PhD Funded Position in Global Change Biology at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden

The University of Gothenburg, Sweden, is inviting applications for a PhD position in Global Change Biology at the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences (BioEnv). The position offers an opportunity to conduct doctoral research on how climate change and extreme heat affect animal populations across different stages of their life cycle.

The research project focuses on a major challenge in global change biology: understanding why species and populations differ in their vulnerability to climate change. Particular attention will be given to thermal sensitivity across life stages, including developmental stages that remain comparatively understudied.

This is a fully funded PhD project connected to a research programme supported by the Swedish Research Council (Vetenskapsrådet). The project is expected to combine empirical research with evidence synthesis and comparative analyses, with opportunities to work primarily on fish as well as other taxa such as freshwater and marine invertebrates.

Key Details

Details	Information
Position	PhD Position in Global Change Biology
Institution	University of Gothenburg
Department	Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences (BioEnv)
Location	Gothenburg, Sweden
Research Area	Global Change Biology
Employment	100% doctoral position
Funding	Fully funded PhD project
Research Focus	Climate change, heatwaves, thermal sensitivity, animal biodiversity
Primary Research Group	Global Change Biology / Thermal Ecology
Main Supervisor	Patrice Pottier
Co-supervisor	Prof. Fredrik Jutfelt
Start Date	Flexible; preferably before the end of 2026 or by agreement
Application Deadline	21 September 2026
Application Language	English
Interview	Structured interview in English; may be digital
Reference Number	PAR 2026/640

About the PhD Position

The PhD position is based at the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences (BioEnv) at the University of Gothenburg. The department conducts research across a broad range of environments, from alpine ecosystems and forests to cultivated land, streams, and marine environments. Research covers multiple levels of biological organisation, including genes, individuals, populations, communities, and ecosystems.

The current employment is based at Natrium, Medicinaregatan 7B in Gothenburg, with the possibility of conducting research projects at the Kristineberg marine research station. The department’s research environment includes work in ecology, evolution, physiology, systematics, and related interdisciplinary areas.

PhD Research Project: Global Change Biology

Climate change is increasing the frequency, intensity, and duration of heatwaves, creating growing risks for animal biodiversity. However, researchers still cannot reliably predict how climate change will affect animal populations throughout their entire life cycle.

One important reason is that different life stages may respond differently to environmental stress. Evidence suggests that early life stages can be particularly sensitive to extreme heat, but developmental stages remain relatively understudied. The central research question of the PhD project is:

How and why does thermal sensitivity vary across the life cycle, and what are the consequences for animal populations under climate change? The project will use emerging methodological approaches to compare vulnerability across different life stages. This can help identify critical windows of sensitivity and improve understanding of how climate change affects animals from development through adulthood.

Research Methods and Opportunities

The PhD project is expected to combine empirical research, evidence synthesis, and comparative analyses. While some research projects will focus primarily on fish, the comparative component may extend to other groups, including freshwater and marine invertebrates. The research plan is deliberately flexible. The successful candidate will be encouraged to develop original questions and gradually take intellectual ownership of their research agenda.

The PhD student will also have opportunities to collaborate at local and international levels and contribute to the Thermal Ecology Alliance. This provides the potential to build a broad collaborative research network while addressing major questions in global change biology.

Supervision and Research Training

The project will be primarily supervised by Patrice Pottier and co-supervised by Prof. Fredrik Jutfelt at the University of Gothenburg. The doctoral researcher will receive structured support, particularly during the early stages of the project. The supervision arrangement includes at least one supervisory meeting per week, mentoring, career-development guidance, and a gradual transfer of responsibility as the student develops greater research independence.

The research group also emphasises open communication and constructive feedback. Expectations, working practices, and supervision needs will be discussed at the beginning of the position and revisited throughout the doctoral studies.

