Doctoral Student in Biology: Tropical Forest Ecology and Carbon Dynamics
Investigate tropical forest carbon dynamics and biomass fluxes using terrestrial laser scanning and spatial analysis.
Best for:Best for biology or environmental science graduates with strong quantitative skills, programming experience in R or Python, and a readiness for tropical fieldwork.
Overview
The University of Gothenburg invites applications for a fully-funded four-year doctoral position within the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences. Part of the ERC Starting Grant project TWIG, the research combines repeated terrestrial laser scanning with long-term forest inventories to quantify damage, recovery, and biomass redistribution in tropical forests. The selected candidate will conduct computational analyses and participate in extended field campaigns in Colombia and Brazil. The position offers an international research environment with collaborative opportunities alongside leading ecological research networks.
What you'll do
- Conduct independent PhD thesis research under academic supervision in tropical forest ecology and carbon dynamics
- Process and analyze multi-temporal 3D spatial data, point clouds, and terrestrial laser scanning datasets
- Participate in extended field campaigns at tropical forest study sites in Colombia and Brazil
- Coordinate measurements and collaborate with local field teams and international research partners
- Apply spatial statistics, causal inference, and programming environments such as R or Python to ecological data
- Engage in departmental duties, including undergraduate or master's level teaching, up to 20 percent of full-time employment
Requirements
Degree required: Master of Science or equivalent second-cycle degree in a relevant subject area in natural sciences
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; excellent written and spoken communication skills
Instruction: English
- Academic background in ecology with a focus on forest ecology, tree demography, biodiversity, or ecosystem dynamics
- Demonstrated ability to produce, handle, and interpret ecological or environmental datasets
- Proficiency in statistical analysis and programming using R, Python, or a comparable computational environment
- Capacity for creative thinking, independent research, and collaborative teamwork in an international setting
- Willingness and physical ability to conduct extended field work in remote tropical forest environments
- Completed a second-cycle degree, completed at least 240 higher education credits with 60 at second-cycle level, or acquired equivalent knowledge
- Fulfilled specific entry requirements including a second-cycle degree in biology, environmental sciences, or a closely related natural science discipline
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-19
Applicants must submit their complete application package through the University of Gothenburg recruitment portal before the specified deadline. Ensure all required academic transcripts, thesis copies, certificates, CV, and cover letter are attached in accordance with the listing instructions.
- Cover letter
- CV
- Examination certificates
- Course transcripts with grades
- Master thesis copy
- Employment certificates
Contact
Daniel Zuleta· Associate Senior Lecturer
Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.