Research Assistant in Work Environment, Parenthood and Academic Careers

Are you interested in issues related to workplace environment, gender equality, and career development in academia? Would you like to contribute to a research project aimed at improving the conditions for employees on parental leave and employees with young children? We welcome applications for a position as Research Assistant at the Department of Earth Sciences, Uppsala University.
The Department of Earth Sciences is Sweden"s most comprehensive academic environment for research and education in geoscience. It offers a broad range of expertise that can contribute to solving important societal issues.
Earth is a dynamic and constantly changing planet. To understand how this planet works, our researchers seek answers in the field, through laboratory experiments and advanced models. Our research and education cover a wide range of disciplines, including rocks and minerals, weather and climate, the evolution of life, natural disasters, wind power and energy, environmental and water engineering, and sustainable development.
Our research combines natural sciences and technology with social sciences and is often interdisciplinary. More than 300 people from over 30 countries work at the department, both in Uppsala and at Campus Gotland.
Our six research divisions:

• Geophysics • Air, Water and Landscape Science • Mineralogy, Petrology and Tectonics
• Natural Resources and Sustainable Development • Palaeobiology • Wind Energy

For more information see:
www.uu.se/earthsciences
This position is linked to a project that aims to map how employees on parental leave and employees with young children experience their work environment, support structures, and career opportunities at Uppsala University. The project will initially focus on the Department of Earth Sciences and the Disciplinary Domain of Science and Technology. Through surveys, interviews, and analysis of existing support systems, the project seeks to identify both challenges and examples of good practice in order to contribute to the development of evidence-based measures and a more inclusive working environment.
Duties
As a Research Assistant, you will work closely with the project leader and contribute to the implementation of the project.
Duties include, but are not limited to:
Conducting literature searches and reviewing relevant research.
Assisting in the development and design of a survey.
Administering and compiling survey data.
Planning, conducting, and documenting interviews.
Processing and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data.
Mapping information and support resources provided by the University and its HR functions.
Compiling results in reports and presentations.
Providing practical support in the day-to-day work of the project.
The duties may evolve depending on the needs of the project and the qualifications of the successful candidate. As a Research Assistant, you must be able to work to deadlines. The role involves independently handling multiple tasks and managing ongoing work assignments as they arise.
Qualifications
Higher education or equivalent qualifications deemed appropriate by the employer, together with relevant work experience. Experience of research work or research-related administration. Experience with survey studies, interviews, or qualitative data analysis. Knowledge of statistics and quantitative analysis. Experience in writing reports or scientific texts.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to use language in a professional manner relevant to the position. Good proficiency in both Swedish and English, spoken and written, as well as excellent computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Office.
We are looking for a person who is collaborative, service-oriented, and flexible. You are responsible, thorough, and systematic, with the ability to maintain an overview of several ongoing processes simultaneously. The ability to work independently and with good planning and organizational skills is essential. Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability.
Additional Qualifications
Interest in workplace environment, equality, or organizational issues. Experience of working at Uppsala University or a similar higher education institution.
About the Employment
The position is fixed-term for five months. The scope of employment is 50%. Starting date: 1 December 2026, or as agreed. Place of work: Uppsala.
Further information about the position can be obtained from:
Steffi Burchardt
Telephone: +46 72 200 33 20
Email:
steffi.burchardt@geo.uu.se
Welcome to submit your application no later than 29 October 2026, reference number UFV-PA 2026/3083.