Skills You Can Develop

The position provides opportunities to develop a broad combination of research and professional skills. Depending on the research project and career goals of the successful candidate, training may include:

• Experimental design
• Laboratory research
• Field research involving animals
• Statistical modelling
• Programming
• Evidence synthesis and meta-analysis
• Climate modelling
• Open and reproducible research
• Scientific writing
• Teaching and communication
• Leadership
• Project management
• People management

The training will be adapted to the student’s career objectives, allowing the doctoral researcher to build both specialised scientific expertise and transferable skills.

Duties and Responsibilities

The main responsibility of the successful applicant will be to undertake doctoral education and complete a doctoral thesis under academic supervision. The PhD student will develop theoretical understanding, methodological expertise, analytical skills, scientific thinking, and increasing research independence.

Key responsibilities include developing research questions and study designs, conducting laboratory experiments, and undertaking field sampling or environmental monitoring where relevant. The researcher will also collect, manage, analyse, and interpret data using transparent and reproducible workflows. Depending on the project, the researcher may conduct evidence synthesis, meta-analysis, comparative analyses, or environmental modelling. The position also requires compliance with relevant animal-welfare, ethical, data-management, health, and safety requirements.

Results will be communicated through the doctoral thesis, scientific publications, seminars, conferences, and other appropriate formats. The PhD student is also expected to participate constructively in departmental activities and contribute to collaborative research management.

Fieldwork and Departmental Duties

Periods of fieldwork at the Kristineberg marine research station or research visits elsewhere in Sweden or abroad may form part of the project. The need, timing, and practical arrangements for these activities will be planned together with the PhD student.

The doctoral position may also include departmental duties of up to 20% of full-time employment. These duties are distributed throughout the study period and result in a corresponding extension of the doctoral studies. Departmental work will usually involve teaching at first- and second-cycle levels, although research and administrative duties may also be included.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must satisfy the specific entry requirements for third-cycle studies at the University of Gothenburg. Candidates must have one of the following:

1. A second-cycle or advanced-level degree in a relevant natural sciences subject area.
2. At least 60 higher education credits at second-cycle level in relevant natural sciences subjects.
3. A corresponding programme relevant to the planned third-cycle education, completed in Sweden or another country, or equivalent qualifications.

Relevant subjects include:

• Ecology
• Evolutionary biology
• Animal physiology
• Zoology
• Marine biology
• Freshwater biology
• Environmental science
• Quantitative biology
• Other subjects considered relevant to the project

Applicants should demonstrate a strong connection between their academic background and the research area of the advertised PhD position.

Selection Criteria

Meeting the formal eligibility requirements is only the first stage. Selection will be based on the applicant’s ability to successfully undertake doctoral studies. The University is looking for candidates with clear motivation for research in global change biology and the ability to identify scientific questions relevant to the broad aims of the project.

Applicants should have experience, relative to opportunity, in planning, conducting, and interpreting substantial research work, such as a Master’s thesis or scientific publication. Strong written and spoken English communication skills are also required for doctoral education and work in an international research environment. The successful candidate should also demonstrate curiosity, independence, organisation, critical thinking, problem-solving ability, and a willingness to learn new concepts and methods.

An interest in quantitative evidence, statistical analysis, reproducible research, teaching, mentoring, communication, collaboration, and leadership will also be important. The research environment values constructive feedback, respectful collaboration across different backgrounds, scientific integrity, fairness, and open science principles.

Desirable Qualifications

The following qualifications are considered advantageous:

• General knowledge of ecology, evolutionary biology, and zoology
• Experience with experimental research involving animals or other biological systems
• Statistical analysis skills in R or another programming environment
• Experience in field ecology, animal sampling, or environmental monitoring
• Experience with evidence synthesis or meta-analysis
• Experience with comparative research methods
• Data-management skills
• Experience with open science and reproducible analytical workflows
• Experience publishing research in scientific journals

The University states that qualifications and achievements will be assessed relative to opportunity. Selection will focus on the applicant’s ideas, ambitions, and potential rather than simply counting publications or relying on institutional prestige or a linear career history.

