Assistant Professor in Geology

The University of Gothenburg offers a research environment where internationally recognised excellence meets an open and collaborative culture. Here, early-career researchers are given the conditions to grow, build networks, and contribute to research with global relevance.

This position is part of the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment initiative Gothenburg Global Scholars. Learn more about the initiative and the University here: Gothenburg Global Scholars.

The Department of Earth Sciences has approximately 75 employees working across the fields of Geology, Physical Geography and Ecosystem Sciences. Our three priority research themes are "The Geosphere", "Earth Surface Processes" and "Climate and Climate Change". Within Geology belonging to “The Geosphere” research theme, we have established strengths in hydrogeology, geochemistry, geophysics and structural geology. Cooperation with strong specializations in the other fields, such as climatology, alpine and polar ecology as well as GIS and remote sensing, is encouraged.

Our mission is to develop and deliver research, education, and services to society that enhance our understanding of the Earth System processes and the impacts of human activity.

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and a family-friendly environment. Sweden also offers parental leave and childcare policies. Further information is available on our website:

Department of Earth Sciences , University of Gothenburg

Employment benefits at the University of Gothenburg

We welcome applications from innovative and forward-looking geoscientists across all areas of geology.

Subject area

Geology

Subject area description

Geology at the Department of Earth Sciences encompasses studies on understanding today’s geodynamic processes of the solid Earth, as well as the evolution of Earth and other terrestrial planets over the entire history of the solar system. Our research is rooted in the drive to advance basic science, but at the same time meet societal needs. We benefit from being able to use the diverse geology of Western Sweden as a natural laboratory for our studies, as one important component of an otherwise global network of field studies. Furthermore, we are a significant collaborator for a wide range of thriving geotechnical companies in the wider Gothenburg area due to expanding activities in tunnel and building construction, increasing need for water and energy resources.

The geology group at the Department of Earth Sciences offers excellent research infrastructure including state-of-the-art analytical facilities, such as a micro-geochemistry laboratory, a stable isotope laboratory, water analysis facilities, a micro-Raman laboratory as well as an ice- and microplastic laboratory. These are complemented by advanced remote sensing and visualization facilities.

Current research activities include mineral resources for a green economy, ice dynamics, development of new geochemical and petrophysical tools, groundwater resources, soil and groundwater contamination, subduction zone processes and links to natural hazards, climate change in the geologic past, and geothermal energy.

Duties

The tenure-track Assistant Professor position is primarily research-focused, with research comprising up to 80% of the workload. The position includes a fully funded PhD position attached to it, financed by the department. The appointee is expected to establish and lead an independent research programme within their chosen field in collaboration with colleagues both at the University of Gothenburg and with national and international partners. They will pursue research at the highest international level guided by their scientific expertise and priorities and are expected to build a competitive research group supported by external funding. Key responsibilities include publishing in high-quality peer-reviewed journals and actively securing external research funding.

Teaching will comprise up to 20% of the workload.  The Assistant Professor will contribute to the development of new curricula and teach both classroom-based and field-based courses. Teaching will be in the subject area of geology within the Earth Science program. They will supervise students at all academic levels including Bachelor’s and Master’s student projects and may also supervise doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers.

The position also includes participation in administrative duties at the Department and Faculty levels, as well as shared collegial responsibility for relevant analytical infrastructure.

Eligibility

Eligibility for appointment as Assistant Professor is governed by the Higher Education Ordinance and the Appointments Procedure for Teachers at the University of Gothenburg.

Qualification requirements for employment as an Assistant Professor are fulfilled by someone who has been awarded a doctorate in Geology or a closely related field, or has the corresponding research competence. Primary consideration should be given to someone who has been awarded a doctorate or achieved the equivalent competence within seven years of the deadline for application for employment as an Assistant Professor. However, someone who has been awarded a doctorate or achieved the equivalent expertise at an earlier date may also be considered if there are special grounds. Special grounds are sick leave, parental leave or other similar circumstances. The reason, dates, and extent of the absence must be clearly specified in the application and supported by documentation/certificates.

The ability to teach in English is a requirement.

Assessment criteria

We are seeking candidates who have demonstrated the ability to independently initiate, develop, and conduct high-quality research within the subject area of the position.

