Research Assistant in Marine Biogeochemistry

The Department of Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg, (https://http://www.gu.se/en/marina-vetenskaper) combines extensive scientific competence with unique infrastructure to provide the most complete environment for marine science and education in Sweden. It is one of only a few such organisations in Europe. By integrating advanced research infrastructure with a strong link to societal needs and challenges, the Department contributes with new solutions to global ocean challenges.

The Department of Marine Sciences conducts research, education, and innovation related to the science of the ocean and its resources. Its activities are based in Gothenburg, at two research stations (Kristineberg Center for Marine Research and Innovation, and Tjärnö Marine Laboratory), and on the research vessel Skagerak. The Department has an interdisciplinary scope that encompasses marine biology, marine chemistry, marine geology, preservation of marine cultural heritage, and oceanography, working in all marine habitats from shallow bays and coastal seas to the open oceans. Our scientists and students often play leading roles in international collaborative research, including expeditions to Polar regions and the great seas of the world, as well as in our newly built laboratories with advanced equipment and complex analytical techniques. The Department also offers a wide range of undergraduate courses, a Bachelor's degree, three Master's degrees, and a Ph. D. programme, all within marine sciences.

Duties

This research assistant position is part of the ERC Synergy project RECLESS (Recycling versus loss in the marine nitrogen cycle: controls, feedbacks, and the impact of expanding low oxygen regions). RECLESS aims to predict how ongoing ocean deoxygenation impacts microbial nitrogen transformations and thereby the future availability of nitrogen to support oceanic primary production and carbon sequestration. The project brings together researchers from the Universities of Gothenburg, Vienna and Southern Denmark as well as Carnegie Science, and synergistically integrates innovative oceanographic, biogeochemical, ecophysiological, and model-based approaches.

The position will contribute to our ongoing efforts to unravel the pathways, dynamics, and environmental controls of microbial nitrogen transformations in oxygen depleted waters; specifically, the research assistant will:

• Undertake extensive laboratory analysis for nutrient determination and stable isotope analysis (GC/MS)
• Work up the data produced, and oversee / maintain calibration and summary files
• Participate in fieldwork undertaking sampling, and lab-based incubations / determinations
• Work in collaboration with other members of RECLESS on interdisciplinary projects

Qualifications

We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate with a Masters degree (completed or will be completed prior to the position start date) in marine biogeochemistry or related discipline, with an aptitude for lab and fieldwork. Ability to work independently and as a part of a team as well as excellent communication skills (both verbal and written) are essential for the position.

• Master degree or similar in marine biogeochemistry or a related discipline (completed or will be completed prior to the position start date)
• Background in elemental cycling within aquatic systems
• Experience working in a biogeochemistry lab
• Experience analysing gas samples on a mass spectrometer (focus on nitrogen species)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English

Employment

The employment is a fixed-term employment for 8 weeks, 100% of full time and placed at the Department of Marine Science in Gothenburg. Starting date is before the end of June 2026.

Contact information for the post

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Laura Bristow (laura.bristow@gu.se)

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Helen Tholander (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