PhD student in Ecotech and Environmental Science: Antarctic ice shelves

The Department of Natural Sciences, Design and Sustainable Development provides education and research within our subjects, with a focus on sustainable development. Ecotechnology and Environmental Science is a multidisciplinary field where we study interactions between society and nature and design systems for sustainable resource use.

Job description
The position involves independent third-cycle studies, comprising research (80–100%) as well as teaching and administrative duties (up to 20%).

This doctoral project investigates the physical processes controlling the stability, structural integrity, and mass balance of Antarctic ice shelves to improve projections of their contribution to future sea-level rise. Ice shelves regulate the flow of grounded ice into the ocean and are therefore critical to long-term sea-level change. However, the processes governing ice-shelf responses to atmospheric and oceanic forcing remain poorly understood, particularly the interactions between surface processes, basal melting, and structural weakening.

Depending on the project's focus and the candidate’s background, the research may address one or more of the following themes: surface melt and firn processes and their influence on ice-shelf stability, ice-shelf weakening, fracture and breakup mechanisms, and integrated observational and modelling approaches to ice-shelf processes.

The doctoral student is expected to develop research questions related to Antarctic ice-shelf interactions, analyse observational datasets (e.g. ground-based radar and weather station data), contribute to the development and application of numerical models, assess uncertainties in future sea-level projections, publish results in international peer-reviewed journals, and present findings at national and international conferences.

The position is based at Mid Sweden University within the Swedish research school for excellence in Arctic and Antarctic research (SEAL), which provides an internationally competitive and interdisciplinary research and training environment with access to unique infrastructure, field campaigns, and doctoral courses. The position includes close collaboration with co-supervisors at Uppsala University, including regular research visits.

The project is also part of the international research programme iQ2300 – East Antarctic Sea Level Rise Contribution in 2300, with logistical support from the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat. The work may involve participation in field campaigns in polar environments and national and international travel for collaboration and conferences. Fieldwork may require extended stays in remote locations and the ability to work under demanding conditions.

Entry requirements
General entry requirements include a second-cycle level qualification, or fulfilment of courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits must be at second-cycle level, or the equivalent knowledge gained in some other way in Sweden or abroad. Specific entry requirements include at least 90 credits in subject areas such as physical geography, glaciology, geophysics, climate science, oceanography, meteorology, applied mathematics, physics, engineering, or equivalent qualifications.

Assessment criteria
Selection will be based on an overall assessment of the applicant’s ability to successfully complete doctoral studies. Particular emphasis will be placed on:

• Academic qualifications and relevance of previous studies
• Experience with quantitative methods, modelling, data analysis and/or geoscientific techniques, as well as fieldwork experience
• Scientific motivation and research potential
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment
• Written and oral communication skills in English

The successful candidate is expected to be highly motivated and curious, with strong analytical skills. The position requires good collaboration and communication abilities, as well as the capacity to plan and carry out research work independently. Flexibility and an interest in interdisciplinary research are considered strong assets.

Experience with programming (e.g. Python, MATLAB, Fortran or similar), numerical modelling, remote sensing, large datasets, or fieldwork is considered meritorious.

Employment process
Processing of the appointment will comply with the provisions in Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance, and will be carried out in accordance with Mid Sweden University’s Employment Procedures.

Terms of employment
The doctoral studentship position corresponds to four years of full-time studies and is expected to lead to a Degree of Doctor. The entry date is 2026-09-01 or as agreed.

Initial doctoral student positions are valid for a maximum of one year, after which the position may be renewed by no longer than two years at a time. Provisions regarding doctoral studentship employment can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 5, Sections 1-7.

Active engagement in the research environment and regular on-campus presence are expected as part of the doctoral education.

Place of employment: Östersund

Salary: In accordance with Mid Sweden University’s salary scale for doctoral students.

Information
For more information about the research project please contact Dr. Katrin Lindbäck +46 (0)10-1726590, katrin. lindback@miun.se. For questions about the employment and research studies contact the Deputy head of department, Prof. Oskar Englund +46 (0)10-1428800, oskar.englund@miun.se

Application
Applications must be submitted in English or Swedish and include a cover letter describing the applicant’s research interests and motivation, a curriculum vitae, copies of degree certificates and academic transcripts, a Master’s thesis (or equivalent), and contact details for two academic referees.

Please send in your application through our recruitment system no later than 2026-06-30.

Mid Sweden University, with campuses in both Sundsvall and Östersund, is a university where students, colleagues, and the surrounding community are always close at hand. At the same time, we are located near the sea, forests, and mountains, creating excellent conditions for a high quality of life. Here, new knowledge is generated through internationally successful research and education that contribute to societal development. In this way, we help create a sustainable future and a better world. As an employee at Mid Sweden University, you should be able to combine work and leisure and maintain a healthy work-life balance. We offer, among other things, flexible working hours, support for wellness activities, salary supplementation during parental leave and illness, and a generous number of vacation days. Mid Sweden University actively promotes equal opportunities and strives to make the most of the qualities that diversity and gender equality bring to the organization. Salaries are determined in accordance with the central collective salary agreements RALS/RALS-T. Your personal data will be processed and stored in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). We welcome questions from those interested in working with us, but kindly decline offers relating to advertising and recruitment services.

• Contract type

  Full time

• First day of employment

  2026-09-01 or as agreed

• Salary

  Mid Sweden University’s salary scale for doctoral students

• Number of positions

  1

• Working hours

  100%

• City

  Östersund

• County

  Jämtlands län

• Country

  Sweden

• Reference number

  MIUN 2026/1607

• Union representative
  • Per Bergman, Fackförbundet ST, 010-1428371
  • Börje Norlin, Saco, 010-1428594
• Published

  2026-06-08

• Last application date

  2026-06-30