PhD student position in cumulative risk assessment of shipping pressures and impacts on the marine environment

We invite applicants to join our team of researchers within the area of maritime environmental science. We are looking for a PhD student to work on cumulative risk assessment of shipping pressures and impacts on the marine environment. This is an opportunity for you to contribute to science-based guidance of the maritime industry in the green transition. The goal is to provide risk-based decision support to competent authorities on how to include shipping pressures and impacts in marine environmental management and spatial planning.

Research environment

Our research aims at supporting sustainable and responsible development of the maritime industry. We address the multiple pressures that ships pose on the ocean and try to bridge the gap towards environmental management and marine spatial planning. Read more here: https://www.chalmers.se/en/departments/m2/research/transport-energy-and-environment/assessment-of-shipping-pressures-and-impacts-on-the-marine-environment/

The position is based at the Division of Transport, Energy and Environment at Chalmers University of Technology, Department of Mechanics and Maritime Sciences . You will join an interdisciplinary team with Ida-Maja Hassellöv, Lars Rosén and Andreas Lindhe (Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering ). We have a strong network with national and international organizations within academia, public authorities and industry.

About the research project

You will work in the project “Cumulative risk assessment of shipping pressures and impacts on the marine environment”, with special focus on shipping activities in relation to marine spatial planning and protected areas, both at national and EU level, and in areas beyond national jurisdiction. There is an increased global focus on understanding how shipping activities impact the ocean, and an urgent need to inform regulatory bodies about associated environmental risks. The work builds upon methods developed in our previous inter- and transdisciplinary work on shipwreck risk assessment (https://www.chalmers.se/en/departments/m2/research/transport-energy-and-environment/environmentally-hazardous-wrecks-and-dumping-areas ). 

Your profile

Required qualifications

• A Master’s degree (or a 4-year Bachelor's degree for international applicants) in marine or environmental science, civil or environmental engineering
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English

Meritorious qualifications

• Documented experience with data analysis and programming (e.g., Matlab, Python or R).
• Experience of risk assessment and/or decision analysis
• Experience of probabilistic methods such as Monte Carlo simulations
• Experience of work in the maritime sector or marine management
• Swedish language skills (spoken and written)

Your tasks

As a PhD student, your responsibilities will include:

• Plan and conduct research under the guidance of academic supervisors

• Apply and further develop tools and methods for risk assessment, such as multi-criteria analysis and cost-benefit analysis

• Collect and analyse empirical data and marine monitoring data

• Author scientific articles and other scholarly publications

• Present research findings at conferences and to relevant stakeholders

• Collaborate with researchers, industry professionals, and fellow PhD students

• Take advanced-level courses within the Graduate School of Shipping and Marine Technology , specializing in Maritime Environmental Science

• Contribute to departmental teaching activities, including supervision of Bachelor’s and Master’s theses

 Contract terms

• Full-time, temporary position
• The position is limited to four years, with the possibility of 10-20% departmental duties (e.g., teaching), which can extend the position to a maximum of five years

Please note: Physical presence is required throughout the entire study period. A valid residence permit must be presented by the study start date; otherwise, admission may be withdrawn.

What we offer: 

• The PhD positions are fully funded from start

• As a PhD student at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers  and our benefits  for employees 

• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg

• A starting salary of 34,550 SEK per month (valid from May 25, 2025)

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence .
Read more about Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg.  

Discover more
Find more general information about doctoral studies at Chalmers here .  

Application procedure
The application should be written in English be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files. 

CV 

Personal letter 

• A brief introduction about yourself

• A brief motivation as to why you are interested in this position

Bachelor’s and, if available, master’s thesis together with the transcripts. 

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.  

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview. 

We welcome your application no later than   15th of August, 2025.

For questions, please contact:  

Professor Ida-Maja Hassellöv
ida-maja@chalmers.se , +46(0)31 772 3139

 *** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***  

 Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.
Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward. 

URL to this page
https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/work-with-us/vacancies/?rmpage=job&rmjob=14101&rmlang=UK