PhD student in Soil Science

A position as a PhD student in Soil science is available at the Department of Soil and Environment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), within the project “Imogolite-type nanoparticles in the environment – characterization, adsorption properties, and biogeochemical significance”.

The Department of Soil & Environment is a leading center for soil science, nationally and internationally. We conduct research, environmental monitoring & assessment and higher education for sustainable soil management in agricultural, forest and urban environments. Outcomes are aligned to and contribute towards national and international strategies on food security, national environmental objectives and climate reporting as well as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The majority of the department’s activities are located in the Soil-Water-Environment center at the SLU Ultuna campus in Uppsala with one research group situated in Skara.

Description:
We are looking for a PhD student who will investigate the significance of imogolite-type nanoparticles (ITN) in soil and in water. ITN is found in forest soils, and it can occur also in many other different environments, e.g. it has been found on the planet Mars. Although a relatively unknown mineral, there is evidence for a key role of ITN in governing the availability and leaching of certain nutrients and metals such as phosphorus, molybdenum and arsenic. In this project, ITNs are studied in more detail using different microscopic and spectroscopic methods (e.g. TEM, FTIR, SAXS, XRD). The ability of the particles to bind different nutrients and metals is also studied, and sorption models are developed. The tasks include laboratory work, limited field work, data analysis, modelling, and writing of scientific manuscripts in English. The work also involves collaboration with a number of Swedish and international research groups at e.g. Uppsala University, ETH (Zurich) and the University of Vienna.

Qualifications:
The applicant should have an MSc degree in Soil science, Environmental science, Geosciences, Aquatic and Environmental Engineering, Environmental chemistry, or related disciplines. Advanced knowledge in soil and/or water chemistry is important. Documented experiences in geochemical modelling, field and laboratory work, analytical chemistry, and in statistics are highly valued. Interpersonal skills are important, including the ability to work within a research team as well as independently.

The candidate should be fluent in spoken and written English.

Place of work:      
Uppsala

Forms for funding or employment:
Employment (4 years)

Starting date:
1 March 2022 or according to agreement

Application:
Click the “Apply” button to submit your application. The deadline is 2022-01-13.

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