PhD student in Environmental Organic Chemistry

Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment
The Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment (www.slu.se/aquatic-sciences) is working with applied environmental science, with a national responsibility for assessing the condition of Swedish surface waters with respect to water chemistry, pollution and aquatic biota. The department has some 130 employees. The research focuses on geochemical and hydrological processes, aquatic ecology and biodiversity, as well as on environmental chemistry and aquatic ecotoxicology. The department is part of a Soil-Water-Environment cluster, a competence centre for landscape-level processes that also includes the Departments of ‘Soil and Environment’ and ‘Energy and Technology’. The breadth of expertise among the 300 members in combination with a well-equipped infrastructure creates a unique platform for high quality research as well as environmental monitoring and assessment.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

On-farm biochar filters for removal of organic micropollutants from reclaimed water for agricultural irrigation
Research subject: Environmental assessment, with specialisation in environmental chemistry
Description:
We are seeking a PhD student who will work within a project funded by Swedish farmers’ foundation for agricultural research (Stiftelsen Lantbruksforskning). The PhD project will identify the most relevant organic micropollutants (OMPs) in reclaimed water; assess the treatment capacity of biochar prepared from different renewable feedstock for the removal of OMPs; and, evaluate the thermal degradation of OMPs during re-pyrolysis/regeneration of spent biochar. The duties of the PhD student also include environmental sampling and trace analysis of OMPs in aqueous environmental samples using solid phase extraction (SPE), target analysis (LC-MS/MS) and suspect / non-target screening (LC-HRMS), as well as collaboration with engineers, processing of large data sets, data analysis, statistical evaluation and scientific manuscript writing in English. You will work in an international, interdisciplinary team consisting of several senior researchers and PhD students (https://internt.slu.se/en/cv-originals/oksana-golovko/).

Qualifications:
Applicants shall hold a MSc in environmental (analytical) chemistry, chemical engineering, or equivalent. Specialization in analysis of organic micropollutants in water and experience with LC-MS/MS as well as LC-HRMS (suspect and non-target screening) are highly valuable merits. Data processing and visualization skills using statistical computing and graphics, e.g. R, are of merit too. Previous experience with chemical analytical laboratory work is desirable. Emphasis is also placed on personal characteristics, such as interpersonal skills, analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently. Proficiency in English (spoken and written) is required.

Place of work:      
Uppsala

Forms for funding or employment:
Employment (4 years)

Starting date:
2023-04-01 or according to agreement.

Application:
Click the “Apply” button to submit your application. The deadline is 2023-02-22.

To qualify for third-cycle (Doctoral) courses and study programmes, you must have a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification. Alternatively, you must have conducted a minimum of four years of full-time study, of which a minimum of one year at second-cycle level.

Applicants will be selected based on their written application and CV, degree project, copies of their degree certificate and transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution, two personal references, and knowledge of English. More information about the English language requirements can be found here: www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/new-doctoral-students/english-language-requirements/

Please note that applicants invited to interview must submit attested copies of their degree certificate, a transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution. Applicants who are not Swedish citizens need to submit an attested copy of their passport’s information page containing their photograph and personal details.

Read about the PhD education at SLU at www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/

Academic union representatives:
https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/



The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is a world-class international university with research, education and environmental assessment within the sciences for sustainable life. Its principal sites are in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, but activities are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks and educational establishments throughout Sweden. We bring together people who have different perspectives, but they all have one and the same goal: to create the best conditions for a sustainable, thriving and better world.

SLU has just over 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and a turnover of SEK 3 billion. The university has invested heavily in a modern, attractive environment on its campuses.

www.slu.se