Fully Funded Postdoctoral Position in Data Analysis and Environmental Sciences at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden
The University of Gothenburg is inviting applications for a fully funded two-year postdoctoral position in Data Analysis with Applications in Environmental Sciences. This opportunity is ideal for early-career researchers with expertise in statistics, programming, and environmental risk assessment who want to contribute to solutions for one of the world’s most pressing challenges: chemical contamination in water. The position is hosted by the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and is part of the VINNOVA-funded research initiative New Chempraxis 2.0.
The University of Gothenburg’s postdoctoral position in data analysis and environmental sciences offers an exceptional opportunity to apply quantitative methods to a problem of global significance. By combining environmental science, statistical modeling, and digital tool development, the successful candidate will contribute directly to safer water systems and more informed public health decisions.
Reference Number: PAR 2026/423
Application Deadline: June 2, 2026
Employment Type: Full-time (100%)
Duration: 2 years
Expected Start Date: Around September 15, 2026, or by agreement
Location: Gothenburg, Sweden
About the University of Gothenburg
The University of Gothenburg is one of Scandinavia’s leading public universities, home to approximately 58,000 students and 6,800 employees. The university combines strong research performance with a collaborative academic culture and a clear commitment to addressing global societal challenges. Researchers at the university benefit from generous employment conditions, including paid vacation, pension contributions, and comprehensive social security.
Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences
The Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences (BioEnv) conducts research across a wide range of ecosystems, from alpine landscapes and forests to freshwater systems and marine environments. Its interdisciplinary work spans:
- Ecology
- Evolution
- Physiology
- Environmental chemistry
- Systematics
- Risk assessment
The current postdoctoral position is based at the modern Natrium building on Medicinaregatan 7B in central Gothenburg.
Research Focus: Chemical Risk Assessment in Water Systems
Chemical pollution in water is an increasing global concern. Pesticides, pharmaceuticals, industrial chemicals, and heavy metals can enter aquatic systems through runoff and wastewater discharge, with consequences for ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. This postdoctoral project aims to improve how such risks are identified and assessed.
As part of the New Chempraxis 2.0 consortium, funded by VINNOVA, the successful candidate will help develop a new national framework for chemical risk assessment and early management in Sweden.
What You Will Work On
The selected postdoctoral researcher will design and apply advanced statistical and computational models to evaluate the hazardousness of chemicals found in:
- Drinking water
- Surface water
- Wastewater effluents
The work will integrate:
- Experimental data from animal studies and cell lines
- Environmental monitoring data
- Hazard and exposure models
- Statistical and machine learning approaches
A major outcome of the project will be a digital decision-support tool that authorities and companies can use to assess risks posed by suspected water contaminants.
Research Environment and Collaboration
You will join a multidisciplinary research team with expertise in:
- Environmental chemistry
- Toxicology
- Statistics
- Programming
- Risk assessment
The project also involves collaboration with a consortium of 12 companies and universities, offering excellent opportunities for networking and applied research.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible, applicants must hold a PhD (or equivalent international doctorate) in a relevant field such as:
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Chemistry
- Biotechnology
- Chemical Engineering
- Data Science
- Computer Science
- Statistics
Candidates who completed their doctorate within the last three years will be prioritized, although exceptions may be made for circumstances such as parental leave, illness, or relevant professional service.
Required Qualifications
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong experience in statistical data analysis
- Proficiency in programming
- Excellent written and spoken English
- Ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary teams
- Strong communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
Additional strengths include:
- Expertise in hazard or exposure modeling
- Background in biostatistics
- Experience with environmental risk assessment
- Familiarity with regulatory decision-making tools
Personal Qualities
The university places particular emphasis on:
- Analytical thinking
- Problem-solving ability
- Independence
- Scientific rigor
- Collaborative mindset
Employment Conditions and Benefits
This is a full-time postdoctoral appointment with attractive Swedish public-sector benefits.
Employment Details
- Duration: 2 years
- Employment Type: Temporary fixed-term contract
- Scope: 100%
- Start Date: Around September 15, 2026
- Salary: Individually negotiated
- Location: Gothenburg, Sweden
Benefits Include
- Generous paid vacation
- Occupational pension
- Parental leave benefits
- Health and social security coverage
- Strong work-life balance
Application Documents
The application should preferably be written in English and must include:
- Cover letter explaining your motivation and fit for the role
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- PhD degree certificate
- Complete publication list, including submitted and accepted manuscripts
Candidates whose qualifications best match the selection criteria will be invited to interview.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through APPLY NOW Reference Number: PAR 2026/423 – Application Deadline: June 2, 2026 If certain publications cannot be uploaded digitally, two printed copies may be mailed to the department, labeled with the position title and reference number.
Contact Information
Scientific Questions: Mikael Gustavsson
Email: mikael.gustavsson@bioenv.gu.se
Phone: +46 73 932 4119
Åsa Arrhenius
Email: asa.arrhenius@bioenv.gu.se
Phone: +46 31 786 26 25
HR Questions: Email: hr@bioenv.gu.se
Living and Working in Gothenburg
Gothenburg offers an excellent quality of life, combining a vibrant research ecosystem with easy access to nature, public transport, and family-friendly services.
International applicants can explore relocation resources here:
This position stands out because it combines:
- High-impact environmental research
- Advanced data analysis and modeling
- Strong industry and academic collaboration
- Real-world applications for public health
- Excellent employment conditions in Sweden
- For researchers interested in environmental informatics, toxicology, and decision-support systems, this postdoctoral fellowship offers both scientific depth and societal relevance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this postdoctoral position fully funded?
Yes. The position is a paid full-time employment contract funded through the VINNOVA-supported New Chempraxis 2.0 project.
How long is the contract?
The appointment is for two years at 100% full-time.
Do international applicants qualify?
Yes. Applicants from all countries are welcome, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.
Is knowledge of Swedish required?
No. The project will be conducted in English, and strong English proficiency is sufficient.
What programming skills are expected?
Candidates should have solid experience in programming and statistical data analysis. Knowledge of R, Python, or similar tools is highly relevant.
What is the main output of the project?
The research will contribute to a digital tool that helps authorities and companies assess chemical risks in water systems.
What funding body supports the project?
The project is part of the VINNOVA-funded initiative New Chempraxis 2.0.
When is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by June 2, 2026.
When does the position start?
The anticipated start date is around September 15, 2026, or by mutual agreement.
Where is the position based?
The role is located at the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences in Gothenburg, Sweden.
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