Postdoctoral researcher in Chemistry

Ref no: ORU 2.1.1-00722/2023

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher in Chemistry, specialised in Environmental Analytical Chemistry for a fixed-term position of two years at the School of Science and Technology, Örebro University.

The subject area for this position is in the subject of Chemistry, with specialisation in Environmental Analytical Chemistry.

The Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre (MTM) at Örebro University is a strong research environment focusing on applied research on chemical compounds of different origin in the environment and their relations to sustainable development. This includes identification of hazardous chemicals enabling actions for their removal from the environment. The centre also conducts research directed at polluted areas to contribute to better risk assessment and soil remediation methods. In a new project focusing on treatment of contaminated soil we are looking for a postdoctoral researcher with experience in environmental analytical chemistry and soil remediation techniques.

The appointment as a postdoctoral researcher is intended to enable persons who have recently been awarded their doctoral degree to consolidate and develop primarily their research skills.

The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for experimental setup and evaluation of thermal treatment of soil contaminated with per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS). The successful candidate will lead development of analytical methods for a comprehensive evaluation as well as design of thermal treatment of PFAS contaminated soil, both in laboratory scale and pilot scale experiments. The position will be based at MTM Research Centre while the project will be carried out in collaboration with the Swedish Geotechnical Institute (SGI) and Geological Survey of Sweden (SGU) as well other industrial partners.

Those qualified for appointment as a postdoctoral researcher are applicants who at the time of appointment hold a doctoral degree or have a degree from abroad deemed to correspond to a doctoral degree. Applicants with doctoral degrees that have been awarded no more than 3 years prior to the application deadline are to be considered first. The applicant may not previously have held a position as a postdoctoral researcher for more than one year in the same subject and at the same higher education institution. The position is for a term of at least 2 years initially but may be extended for a further 1 year. If the person during the period of employment has been on parental leave, the period of employment is to be extended by the corresponding number of days. The period of employment may also be extended in the event of absence due to illness.

A basis for the assessment is the applicant’s ability to disseminate information and communicate; collaborate and engage with the wider community; and facilitate utilisation of the university’s research. In addition, the applicant’s suitability for the position will be assessed. Suitability refers to the applicant demonstrating the personal qualities required to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities at hand, the ability to cooperate with other members of staff, and the ability to contribute to the development of the operations.

Particular attention is to be paid to the applicant’s prospects of contributing to the future development of both research and education. Importance is also attached to a demonstrated ability and ambition to embark on a career within academia.

Documented experience on analytical method development is required, including experience from liquid chromatography separation techniques in combination with mass spectrometric detection. More specifically, experience in sample preparation, target and non-target analysis of PFAS are a merit, as well as documented experience in soil remediation. Knowledge in thermal treatment processes for remediation purposes and redistribution of PFAS in soil systems is also beneficial.

This is a full-time position for two years with possibility for a one-year extension if funding is available. At Örebro University, salary depends on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience.

For more information about the position, contact Ingrid Ericson Jogsten, +46 19 30 12 09, email: [email protected] , Leo Yeung, +46 19 30 14 21, email: [email protected] or Mattias Bäckström, +46 19 30 39 65, email: [email protected] .

At Örebro University, we expect each member of staff to be open to development and change; take responsibility for their work and performance; demonstrate a keen interest in collaboration and contribute to development; as well as to show respect for others by adopting a constructive and professional approach.

Örebro University actively pursues equal opportunities and gender equality as well as a work environment characterised by openness, trust and respect. We value the qualities that diversity adds to our operations.

The application is made online. Click the button “Apply” to begin the application procedure.

For the application to be complete, the following electronic documents must be included:

• Covering letter, outlining how you believe you can contribute to the continued development of Örebro University
• CV with a relevant description of your overall qualifications and experience
• Account of research qualifications and experience
• Copies of relevant course/degree certificates and references verifying eligibility and criteria met
• Relevant scientific publications (maximum of 10 and in full-text format)

Only documents written in Swedish, English, Norwegian and Danish can be reviewed.
More information for applicants will be found on our career site:  https://www.oru.se/english/career/available-positions/applicants-and-external-experts/

The application deadline is 2023-02-21. We look forward to receiving your application!

As we have already made our choices in terms of external collaboration partners and marketing efforts for this recruitment process, we decline any contact with recruitment agencies and advertisers.

As directed by the National Archives of Sweden (Riksarkivet), we are required to deposit one file copy of the application documents, excluding publications, for a period of two years after the appointment decision has gained legal force.