Assistant Researcher Job in Environmental Science at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden

The University of Gothenburg, Sweden, is inviting applications for an Assistant Researcher in Natural Sciences, specializing in Environmental Science. The position is based at the Department of Earth Sciences and focuses on an important environmental research project investigating the movement of PFAS (poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances) into groundwater systems and drinking water supplies.

The project, titled “Artificial groundwater recharge – a shortcut for harmful poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into groundwater systems and drinking water supplies – can we avoid this?”, examines how PFAS can enter groundwater through artificial groundwater recharge plants and explores methods that could help prevent or reduce this contamination. This is a temporary, full-time research position for seven months, from 1 November 2026 to 30 June 2027, at the University of Gothenburg’s Department of Earth Sciences.

Key Details

Details	Information
Position	Assistant Researcher in Natural Sciences
Specialisation	Environmental Science
Institution	University of Gothenburg
Department	Department of Earth Sciences
Research Group	Hydrogeology Research Group
Location	Gothenburg, Sweden
Reference Number	PAR 2026/616
Employment Type	Temporary, full-time
Duration	7 months
Employment Period	1 November 2026 – 30 June 2027
Research Area	PFAS, groundwater, hydrogeology, environmental contamination
Required Degree	PhD
Application Language	English
Application Deadline	6 September 2026
Salary	Individually determined
Main Contact	Dr. Philipp Wanner

About the Assistant Researcher Position

The position is located within the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Gothenburg. The department has approximately 75 employees working across geology, physical geography, and ecosystem science.

Its main research themes are Climate and Climate Change, Earth Surface Processes, and The Geosphere. The department’s research strategy places particular emphasis on the further development of Earth System Science and on understanding both natural Earth-system processes and the effects of human activities. The department also aims to provide an inclusive, diverse, and family-friendly working environment.

About the Hydrogeology Research Group

The position is part of the Hydrogeology Research Group, which belongs to the department’s Geosphere research theme. The group conducts fundamental research, teaching, and stakeholder activities in hydrogeology, contaminant hydrogeology, and hydrogeochemistry.

Its research focuses primarily on two areas: freshwater resources under changing environmental and climatic conditions, and the behaviour of contaminants in the subsurface. The group maintains strong connections with international research groups and private companies in countries including Germany, Switzerland, Canada, the United States, and France. It also has access to specialised equipment for stable isotope and elemental analyses.

Research Project: PFAS and Artificial Groundwater Recharge

The successful applicant will contribute to a research project examining whether artificial groundwater recharge can provide a pathway for PFAS contamination into groundwater systems and ultimately drinking water supplies. PFAS are a group of persistent chemical substances that are of significant interest in environmental contamination research. In this project, the researcher will investigate the infiltration of PFAS into groundwater systems at artificial groundwater recharge facilities and work toward developing methods to avoid or reduce this contamination.

The research combines field investigations and laboratory work, providing an opportunity for the successful candidate to work across applied environmental science, hydrogeology, and contaminant analysis.

Fieldwork in Sweden

A major component of the project will involve fieldwork at two artificial groundwater recharge plants in Uppsala and Skåne, Sweden. Field investigations will be combined with laboratory studies at the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Gothenburg. This combination allows the researcher to connect observations from real groundwater recharge environments with controlled laboratory investigations.

The project is being conducted in collaboration with Professor Lutz Ahrens of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Philip McLeaf of Uppsala Vatten och Avfall, and Britt-Marie Pott of Envidan.

Job Assignments and Research Responsibilities

The main responsibility of the Assistant Researcher will be to investigate PFAS infiltration into groundwater systems associated with artificial groundwater recharge plants and contribute to developing approaches for avoiding this pathway. The position requires substantial experience with environmental contaminant analysis and field sampling.

The successful applicant will be expected to contribute to both field and laboratory components of the research. This includes work with surface water and groundwater samples and laboratory investigations related to PFAS contamination.

Required Qualifications

Applicants must, at the time of appointment, hold a doctoral degree in one of the following areas:

• Environmental geology
• Contaminant hydrogeology
• Environmental chemistry
• A closely related field

In addition to the doctoral qualification, candidates must have demonstrated practical research experience in PFAS analysis using LC-MS/MS. Experience with solid-phase extraction pre-concentration techniques is specifically required.

