Post-doc in Environmental Organic Chemistry focusing on water reuse

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.
Evaluation of domestic wastewater as a safe and recyclable resource
Lack of clean water is a global challenge that requires better knowledge of resource recycling. Recycling of treated wastewater is of great interest worldwide. However, such practices vary greatly within Sweden and globally. Presence of hazardous substances, such as synthetic chemicals, in untreated as well as treated wastewater, create concern. There is a risk that wastewater recycling will counteract our national environmental goal of "a non-toxic environment", and that humans and the environment will be exposed to toxic substances. It is therefore important to create a robust knowledge base for this challenge. In this project, we will compile and analyze existing information and data and make an overall synthesis analysis. We will identify knowledge gaps and support decision-makers in their work with guidelines for a safe reuse of wastewater and a non-toxic future.        

Duties:
We are seeking for a post-doctoral research fellow, who will perform literature search and data analysis with statistic approaches to (i) explain cross-national differences in wastewater reuse; (ii) evaluate the presence of hazardous pollutants as an obstacle to wastewater reuse in Sweden; (iii) identify new strategies to remove hazardous pollutants from waste-water for a better wastewater quality; (iv) characterise the risks of hazardous pollutants in wastewater reuse. The duties also include drafting suggestions for authority guidelines (Swedish EPA and SwAM), writing scientific manuscripts and reports in English, communication with stakeholders, and dissemination of the results.

Qualifications:
Applicants should have a PhD in environmental organic chemistry, environmental ecotoxicology, environmental engineering, environmental science, or equivalent. Specialisation towards statistical analysis and data modelling are valuable merits. Prior focuses on global challenges in water shortage, (waste)water reuse or sustainable water technology solutions are assets. Data processing skills using statistical computing and graphics, e.g. R, MATLAB, are of high merits too. Knowledge on organic micropollutants in the environment is desirable. High emphasis is also placed on personal characteristics such as interpersonal skills, communication skills and problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently. Proficiency in English (both spoken and written) is required.

Place of work:
Uppsala

Form of employment:
Temporary employment, 24 months

Extent:
100%

Starting date:
May 2022

Application:
We welcome your application no later than 2022-03-25, use the button below.

The application should include (1) CV with full publication list, (2) a personal letter with description of your research interests (or experience) and motivation to why you apply (suitability) for the position, (3) copy of doctoral degree certificates, (4) contact information of at least two reference persons.

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