PhD in Hydrology - The Impact of Forest Fires on the Arctic Water Cycle

Doctoral student in hydrology focusing on forest fire impacts on the Arctic water cycle Do you want to work with pioneering research in hydrology, supported by competent and pleasant colleagues in an international environment? Do you want an employer who invests in sustainable employeeship and offers secure and affordable working conditions? Welcome to apply for employment as a doctoral student at Uppsala University.

The Department of Earth Sciences is Sweden's most comprehensive academic environment for research and education in Earth Sciences. There is a broad range of expertise here that contributes to solutions to important societal issues.

Our six research departments: • Geophysics • Air, water and landscape science • Mineralogy, petrology and technology • Natural resources and sustainable development• Paleobiology • Wind energy For more information see: www.uu.se/geosciences The successful candidate will be part of the research programme Air, Water and Landscape Science (LUVAL). The position involves close collaboration with researchers at Uppsala University, SMHI and SLU and offers opportunities for interdisciplinary research, international networking and work with societal climate and environmental challenges.

Project description The Arctic is changing rapidly with global warming, leading to extensive changes in the hydrological system through melting glaciers, thawing permafrost and changing precipitation patterns. Understanding how these changes affect runoff, evaporation, water flows and the availability of fresh water is a key challenge in Arctic hydrology. At the same time, the proportion of forest fires in large parts of the Arctic is increasing, which is an additional disturbance that can affect vegetation, soil conditions, permafrost and water flow routes.

This doctoral project will investigate how climate change and increasing forest fires affect the Arctic water cycle. By combining Earth Observation (EO) data with large-scale hydrological modelling, the doctoral student will study the effect of various landscape changes on hydrological processes in Arctic basins. The project will generate new knowledge about the driving forces behind hydrological changes in the Arctic and contribute to increased understanding and improved prediction models for future freshwater resources in northern regions.

Tasks The doctoral thesis consists of examining how climate change and increasing forest fire activity affect hydrological processes in the Arctic. The tasks include analysis of Earth observation and hydrological data, hydrological modelling and statistical analysis, and writing of scientific articles. The doctoral student will collaborate with hydrologists at Uppsala University, SMHI and SLU, and is expected to contribute to the overall implementation of the project.

The doctoral programme comprises four years of full-time studies including courses and independent research work. The doctoral student can also be given the opportunity to participate in teaching, supervision and other departmental duties, which can extend the employment by up to 20 percent.

Qualification requirements Qualification requirements Qualifying for doctoral studies are those who have completed a degree at advanced level in hydrology, natural geography, earth science, environmental science, environmental engineering or other relevant subject, completed at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits at advanced level including an independent project of at least 15 credits, or in any other way acquired essentially equivalent knowledge.

Applicants must meet the above requirements before admission to doctoral studies can begin. You must also have a good ability to express yourself orally and in writing in English, strong quantitative and analytical ability and experience in processing and analysing environmental or geodata. The position requires basic programming skills for scientific data analysis, the ability to work independently and in groups, and a strong interest in hydrology and environmental changes. Emphasis will be placed on personal characteristics such as analytical ability, initiative, creativity, flexibility and problem-solving ability.

The experience of hydrological modelling, remote sensing, GIS and programming (e.g. Python or R) is meritorious. Knowledge of Arctic environments, hydrology or the impact of forest fires on ecosystems and water resources is an advantage.

Provisions for doctoral students can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance 5 chapter §§ 1-7 and in the university's rules and guidelines.

If the employment is limited in time, according to HF 5 Chapter § 7. The scope is full-time. Access 2027-01-15 or by agreement. Location: Uppsala Information about the position is provided by: Johanna Mård (johanna.maard@geo.uu.se) Welcome with your application by 30 October 2026, UFV-PA 2026/2820.

Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international position. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all 7 500 employees and 53 000 students who with curiosity and commitment make Uppsala University one of the country's most exciting workplaces.

Read more about our benefits and what it's like to work at Uppsala University https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/ The employment may be safety tested. In the case of security clearance, a condition for employment is that applicants are approved.

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