Post-doctoral researcher in chemistry

The Man Technology Environment Research Centre (MTM) at Örebro University has a long tradition on research on the biogeochemical processes of metals. Together with the Örebro Life Science Centre we are increasing the analytical competence on metal speciation in a joint project focussed on the impact of metal speciation on the biological response in environmental systems in a critical evaluation of risk assessment criteria.

We are in the process of recruiting new competence to the REFINE project with focus on the empirical speciation of solid and dissolved metal forms. The solid phases include different kinds of waste and polluted soil systems where characterization is based on the solution properties, typically with a standardized sequential leaching procedure. For the identification of soluble species a combination of instrumental techniques are used. Species separation is typically accomplished with different modes of HPLC, sometimes in combination with capillary electrophoresis. Quantification of metals is done with quadrupole ICP-MS and MP-AES. Since the project is working with site sampling strategies as well as controlled bio-tests, basic skills in biology are advantageous.

The School of Science and Technology is seeking a postdoctoral researcher in chemistry for a fixed-term appointment.

Duties and responsibilities
The post-doctoral researcher will be a key person in a project aiming at finding solutions for prioritization, assessment and management of contaminants. The main duties are to participate in the development of empirical methods for the speciation of contaminants, with a focus on metals. Hence, a comprehensive understanding of fundamental processes controlling the speciation and mobility of elements in complex biogeo-systems is required. Particular emphasis is paid to hyphenated instrumental techniques using the separation efficiency of chromatography and capillary electrophoresis in combination with quadrupole ICP-MS and MP-AES for element detection. Experience of geochemical modelling of analytical results is important, especially interaction with humic substances and solid surfaces. Knowledge about AAS, FTIR and XRD is valuable, as well as experience from field studies. Responsibilities also include running and maintaining advanced analytical instruments, supervision of students, teaching, and communication of scientific results to researchers and industrial partners. We believe that basic skills in biology, particularly cell biology and microbiology, are essential.

Eligibility
Eligible for the position as postdoctoral researcher are applicants holding a doctoral degree in chemistry or in related subject areas. The doctoral degree should have been awarded no more than three years before the application deadline. Candidates who have obtained their doctoral degree prior to that may however also be considered if special grounds exist (leave of absence due to illness, parental leave, military duties, an elected position in a trade union, or other similar circumstances).

Assessment criteria
Documented knowledge and experience in analytical inorganic chemistry, or hydrogeochemistry, ICP-MS and MP-AES are required. Also knowledge and skills in chromatographic techniques (SEC, IE), capillary electrophoresis and AAS as well as geochemical modelling are required. Relevant experience in sampling and analysis of environmental matrices is a merit. The successful candidate should be creative and analytically oriented with a solid theoretical background, have the ability to both co-operate and work independently with research questions. A proficiency in written and spoken English is required. General assessment criteria include good interpersonal skills and an ability to cooperate as well as the ability and suitability otherwise required to perform the duties well.

Equality
Our ambition is to create a place of work that is characterised by gender equality and diversity.

Information
The position is a full-time position for a fixed term of two years starting no later than May 2017. The salary depends on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience.

For more information, please contact prof. Stefan Karlsson +46-19-30 37 05 (Stefan.karlsson@oru.se), assoc. prof. Mattias Bäckström +46 19 30 39 65 (Mattias.backstrom@oru.se).

Application
The application is made online. Click the button “Apply” to begin the application procedure.

For the application to be complete, the following electronic documents must be included:


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Covering letter


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CV


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An account of [research/artistic] qualifications


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Copies of relevant course/degree certificates and references


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Scientific publications for consideration (maximum of 10)



Only documents written in Swedish, English, Norwegian and Danish can be reviewed.

The application deadline is April 21, 2017. We look forward to receiving your application!

We decline any contact with advertisers or recruitment agencies in the recruitment process.

As directed by the National Archives of Sweden (Riksarkivet), Örebro University is required to deposit one file copy of the application documents, excluding publications, for a period of two years after the appointment decision has gained legal force.