Researcher in Environmental Science

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 49 000 students and 6 400 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract scientists and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

At the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences (BioEnv) we have teaching and research activities that stretch from the alpine ecosystem, through forests, cultivated land and streams, all the way into the marine environment. In these environments we study different levels of biological organisation from genes, individuals and populations, to communities and ecosystems. We work within ecology, evolution, physiology, systematics and combinations of these fields in order to understand the impact of natural and anthropogenic changes of the environment.

The department is placed at three different localities: in GU:s facilities in Gothenburg Botanical Garden, at Medicinarberget 18A in Gothenburg and at Kristineberg Marine Research Station. The current position is placed at the Gothenburg Botanical Garden.

Project description
The position forms part of a research project investigating the significance of vegetation, in particular trees, on the levels of air pollutants in the urban environment. To reach this aim measurements of air pollutants and sampling of trees in different environments in the Gothenburg area are performed. In addition to the monitoring of air pollutants and plants, measurement of meteorological factors and tree vitality is made. The project is carried out in close collaboration with the Gothenburg Botanical Garden, Lund University and the Swedish University of Agricultural Science. Field and laboratory work as well as data analysis are included in the tasks.

Job assignments
We are looking for a motivated person with the field of environmental science, with emphasis on air pollution management. This employment includes monitoring of air pollutants and meteorology, sampling and laboratory handling of plant material as well as compilation and statistical analysis of collected data. All measurements and sampling will take place in the Gothenburg region. Teaching at bachelor and masters levels is also included in the position (approximately 20% of the position), with emphasis on air pollution management.

The employment
This is a fixed-term employment for 5 months, 80%, starting 7 August 2020 or upon agreement.

Eligibility
To be eligible for employment as a researcher, the applicant must have a PhD exam in a relevant subject (environmental science, biology, chemistry) as outlined in the advertisement. The exam must be finished before closing date for this announcement.

Assessments
The assessment will be based on the applicant merits with respect to the following criteria:

The position requires advanced knowledge of air pollutants and climate change as well as significant experience of the tasks described above. Furthermore, knowledge about different types of models used in air pollution management and experience of using these in education is necessary. Experience of teaching on bachelor and/or masters levels, as well as a good ability to communicate in English, is required. A driver license is necessary to perform the tasks.

Advantageous for the position is earlier experience of measurements of air pollutants as well as sampling and analysis of plant material. The work will be undertaken in close collaboration with other staff in the research project as well as with teachers on the courses in which teaching will be made. Hence, good ability to co-operate is of large importance for the position. Knowledge and experience of handling and statistical analysis of extensive chemical or biological data is also valuable.

The application should preferably be written in English and must include:


• A cover letter with the applicant’s justification for the application, i.e., that describes how the applicant meets the selection criteria (max. one A4 page)
• A list of qualifications (CV)
• Certificate of PhD exam and other educations of relevance
• Complete list of publications, including submitted and accepted manuscripts
• Employments certificates and other documents deemed important by the applicant

The top ranked candidates will be selected for an interview, which might be held in English and could be performed by telephone/Skype. Contact information (e-mail address and phone number) for at least two referees that are familiar with the applicant’s qualifications should be stated when invited to the interview. 

For more information and how to apply
In order to apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to register an account in our online recruitment system https://www.gu.se/english/about_the_university/job-opportunities/vacancies-details/?id=5905. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline. The selection of candidates is made on the basis of the qualifications registered in the application.

 


In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.