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Doctoral position in theoretical/statistical physics (atmospheric physics)
The Department of Physics at the University of Gothenburg is located in the center of Gothenburg, with approximately 100 employees. The communication routes are good both nationally and internationally. The research is performed in an international environment with extensive national and international collaborations. The education programs at the Department include Bachelor- and Master programs in Physics, physics teacher-training programs, as well as outreach courses in Physics aimed for the general public. Gothenburg Physics Centre is a close collaboration with three other departments within the Faculty of Science and Chalmers University of Technology, which creates an innovative environment for all researchers and students at the department.
The research group focuses on statistical physics. We study the dynamics of particles in turbulent flows through the mathematical analysis of statistical models. You will develop and use these models to understand the turbulent microphysics of stratocumulus clouds.
The aim of the research is to develop a simulation tool that can be integrated into modern weather and climate models. The project is funded through a new ERC Synergy project The role of turbulence in the physics of clouds, in collaboration with the universities of Göttingen, Berlin, and Delft.
The overall goal of the ERC project is to reduce uncertainty in weather and climate predictions.
For further information about the Department of Physics, please visit our website at www.physics.gu.se/english. More information about Gothenburg Physics Centre can be found at https://www.chalmers.se/en/centres/gpc
General information about being a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg can be found on the university's doctoral student pages www.gu.se/en/doctoral-studies
Duties
You are expected to develop mathematical models describing how microscopic water droplets grow through condensation of water vapour, shrink through evaporation, and collide in a turbulent cloud. You will contribute to the mathematical analysis of these models using both analytical and numerical methods, working with a high degree of intellectual independence.
You are also expected to collaborate with colleagues within the ERC project to enable the integration of the models into large-scale computer simulations. This includes, among other things, short research visits to Göttingen, Berlin, and Delft, as well as participation in measurement campaigns planned within the framework of the ERC project.
Doctoral studies comprises four years of full-time study, and leads to a doctoral degree.
As part of your employment as a doctoral student, you may have departmental duties corresponding to up to 20 % of full-time employment, distributed throughout your study period, and result in a corresponding extension of the studies. Departmental duties usually consist of teaching at first- and second-cycle levels, but may also include research and administration.
Eligibility
Doctoral education requires general eligibility and, where appropriate, specific eligibility as set out in the general syllabus for the subject.
The general eligibility requirements for doctoral studies are:
- having completed a degree at second-cycle level, or
- the fulfilment of course requirements totalling at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits must be at second-cycle level, or
- the acquisition of equivalent knowledge in some other way, either in Sweden or abroad.
To meet the specific entry requirements for third-cycle studies, applicants must:
- have a second-cycle (advanced-level) degree in a relevant* subject area in the natural sciences, or
- have completed studies for at least 60 higher education credits at a second-cycle level in relevant subject areas in the natural sciences, or
- have completed a corresponding programme of relevance to the planned third-cycle programme, in Sweden or in another country, or have equivalent qualifications.
*Relevant for the planned third-cycle education
The specific entry requirements also include an acceptable command of spoken and written English. Guidelines for assessing English proficiency may include a minimum score of 550 on the TOEFL test (or 213 on the TOEFL-CBT, or 79 on the TOEFL-iBT).
Assessment criteria
The selection of applicants who meet the basic and specific eligibility requirements will be based on the ability to assimilate the doctoral studies.
In the assessment, particular emphasis is placed on documented experience in analytical modelling and computational methods within statistical physics. A strong interest in working with experimental data is required, and experience in independently carrying out advanced analytical calculations is highly meritorious. The candidate should also have experience in performing advanced numerical simulations of model systems.
Admission and employment
Once you have been admitted to doctoral studies, you will be employed as a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg.
The provisions for employment as a doctoral student can be found in ordinance SFS 1993:100.
Initial employment as a doctoral student may apply for a maximum of one year, and may be renewed by a maximum of two years at a time.
A doctoral student may be employed as a doctoral student for a maximum of eight years, but the total period of employment may not be longer than the equivalent of full-time education at doctoral level for four years.
Type of employment: Fixed-term employment, 4 years full time
Extent: 100 %
Location: Department of Physics, Gothenburg
First day of employment: 2026-09-01
The University applies a local agreement on salaries for doctoral students.
Please note, doctoral studies at The department of Physics require physical presence to conduct the studies. If the admitted applicant needs a residence permit for higher education to pursue studies in Sweden, The department of Physics has the right to revoke the admission decision if the applicant cannot present a valid residence permit no later than at the start of the studies.
Contact information
Kristian Gustavsson, Lektor, +46 700502211, [email protected]
Bernhard Mehlig, Professor, +46 734200988, [email protected]
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
You can apply to be admitted to doctoral education via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal.
It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per this notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline.
The application should contain
A short cover letter explaining why you are applying for the position (maximum one A4 page), a CV including any scientific publications,
Links to your BSc and MSc theses,
A copy of your degree certificate,
Contact details for two referees (name, phone number, and relationship)
Applications must be received by: 2026-06-15
Information for International Applicants
Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit:
https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services
https://www.movetogothenburg.com/
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.
