Summary
The University of Gothenburg is offering a fully funded PhD position in Global Change Biology at the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences. This research project will investigate how and why thermal sensitivity varies across the animal life cycle and its consequences under climate change. The project primarily focuses on fish but offers opportunities to study other taxa.
PhD Position in Global Change Biology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
Overview Table
| Feature | Detail |
| Host Institution | University of Gothenburg |
| Department | Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences (BioEnv) |
| Degree Level | PhD (Doctoral Studies) |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded (100% employment) |
| Duration | Up to 4 years of full-time study (max 8 years total employment) |
| Supervisors | Patrice Pottier & Prof. Fredrik Jutfelt |
Subject Area
Natural Sciences, specifically: Global Change Biology, Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Animal Physiology, Zoology, Marine or Freshwater Biology, Environmental Science, and Quantitative Biology.
Location
Gothenburg, Sweden (Primary location: Natrium at Medicinaregatan 7B, with potential fieldwork at the Kristineberg marine research station).
Eligibility
To meet the specific entry requirements for these third-cycle studies, applicants must fulfill one of the following:
- Have a second-cycle (advanced-level) degree in a relevant natural sciences subject area.
- Have completed studies for at least 60 higher education credits at a second-cycle level in relevant natural sciences subject areas.
- Have completed a corresponding program of relevance in Sweden or another country, or have equivalent qualifications.
Key Assessment Criteria include:
- Clear motivation for research in global change biology.
- Experience in planning, conducting, and interpreting a substantial piece of work (e.g., Master’s thesis).
- Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English.
- High levels of curiosity, independence, and critical thinking.
- Willingness to work with quantitative evidence, statistical analysis (like R), and open science principles.
Scholarship Description
This fully funded PhD project is part of a Swedish Research Council-funded program exploring the vulnerability of fish life stages to climate change. A central challenge in global change biology is understanding why species and populations differ in their climate vulnerability. Accumulating evidence suggests that early life stages can be more sensitive to extreme heat than adults, yet these stages remain understudied.
The PhD student will combine empirical research with evidence synthesis and comparative analyses to answer how thermal sensitivity varies across the life cycle and the resulting impacts on animal populations. The student is encouraged to develop original questions, shape their research agenda, and take part in local and global collaborations.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted in English via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal. Ensure your application includes the following documents:
- Cover Letter (max 2 pages): Describing your interest and how you meet the selection criteria.
- CV (max 4 pages): A comprehensive list of your qualifications.
- Academic Records: Examination certificates and a transcript of courses with grades.
- Thesis: A copy of your Master’s thesis or equivalent independent work.
- Certificates: Employment certificates or other important documents.
- References: Contact details for 1-2 referees (they will not be contacted without prior notification).
You can Apply Here through the official portal.
Last Date
21 September 2026
