Project Assistant in Marine Biogeochemistry

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 58 000 students and 6800 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

The University of Gothenburg promotes equal opportunities, equality, and diversity.

The Department for Marine Sciences (http://marine.gu.se/english/) is Sweden's most complete academic environment for marine research and education, and it is one of the few such institutions in Europe. The Department for Marine Sciences brings together expertise in physical oceanography, marine chemistry, marine biology, marine geology, and marine heritage conservation. Research and education are conducted in our premises in Gothenburg, at the marine research station on Tjärnö, and on the research vessel Skagerak.

 

Project description and Job assignments

The nitrogen cycle plays an important role in controlling coastal eutrophication and greenhouse gas exchange. Coastal areas are hotspots of nitrogen cycling processes, and microbes living there are active players in nitrogen loss, recycling, gas fluxing, and more.

We offer a position as a Project Assistant to work on nitrogen cycling in fjords in Sweden and abroad. We are seeking an independent and collaborative person with a PhD in biogeochemistry and/or microbial ecology. The Project Assistant will perform field and laboratory investigations to measure N cycling processes combing sediment sampling, stable isotope tracer experiments, in situ flux measurements, and possibly genetic analyses. The research project will involve collaboration with both Swedish and international scientists. The Project Assistant is expected to travel for extended periods of time and work in remote locations.

 

Qualifications 

A PhD diploma in marine chemistry / marine biogeochemistry or the perspective of obtaining one before the start date is required. It is mandatory to have prior experience with Nitrogen Cycling research. It is advantageous to have strong skills in working at sea on medium and small vessels. Very good analytical chemistry skills, as well as advanced data analysis and statistical skills (e.g., bootstrapping) are desirable.

 

Employment 

Fixed-term 4-month employment with possibility for renewal.

Location: Department of Marine Sciences in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Closing date: 2026-05-11

Date of employment: End of August 2026.

The positions offer competitive salaries plus coverage from Swedish national health and business travel insurance. GU strives to be a discrimination-free environment with equal opportunities for all.

 

How to apply

To apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you must register an account in our online application system (applications via email are not valid) and submit the following documents in English:

• Cover letter, explaining your Qualifications, Motivation, and Fit to this research project (Max. 1 page). Explain any circumstances that help the panel understand your individual trajectory.
• CV, including previous research experiences, list of publications or conference presentations, and contact details of 2-3 referees who can comment on your ability to succeed (Max. 3 pages).
• Copy of PhD diploma or any proof that the PhD will be achieved before the start date.
• Any other certificates or relevant merits that you wish to refer to, and could help the panel to evaluate your growth potential.

 

The selection of candidates is made based on qualifications, experience, and growth potential. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted via email and will be invited to write a short research plan related to the project, with interviews planned to be carried out right after.

 

 

Contact information for the post 

If you have any questions about the position, please contact stefano.bonaglia@gu.se  
If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact helen.tholander@gu.se  

 

Unions 

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/en/work-at-the-university-of-gothenburg/how-to-apply-for-a-position#collective-agreement-and-union-representatives

 

Application 

To apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to create an account in our recruitment system. Submit your application via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal by clicking the “Apply” button. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per the vacancy notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline. 

Applications must be received by: 2026-05-11 

The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.

Salaries are set individually at the University.

In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.