project focuses on the role of invasive foraminifera, particularly Nonionella sp. T1, in fjord nitrogen and phosphorus cycling and their impact on fjord biodiversity. The successful candidate will independently plan and conduct fieldwork, laboratory analyses, and data interpretation. Key tasks include analyzing sediment for living benthic foraminifera using epifluorescent microscopy, performing nutrient analyses in sediment porewater, measuring intracellular nitrate and phosphate storage, evaluating denitrification rates, and assessing the presence of apatite in foraminifera shells. The position also involves collaboration with international project members, presenting findings at conferences, publishing scientific papers, and engaging in research-centered teaching and science outreach. Eligibility requires a doctoral degree in marine geology, marine ecology, biogeochemistry, or an equivalent field, with preference for candidates who completed their degree within three years prior to the application deadline. Applicants must demonstrate experience in research on benthic foraminifera or microeukaryotes, proficiency in English, and a track record of scientific publications. Additional desirable skills include expertise in sampling and analysis techniques, colorimetric and chemoluminescence methods, epifluorescent microscopy, and microelectrodes. Social and communication skills, motivation, and willingness to contribute to teaching and outreach are highly valued. A driver's licence (category B) is beneficial for fieldwork. The position is a fixed-term, full-time employment for two years, with salary set individually by the university. The starting date is negotiable, but preferably no later than the end of May 2026. Applications must be submitted via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal by March 15, 2026. Required documents include a cover letter, CV, degree certificate, other relevant certificates/grades, contact information for two reference persons, and up to three selected publications. All documents must be certified and translated into English. For further information, applicants may contact Assoc. Prof. Irina Polovodova Asteman ([email protected]) or Helen Tholander (HR) ([email protected]). The University of Gothenburg values diversity and equal conditions in its working environment. International applicants are encouraged to explore resources about living and working in Gothenburg. The university archives application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. For more details about the department and application process, visit the provided links.

The Department of Marine Sciences at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, is offering a two-year postdoctoral position in marine geology, focusing on living benthic foraminifera and sediment biogeochemistry. The successful candidate will join the international FAME project, funded by the Swedish Research Council, which investigates the role of invasive microeukaryotes in fjord nitrogen and phosphorus cycling and their impact on biodiversity. The research team includes collaborators from Sweden, France, and Germany, and the project is based in Gothenburg with access to advanced marine research infrastructure. The postdoc will work on analyzing living benthic foraminifera using CTG-labelling and epifluorescent microscopy, quantifying their densities, and performing nutrient analyses in sediment porewater. Duties include analyzing intracellular nitrate and phosphate storage, measuring denitrification rates, and evaluating the contribution of foraminifera to sedimentary phosphorus sinks. The position also involves collaboration with international researchers, presenting findings at conferences, and contributing to scientific publications. Some teaching and science outreach at the BSc and MSc levels may be required. Applicants must have a doctoral degree in marine geology, marine ecology, biogeochemistry, or a related field, with strong research experience in benthic foraminifera or marine/sediment biogeochemistry. Proficiency in English, a track record of scientific publications, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are essential. Additional skills such as laboratory analysis, microscopy, and a driver's license are advantageous. The position is full-time for two years, with individually set salaries, and the starting date is negotiable but preferably no later than May 2026. Applications must be submitted via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal by March 15, 2026. Required documents include a cover letter, CV, degree certificates, contact information for two referees, and up to three relevant publications. All documents should be in English. For further information, contact Assoc. Prof. Irina Polovodova Asteman or HR representative Helen Tholander. The University of Gothenburg values diversity and equal opportunities in its working environment.