Documents Required for Application

The application must be written in English and include the following documents:

• A short cover letter of no more than two pages explaining your interest in the position and how you meet the selection criteria
• A CV of no more than four pages
• Examination certificates and transcripts showing course grades
• A copy of your Master’s thesis or equivalent independent work
• Employment certificates and other relevant documents
• Contact information for one or two referees

Candidates will be notified before referees are contacted. Applicants should ensure that their documents clearly demonstrate their research experience, motivation, methodological skills, and suitability for the global change biology project.

Interview Process

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a structured interview conducted in English. The interview may be held digitally, and candidates will receive information about the interview format in advance. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their academic background, research experience, motivation for doctoral study, interest in global change biology, and how their skills could contribute to the project.

Admission and Employment

Once admitted to doctoral studies, the successful candidate will be employed as a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg. Initial employment as a doctoral student may be for a maximum of one year and can subsequently be renewed by a maximum of two years at a time. A doctoral student can be employed for a maximum of eight years, although the total period of employment cannot exceed the equivalent of four years of full-time doctoral education.

The position is located in the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and has an employment extent of 100%. The first day of employment is flexible, preferably before the end of 2026, with flexibility to accommodate notice periods and residence permits, or by agreement. The University applies a local agreement concerning salaries for doctoral students.

Residence and Physical Presence Requirements

Doctoral studies in the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences require physical presence to conduct the studies. Applicants who require a residence permit for higher education in Sweden should be aware that the department may revoke an admission decision if the admitted applicant cannot present a valid residence permit no later than the start of the studies.

Benefits of Working at the University of Gothenburg

The University of Gothenburg is a Swedish state authority. According to the vacancy information, employment includes benefits such as additional holidays and a pension, alongside other employment benefits available through the University.

The university is also a large international academic institution, with approximately 58,000 students and 6,800 employees. Its research and education span a wide range of disciplines and attract researchers and students from around the world.

How to Apply

Applications for this PhD position must be submitted through APPLY NOW Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their applications are complete and received by the University before the deadline. Application deadline: 21 September 2026. 

Contact Information

For questions about the research position, applicants can contact:

Patrice Pottier
Phone: +46 70 297 60 11
Email: patrice.pottier@bioenv.gu.se

For departmental information, applicants can contact:

Åsa Arrhenius, Head of Department
Phone: +46 31 786 26 25
Email: asa.arrhenius@bioenv.gu.se

For questions concerning the employment process, applicants can contact HR at the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences at hr@bioenv.gu.se.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PhD position at the University of Gothenburg about?

The PhD project focuses on global change biology, particularly how thermal sensitivity varies across animal life stages and what this means for animal populations under climate change.

Where is the PhD position located?

The position is based at the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences at the University of Gothenburg in Gothenburg, Sweden. The employment is based at Natrium, with opportunities for research at the Kristineberg marine research station.

Is this a fully funded PhD position?

Yes. The vacancy describes the project as a fully funded PhD project supported through a research programme funded by the Swedish Research Council.

What academic background is required?

Applicants need an advanced-level qualification or equivalent eligibility in a relevant natural sciences field. Relevant subjects include ecology, evolutionary biology, animal physiology, zoology, marine or freshwater biology, environmental science, and quantitative biology.

Is knowledge of R required?

R or another programming environment is listed as a desirable qualification, rather than a stated mandatory requirement. Applicants with statistical analysis experience may therefore have an advantage.

Can applicants from outside Sweden apply?

The vacancy states that corresponding qualifications obtained in another country can satisfy the educational requirements. However, applicants who require a Swedish residence permit must meet the residence-permit condition before starting the studies.

What documents are required?

Applicants must submit an English-language cover letter, CV, examination certificates and transcript, Master’s thesis or equivalent independent work, relevant employment certificates or other documents, and contact details for one or two referees.

When is the application deadline?

The deadline is 21 September 2026. Applications must be received by the University of Gothenburg by this date.

Will there be an interview?

Yes. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a structured interview in English, which may be conducted digitally.

What is the employment percentage?

The position has an employment extent of 100%. The first employment date is flexible, preferably before the end of 2026 or by agreement.