Assistant Researcher in Natural Sciences, specializing in Environmental Science

The University of Gothenburg tackles society's challenges with diverse knowledge. 58 000 students and 6800 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

The Department of Earth Sciences has approximately 75 employees working in geology, physical geography and ecosystem science. Our main research themes are "Climate and Climate Change", "Earth Surface Processes" and "The Geosphere" and the research strategy of the department emphasizes on further development of Earth System Science. The department's mission is to develop and conduct research, education and community engagement that deepen the understanding of processes in the Earth system and the effects of human impact. We strive to provide an inclusive and diverse working environment and a family-friendly workplace. More information is available on our website: Department of Earth Sciences, University of Gothenburg.

The Hydrogeology research group (https://www.gu.se/en/research/hydrogeology-group) at the Department of Earth Sciences belongs to the "Geosphere" theme and is involved in fundamental research, teaching, and stakeholder activities in the field of hydrogeology, contaminant hydrogeology and hydrogeochemistry. The Hydrogeology Group focuses on two main research topics including a) fresh water resources under changing environmental and climatic conditions and b) the behavior of contaminants in the subsurface. The hydrogeology group has strong relations with international research groups and private companies in Germany, Switzerland, Canada, USA and France. The group also host a large pool of state-of-the-art equipment for stable isotope and elemental analyses.

The Hydrogeology research group is recruiting an Assistant Researcher to contribute to the project: "Artificial groundwater recharge - a shortcut for harmful poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into groundwater systems and drinking water supplies - can we avoid this?"

Job assignments

The successful applicant will investigate the infiltration of PFASs into groundwater systems at artificial groundwater recharge plants and will develop methods to avoid this. The project will be conducted in collaboration with Professor Lutz Ahrens (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Philip McLeaf (Uppsala Vatten and Avfall) and Britt-Marie Pott (Envidan). A major part of the project will include field work at two artificial groundwater recharge plants in Uppsala and Skåne (Sweden) combined with laboratory investigations at the Earth Science Department of the University of Gothenburg.

Qualifications

The applicant must, at the time of appointment, hold a doctoral degree in environmental geology, contaminant hydrogeology, environmental chemistry, or a closely related field. The successful candidate should have demonstrated experience in PFAS analysis using LC-MS/MS, including solid-phase extraction pre-concentration techniques. Experience conducting column experiments and field sampling of surface water and groundwater, particularly at managed aquifer recharge sites, is also required. Experience with numerical modelling or simulation is considered an asset and excellent written and spoken English is essential.

Employment

Employment type: Temporary full-time employment for 7 months, from 1 November 2026 to 30 June 2027.
Location: Department of Earth Sciences, University of Gothenburg.

Information regarding the position

For further information regarding the position, please contact Dr. Philipp Wanner, philipp.wanner@gu.se

Unions

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg:
https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/work-at-the-university-of-gothenburg/how-to-apply

Information for International Applicants

Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit:

https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services

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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. 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 application should include:

A cover letter with a motivation that describes the applicant's suitability for the position (maximum one A4 page)

A Curriculum vitae including education, qualifications, and previous experience

A copy of examination certificates and a transcript of courses with grades

A copy of the doctoral thesis and/or master's thesis (or equivalent)

Other documents deemed important by the applicant

Contact information for at least two references that are familiar with the applicant's qualifications.

Closing date: 2026-09-06

The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.

Salaries are set individually at the University.

In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden's regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.

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.