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 will investigate the physical processes controlling the stability, structural integrity, and mass balance of Antarctic ice shelves, aiming to improve projections of their contribution to future sea-level rise. Ice shelves regulate the discharge of grounded ice into the ocean and thus represent a key control on long-term sea-level change. However, the dominant mechanisms governing ice-shelf response to atmospheric and oceanic forcing remain insufficiently constrained.

Depending on project allocation 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
• Ice–ocean interaction and basal melting dynamics
• Integrated observational and modelling approaches to ice-shelf processes 

The doctoral student is expected to:

• Develop research questions within the thematic scope of Antarctic ice shelf interactions
• Analyse observational datasets (e.g. ground-based radar measurements and weather
  station data)
• Contribute to the development and application of numerical models
• Assess uncertainties for future sea-level projections
• Publish results in international peer-reviewed journals
• Present findings at national and international conferences

The doctoral student will be employed at Mid Sweden University as part of the Swedish research school for excellence in Arctic and Antarctic Learning (SEAL) , which offers an internationally competitive, interdisciplinary research and training environment with access to unique infrastructure, field campaigns, and integrated doctoral courses. The position includes close collaboration with co-supervisors at Uppsala University , including regular research visits.  

The project is also embedded in the international research programme iQ2300 – East Antarctic Sea level rise contribution in 2300, with logistical support from the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat . The project may involve participation in field campaigns in polar or subpolar environments and national and international travel for collaboration and conferences. Fieldwork may require extended stays in remote environments and 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.

Other assessment criteria  
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 2026-08-15 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, katrin.lindback@miun.se or +46 (0)10-1726590. For questions about the employment and research studies contact the Deputy head of department, Prof. Oskar Englund, oskar.englund@miun.se or +46 (0)10-1428800.

Application 
Applications must be submitted in English or Swedish and should include: 

• A cover letter describing your research interests and motivation for the position
• Curriculum vitae
• Copies of degree certificates and transcripts
• Master’s thesis (or equivalent)
• Contact details for two academic referees 

Please send in your application through our recruitment system no later than 2026-04-30.

Mid Sweden University has two campuses; in Sundsvall and in Östersund, both located close to students, colleagues and the surrounding society. At the same time, it is located conveniently close to the sea, forests and mountains, which provides a great quality of life. Here, new knowledge is created by means of internationally successful research and education that contribute to the development of our society. This way, we actively contribute to a sustainable future and a better world. Mid Sweden University works actively for equal opportunities and strives to embrace the qualities that diversity and equality bring to the organization. Prior to any recruitment work, Mid Sweden University has taken a position on consulting support, recruitment channels and marketing. We therefore kindly ask media vendors, recruitment sites and the like not to contact us.

• Contract type

  Full time

• First day of employment

  2026-08-15 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 2026/667

• Union representative
• Published

  2026-03-24

• Last application date

  2026-04-30