PhD student in Environmental Science focusing on sea spray aerosol transport of PFAAs

Ref. No. SU FV-4578-23

at the Department of Environmental Science . Closing date: February 16, 2024.

The Department of Environmental Science is one of the biggest departments at the Faculty of Science. The department consists of four units with more than 170 researchers, teachers, doctoral students and technical/administrative staff from over 30 countries. Research and teaching focuses on chemical contaminants, atmospheric science, biogeochemistry and (eco)toxicology. As an employee at the Department of Environmental Science you will be part of a dynamic environment with research in leading research areas and with a strong international profile.

At the Unit for Contaminant Chemistry we study all aspects of the occurrence of pollutants in the environment. Areas of particular focus include the discovery of new contaminants, understanding the chemical, physical and biological pathways that contaminants follow, and the development of novel tools and techniques. We strive to synthesize our scientific understanding about the sources, transport, transformation, bioaccumulation and pharmacokinetics of environmental contaminants into mathematical models that inspire new scientific hypotheses, and support environmental decision-making.

Project description
Evidence has emerged that levels of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are elevated in coastal regions despite there being no obvious sources. In previous research, we have demonstrated that PFAAs emitted on sea spray aerosols (SSA) is an important source of PFAAs to air. It remains uncertain, however, what the contribution of SSA transport is to atmospheric deposition of PFAAs to land. While modelling of transport and deposition undertaken in our research group indicates the importance of SAA transport and deposition of PFAAs in coastal regions, there is currently little empirical evidence for these impacts. In this project, we aim to demonstrate that coastal zones in Denmark and Sweden are impacted by PFAAs through short-range transport and deposition of relatively large SSA particles with short atmospheric lifetimes. In this project, the student will:

• Measure PFAAs in air on the Danish and Swedish coasts using high-volume air samplers and correlate PFAA air concentrations to SSA tracer ions measured in the same samples
• Measure PFAAs in different aerosol size fractions near the coast using a cascade impactor
• Measure wet and dry deposition of PFAAs using an automatic wet/dry deposition sampler, as well as levels of PFAAs in surface environmental media along a gradient from the sea inland, and
• Model SSA emission in the surf zone and SSA transport and deposition to land to explain our empirical data.

Qualification requirements
To meet the general entry requirements, the applicant must have completed a second-cycle degree, completed courses equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits, of which 60 credits must be in the second cycle, or have otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or elsewhere.

In order to meet the specific entry requirements, for doctoral studies in Environmental Science, at least 45 of the credits at the second cycle must be in one of the natural sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Physics, or Meteorology) including a 30 credits thesis project. The applicant should also have 30 credits in other natural science subjects different from the major.

The qualification requirements must be met by the deadline for applications.

Selection
The selection among the eligible candidates will be based on their ability to successfully pursue the research education. Special emphasis is put on the applicant’s knowledge and skills within the subject area, ability to express her/himself verbally and in writing, analytical aptitude, creativity, initiative and independence, and a capacity for working together with others. The evaluation will be made based on the relevance of past education and experience, grades from previous university courses (in particular at the advanced level), the quality and ambition of the independent project work, references, a cover letter motivating the candidate’s interest, and interviews.

We expect applicants to have training in environmental analytical chemistry and experience of analysing PFAAs in environmental samples would be an advantage.

Admission Regulations for Doctoral Studies at Stockholm University are available at: www.su.se/rules and regulations .

Terms of employment
Only a person who will be or has already been admitted to a third-cycle programme may be appointed to a doctoral studentship.

The term of the initial contract may not exceed one year. The employment may be extended for a maximum of two years at a time. However, the total period of employment may not exceed the equivalent of four years of full-time study.

Doctoral students should primarily devote themselves to their own education, but may engage in teaching, research, and administration corresponding to a maximum of 20 % of a full-time position.

Please note that admission decisions cannot be appealed.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact
For more information, please contact Professor Ian Cousins, telephone: +46 8 16 4012, [email protected] .

Union representatives
Ingrid Lander (Saco-S), telephone: +46 708 16 26 64, [email protected] , Alejandra Pizarro Carrasco (Fackförbundet ST/OFR), telephone: +46 8 16 34 89, [email protected] , [email protected] (SEKO), and PhD student representative, [email protected] ​​.

Application
Apply for the PhD student position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline. 

Please include the following information with your application

• Your contact details and personal data
• Your highest degree
• Your language skills
• Contact details for 2–3 references

and, in addition, please include the following documents

• Cover letter motivating your interest for this position
• CV – degrees and other completed courses, work experience, and a list of degree projects/theses
• Degree certificates and grades confirming that you meet the general and specific entry requirements (no more than 6 files)
• Optional letters of recommendation (no more than 6 files)
• Degree projects/theses (no more than 6 files).

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position .

You are welcome to apply!

Stockholm University contributes to the development of sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment and the pursuit of truth.

URL to this page
https://www.su.se/english/about-the-university/work-at-su/available-jobs/phd-student-positions-1.507588?rmpage=job&rmjob=22559&rmlang=UK