The assessment criteria for appointment as Assistant Professor are governed by the Higher Education Ordinance and the Appointments Procedure for Teachers at the University of Gothenburg.

Assessment will be based primarily on research expertise, secondly on teaching expertise, and thirdly on collaborative and administrative competence. The Faculty of Science and Technology uses these criteria for the assessment of scientific and pedagogical competence and general suitability. Scientific and pedagogical qualifications must be adequate in relation to the subject content and job description of the advertised position.

Research expertise

Research expertise should be demonstrated through internationally recognized research, primarily evidenced by a strong record of peer reviewed publications. The ability to obtain external research funding constitutes an integral part of the assessment. The applicant must have a research profile within the field of geology. Particular emphasis will be placed on demonstrated connections to one or more of the Department’s core research areas: micro geochemistry (with a focus on critical raw materials), hydrogeology (including contaminant behaviour in soils and groundwater), and structural geology (with a focus on rock and ice microstructures).

Teaching expertise

In addition to the research expertise, documented pedagogical qualifications are considered meritorious for the employment as Assistant Professor. Relevant qualifications include teaching experience at undergraduate and postgraduate level within the subject area of geology, the ability to develop pedagogical activities, and experience of supervision.

Collaboration with the community at large and Administrative Competence

For the appointment as Assistant Professor, experience in outreach and engagement with society beyond academia is considered meritorious. Such experience may be demonstrated through

For the appointment as Assistant Professor, leadership and administrative experience are considered advantageous. Relevant qualifications may include

Overall Assessment

The assessment of general suitability includes an evaluation of whether the applicant, with regard to this job description, has the personal qualities required to fulfil the duties of an Assistant Professor well, to interact with other staff and to contribute to the development of the Department’s activities. To this end, a brief written statement of how the applicant’s planned research can benefit and be integrated with the Department’s research must be included in the application.

Employment

An appointment as Assistant Professor is a fixed-term career-development position. The purpose of the position is to provide the successful candidate with the opportunity to develop their independence as a researcher and to strengthen their scientific and pedagogical qualifications in order to meet the requirements for eligibility for appointment as Senior Lecturer.

The appointment may be extended, but for no more than a total of two years, if additional time is required to fulfil the purpose of the appointment due to sick leave, parental leave, or other special circumstances.

Promotion to Senior Lecturer

An Assistant Professor is entitled to be considered for promotion to a permanent position as Senior Lecturer in the same subject area as the Assistant Professorship, provided that the individual is qualified for such an appointment and is deemed suitable following an assessment based on the established criteria for promotion to Senior Lecturer. The assessment criteria for promotion as a teacher are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance, the Appointments Procedure for Teachers at the University of Gothenburg, and the Faculty of Science and Technology’s governing document on assessment criteria for recruitment and promotion of teachers (GU 2025/1411).

Other information

The position of Assistant Professor is a career-development appointment and constitutes a step in an academic career path designed to enable researchers to develop their independence and establish their own research profile, with the right to be assessed for promotion to a permanent position as Senior Lecturer. At the University of Gothenburg, Senior Lecturers are also eligible to be assessed for promotion to a permanent position as Full Professor.

To support a healthy work–life balance, we offer academic freedom, flexible working arrangements, and generous annual leave. Employees are also entitled to a range of benefits, including a wellness allowance, supplementary parental benefits, and an occupational pension scheme. For more information about employment benefits at the University of Gothenburg, please visit: Employment benefits | University of Gothenburg

If you do not have formal training in academic teaching, you will be given the opportunity to undertake such training as part of your employment. Participation in these courses is mandatory.

If you do not have proficiency in Swedish at a minimum of level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), you will be offered language courses as part of your employment. Participation in these courses is mandatory.

Selection process

Eligibility screening of applicants will take place after the application deadline. The application documents of eligible candidates will subsequently be submitted to external reviewers for assessment. As part of the selection process, in addition to expert assessment and interviews, trial lectures and reference checks may also be conducted. The assessment of qualifications and experience will take into account documented parental leave, sick leave or other similar circumstances affecting research output and academic seniority. The reasons and extent of absence should be specified in the application.

The interviews are scheduled to take place on 16 November 2026.