Applicants must also have experience conducting column experiments and field sampling of surface water and groundwater, particularly at managed aquifer recharge sites. These technical qualifications are central to the position, so candidates should clearly demonstrate relevant laboratory and field experience in their application.

Additional Skills

Experience with numerical modelling or simulation is considered an advantage. Excellent written and spoken English is essential because the position involves research collaboration and scientific communication in an international academic environment.

Candidates with a combination of contaminant hydrogeology, environmental chemistry, PFAS analytical methods, field research, and quantitative modelling experience may therefore be particularly well suited to the project.

Employment Conditions

The position is a temporary full-time appointment for seven months. The employment period is scheduled to run from: 1 November 2026 to 30 June 2027. The position is based at the Department of Earth Sciences, University of Gothenburg. Salaries at the University are set individually.

Information for International Applicants

The University of Gothenburg provides information and support resources for international applicants considering a career in Sweden. Applicants and their families can learn more about working and living in Gothenburg, relocation, and available services through the University’s international welcome resources and the Move to Gothenburg initiative. The position may be particularly relevant to researchers with international experience in hydrogeology, environmental chemistry, contaminant analysis, groundwater science, or related environmental disciplines.

Why This Research Position Could Be Valuable

This Assistant Researcher position provides an opportunity to work on a highly specialised environmental research problem involving PFAS contamination, groundwater resources, artificial recharge, and drinking water protection.

The role combines fieldwork at real artificial groundwater recharge facilities with laboratory investigations at a major research university. It also provides exposure to collaboration between academic researchers, water-management organisations, and environmental consulting expertise. 

For researchers with an established background in PFAS analysis and contaminant hydrogeology, the project offers a focused opportunity to contribute to applied environmental research with direct relevance to groundwater and drinking-water protection.

Application Requirements:

Applicants must register an account in APPLY NOW system before submitting their application. The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete and submitted before the closing date.

The application should include:

• A cover letter of no more than one A4 page explaining the applicant’s motivation and suitability for the position
• A CV describing education, qualifications, and previous experience
• Copies of examination certificates and academic transcripts with grades
• A copy of the doctoral thesis and/or Master’s thesis, or equivalent work
• Other documents the applicant considers relevant
• Contact information for at least two referees familiar with the applicant’s qualifications
• APPLY NOW

Applicants should use the cover letter to directly demonstrate how their research background matches the technical requirements of the PFAS and groundwater research project.

Application Deadline

The closing date for applications is: 6 September 2026 Applications must be complete and submitted through the University of Gothenburg’s online recruitment system before the deadline

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Assistant Researcher position about?

The position focuses on investigating the infiltration of PFAS into groundwater systems at artificial groundwater recharge plants and developing methods to help avoid this contamination pathway.

Where is the position located?

The position is based at the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Gothenburg in Gothenburg, Sweden.

What degree is required?

Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in environmental geology, contaminant hydrogeology, environmental chemistry, or a closely related field at the time of appointment.

Is PFAS analysis experience required?

Yes. Applicants must have demonstrated experience in PFAS analysis using LC-MS/MS, including solid-phase extraction pre-concentration techniques.

Is fieldwork part of the position?

Yes. A major part of the project involves fieldwork at two artificial groundwater recharge plants in Uppsala and Skåne, Sweden, combined with laboratory investigations at the University of Gothenburg.

Is experience with managed aquifer recharge required?

Yes. Experience with column experiments and field sampling of surface water and groundwater, particularly at managed aquifer recharge sites, is required.

Is numerical modelling required?

Numerical modelling or simulation experience is considered an asset, but it is not stated as a mandatory qualification.

How long is the employment contract?

The position is a seven-month temporary full-time appointment, from 1 November 2026 to 30 June 2027.

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is 6 September 2026.

How many referees are required?

Applicants must provide contact information for at least two referees who are familiar with their qualifications.

Who should applicants contact about the position?

For further information about the position, applicants should contact Dr. Philipp Wanner at philipp.wanner@gu.se.