The Anthropocene Laboratory is a new program at the Academy, starting 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 team with an ability to work across scientific disciplines and between science and practice. The main function is to bring together international 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 – not because it looks good on paper but 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 requires 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 / software engineer with a Master’s Degree. We are looking for candidates with strong software, database management and analytical skills. Documented experience creating and managing databases as well as web applications will be particularly valued.
Application
We look forward to your application! Please submit your personal letter, CV, a two-page research proposal, and max two letters of recommendations to henrik.osterblom@kva.se. Make sure to clearly specify which position you are applying for, and how you intend to engage with it.
Deadline for application: August 15, 2025
Intended starting date: October 1, 2025 (flexible)
Contact
Please contact Prof. Henrik Österblom henrik.osterblom@kva.se (Anthropocene Laboratory Director) or Prof. Carl Folke carl.folke@beijer.kva.se (Chair of the Scientific Committee) for further questions.
More about the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
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.