PhD student in hydrology - impact of forest fires on the Arctic water cycle

PhD student in hydrology focusing on the impact of forest fires on the Arctic water cycle

Do you want to work with groundbreaking research in hydrology, supported by competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Do you want an employer that invests in sustainable employee relations and offers secure and beneficial working conditions? Welcome to apply for a position as a PhD student at Uppsala universitet.

The Department of Geosciences is Sweden's most comprehensive academic environment for research and education in geosciences. Here, there is a broad range of expertise that contributes to solutions for important societal issues.

Our six research departments:

• Geophysics • Air, water and landscape studies • Mineralogy, petrology and tectonics • Natural resources and sustainable development • Paleobiology • Wind energy

For more information see: www.uu.se/geovetenskaper

The successful candidate will be part of the research program Air, water and landscape studies (LUVAL). The employment involves close collaboration with researchers at Uppsala universitet, SMHI, and SLU, and offers opportunities for interdisciplinary research, international networking, and work with societally relevant climate and environmental challenges.

Project description

The Arctic is changing rapidly in step with global warming, leading to extensive changes in the hydrological system through melting glaciers, thawing permafrost, and altered precipitation patterns. Understanding how these changes affect runoff, evaporation, water flows, and freshwater availability is a central challenge in Arctic hydrology. At the same time, the proportion of forest fires is increasing in large parts of the Arctic, which constitutes an additional disturbance that can affect vegetation, soil conditions, permafrost, and water flow paths.

This doctoral project will investigate how climate change and an increasing proportion of forest fires affect the Arctic water cycle. By combining satellite-based Earth Observation (EO) data with large-scale hydrological modeling, the PhD student will study the effect of various landscape changes on hydrological processes in Arctic catchment areas. The project will generate new knowledge about the drivers behind hydrological changes in the Arctic and contribute to increased understanding and improved prediction models for future freshwater resources in northern regions.

Tasks

The doctoral work consists of investigating how climate change and increasing forest fire activity affect hydrological processes in the Arctic. Tasks include analysis of Earth Observation and hydrological data, hydrological modeling and statistical analyses, as well as writing scientific articles. The PhD student will collaborate with hydrologists at Uppsala universitet, SMHI, and SLU, and is also expected to contribute to the overall implementation of the project.

The doctoral education comprises four years of full-time studies, including courses and independent research work. The PhD student may also be given the opportunity to participate in teaching, supervision, and other departmental duties, which can extend the employment by up to 20 percent.

Qualification requirements

Eligible for education at the doctoral level is someone who has

completed a degree at an advanced level in hydrology, physical geography, geosciences, environmental science, environmental engineering, or another relevant subject, completed at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits are at an advanced level including an independent project of at least 15 higher education credits, or in some other way acquired substantially equivalent knowledge.

Applicants must meet the above requirements before admission to doctoral studies can begin. You must also have a good ability to express yourself orally and in writing in English, strong quantitative and analytical skills, and experience in processing and analyzing environmental or geospatial data. The employment requires basic programming skills for scientific data analysis, the ability to work both independently and in a group, and a strong interest in hydrology and environmental changes. Great importance will be placed on personal qualities such as analytical ability, initiative, creativity, flexibility, and problem-solving skills.

Other desirable/merit qualifications

Experience in hydrological modeling, remote sensing, GIS, and programming (e.g., Python or R) is meritorious. Knowledge of Arctic environments, hydrology, or the impact of forest fires on ecosystems and water resources is an advantage.

Provisions for doctoral students can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance (Högskoleförordningen) Chapter 5, Sections 1-7, as well as in the university's rules and guidelines.

About the employment

The employment is fixed-term, according to HF Chapter 5, Section 7. The scope is full-time. Start date 2027-01-15 or by agreement. Location: Uppsala

Information about the employment is provided by: Johanna Mård (johanna.maard@geo.uu.se)

Welcome with your application no later than October 30, 2026, UFV-PA 2026/2820.

Uppsala universitet is a broad research university with a strong international position. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all 7,500 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala universitet one of the country's most exciting workplaces.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala universitet

https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/

The employment may be subject to security clearance. In the case of security clearance, approval of the applicant is a prerequisite for employment.

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Applications are received in Uppsala universitet's recruitment system.

Union representatives: Saco-S - saco-s@uu.se, Seko - seko@uadm.uu.se, ST (OFR/S) - ofr@uu.se