PhD student position in chemistry with a focus on environmental chemistry

We are looking for a doctoral candidate with a particular interest in chemicals, the environment and human health. The main aim of the project is to increase our understanding on fate and effects of polymeric fluorinated chemicals. That will be studied in a collaborative project with researchers at Örebro University applying modelling tools including artificial intelligence and experimental approaches such as analytical chemistry. Application deadline is January 29, 2024.

Chemicals in products and materials provide large societal and health benefits, however some chemicals are ubiquitous in the environment and some have shown to cause adverse effects in biota including humans. Sustainable use of chemicals and efficient regulatory and policy actions requires expertise and tools for early identification of potentially hazardous chemicals. This project aims at developing tools to characterize and identify polymers as new and/or emerging risk chemicals (NERCs). Polymers are often overlooked in risk assessment of chemicals and here we will focus on fluorinated polymers that could degrade to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Your task will be to investigate these chemicals combining experimental environmental fate and effects studies with AI methodologies for smart text mining of big data and machine learning based modelling. Advanced analytical chemistry will be a key experimental tool. Results are needed for national and international regulators and policymakers to address EU policy under the Green Deal and the Chemicals Strategy aiming for zero pollution and a toxic free environment. The project will be conducted in close collaboration with researchers at Örebro University and from different disciplines and you are expected to play an active role in interdisciplinary cooperation.

Qualifications

You are required to have completed a second-cycle level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS credits are at second-cycle level, or have an equivalent education from abroad, or equivalent qualifications. To fulfill the specific entry requirements to be admitted for studies at third-cycle level in chemistry, you are required to have completed first-cycle courses of at least 90 ECTS credits within the field of chemistry, or in a subject considered to be directly relevant for the specialization in question. Of those 90 ECTS credits, at least 15 ECTS credits shall have been acquired at second-cycle level within the specialization in question, or an equivalent subject.

We are looking for a candidate who is interested in analytical chemistry, computational chemistry, chemometrics, and artificial intelligence.

The candidate has very good command of the English language, both written and spoken.

Practical experience in risk assessment of chemicals is meritorious but not a requirement.  

You should be creative, with good interpersonal and collaborative skills, power of initiative, and a high degree of independence.

The appointment aims at a PhD degree and the main task of the PhD student is to pursue their doctoral studies, which includes participation in research projects as well as postgraduate courses. In the assignments, teaching and other departmental work (up to a maximum of 20%) can be included. The employment is limited to four years full-time or up to five years when part-time teaching. The salary placement takes place according to the established salary level for doctoral employment.

A complete application should contain the following documents:

- A cover letter including a description of your research interests and motivation for applying

- A curriculum vitae, including a list of BSc and/or MSc theses and, if applicable, research publications

- Copies of degree certificates, including documentation of completed academic courses and obtained grades

- Name and contact information of at least two reference persons

Applications should be in English or in Swedish, documentations in another language should be translated. Applications must be submitted via our e-recruitment system Varbi, no later than January 29, 2024.

For more information, please contact professor Patrik Andersson, telephone +46-703039856, [email protected]

About us
The Department of Chemistry is one of the largest departments within the Faculty of Science and Technology with approximately 200 employees, of which approximately 40 doctoral students, and a strong and expanding research. The Department has three major research areas: Biological Chemistry, Environmental and Biogeochemistry, and Technical Chemistry. We are also a strong partner in the KBC, Chemical-Biological Center. Information about the postgraduate education can be found on the Faculty of Science and Technology website: www.umu.se/en/faculty-of-science-and-technology/education/doctoral-studies/chemistry/ . For more information about working at Umeå University, https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/