The Anthropocene Laboratory is a program launched at the Academy in 2023. The aim is to develop scientific understanding and synthesis of the Anthropocene biosphere, by working across the sciences and the humanities, engage with actors outside of academia to stimulate change, and help foster a new generation of transdisciplinary sustainability scientists. Located in Stockholm, Sweden, the laboratory consists of researchers and facilitators, with a director reporting to the Secretary General of the Academy, guided by a Scientific Committee. The Anthropocene Laboratory is one among several sustainability science efforts in Stockholm that interact and collaborate.
The laboratory is a collaborative, interdisciplinary and international team. The main function is to bring together scholars that combine disciplinary perspectives and diverse skills, tools, and competencies for a more holistic understanding of the Anthropocene biosphere, our home on planet Earth, thereby exploring challenges and opportunities of advancing science for sustainability in an era of increased interconnectivity, social-ecological turbulence, and inequalities.
We are looking for colleagues with an international and interdisciplinary interest, with documented experience in understanding and relating to the Anthropocene biosphere, and with a willingness to explore emergence in new scientific constellations. The laboratory strives to experiment, with the hope to discover new systemic interactions.
We are committed to diversity, equity, and representation because it is essential for an ability to comprehend and engage with the Anthropocene. We encourage qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply for the position.
The working language is English, but all additional languages are regarded as assets.
Employments are based at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in Stockholm, Sweden. Employees with citizenship outside the EU require a residence permit decision from the Swedish Migration Agency prior to the start of employment.
1 research assistant positions – one year (with possible extension)
We are currently looking for a research assistant for our work on “Anthropocene Diplomacy”. In this project we are exploring how human can build and sustain effective coalitions for global sustainability during times of polycrisis. You will be integrated in our interdisciplinary team in Stockholm and work closely with partners. You likely have experience with synthesis of scientific literature, actor mapping, interviews, statistical analysis, or other interdisciplinary methods and have excellent English writing skills. You likely have a master’s degree in international relations, diplomacy, or sustainability science, but no disciplinary background is disqualifying.
Application
We look forward to your application! Please submit your personal letter and a CV, and max two letters of recommendation – all combined as one pdf to henrik.osterblom@kva.se.
Deadline for application: June 15, 2026
Intended starting date: September 1, 2026 (flexible)
Contact
Please contact Prof. Henrik Österblom henrik.osterblom@kva.se (Director at the Anthropocene Laboratory) for further questions.
Read more about the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
Read more about the Anthropocene Laboratory
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences was founded in 1739 and is an independent organization, whose overall objective is to promote the sciences and strengthen their influence in society. The Academy promotes science of the highest quality by fostering development and innovation in Swedish research. It enhances the status of science in society by drawing attention to key social issues and examining them in scientific terms, and joins in cooperation on global issues, with an aim of being an international scientific proponent of sustainable development.