Assistant Professor of Environmental Science

Stockholm University

Sweden

Reference Number: SU FV-4428-25

Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Employment Type: Full-time, fixed-term (tenure track)
Last Application Date: 28 February 2026

About Stockholm University

Stockholm University is a leading European university and one of the world’s top 100 institutions for higher education and research. The university hosts over 30,000 students, 1,300 PhD students, and 5,500 employees, primarily based at Campus Frescati.

Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab) is a national research infrastructure providing advanced large-scale technologies and expertise in the life sciences. In Stockholm, SciLifeLab is located at Campus Solna, approximately 20 minutes from Campus Frescati.

This position is part of the SciLifeLab Fellows Career Program.

Participating Departments

The position will be placed in one of the following departments, depending on the applicant’s research profile:

Department of Environmental Science
Department of Geological Sciences
Department of Physical Geography
Department of Zoology

All departments belong to the Faculty of Science and conduct internationally recognized research and education. Each department employs between 50 and 170 staff members and maintains active doctoral training programs.

Subject Area

Biodiversity

Subject Description

The subject of biodiversity is interpreted broadly and includes variation and evolution:

Within species
Between species
Among communities
Across spatial and temporal scales

Research may involve molecules, genes, individuals, species, and ecosystems, including their evolution, interactions, and environmental conditions. Emphasis should be placed on patterns and processes that have previously been difficult to study, but which are now accessible through recent methodological advances such as:

High-throughput sequencing
Artificial intelligence
Advanced imaging
Mass spectrometry
Tomography
Exposomics

Main Responsibilities

Conduct high-quality research in biodiversity
Teach and supervise students at:
- Undergraduate (basic) level
- Master’s (advanced) level
- Doctoral (PhD) level
Contribute to the development of the Planetary Biology Program at SciLifeLab, Campus Solna

Qualification Requirements

To qualify for appointment as Assistant Professor (biträdande lektor), applicants must:

Hold a doctoral degree awarded in Sweden or an equivalent degree from another country
Normally have received the doctoral degree no more than seven years prior to the application deadline

Applicants who completed their doctorate earlier may be considered under special circumstances, such as:

Parental leave
Sick leave
Other comparable reasons

All teaching positions at Stockholm University require:

Ability to collaborate effectively
General suitability to perform academic duties

Assessment Criteria

The selection process will emphasize:

Research excellence (primary criterion)
Teaching skills and experience
Relevance of scientific merits to the subject area

About the Employment

This is a tenure-track position regulated by the Higher Education Ordinance (SFS 2024:673)
Initial employment period: 6 years
Possible extension up to 8 years under special circumstances (e.g., parental or sick leave)

Promotion

The assistant professor may apply for promotion to Associate Professor (permanent position)
Promotion criteria are established by the Faculty of Science
Application for promotion must be submitted at least nine months before the end of the assistant professor appointment

Departmental Research Profiles

Department of Environmental Science

Microbial diversity in environmental processes
Anthropogenic impacts on ecosystems
Pollutant degradation and transformation
Airborne processes such as aerosol formation

Department of Geological Sciences

Molecular palaeontology
Deep-time biodiversity and evolution (>1 million years)
Resistant biomolecules and diagenetic products
Fossil and non-DNA archives of life

Department of Physical Geography

Biodiversity across spatial scales (micro to global)
Microbial diversity and biogeography
Ecosystem functions and ecosystem services under global change

Department of Zoology

Biodiversity within and across species
Animal ecology, behaviour, physiology, and genetics

What We Offer

A dynamic and international research environment
Strong interaction between research and higher education
Location within the National City Park with excellent transport links
Access to SciLifeLab infrastructure and expertise
Generous financial support for research, including funding for postdoctoral researchers and PhD students during the six-year appointment
Commitment to equal opportunities and a discrimination-free workplace