Postdoc in Maritime Environmental Science

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher in the field of Maritime Environmental Sciences and the topic environmental impact of greywater emissions from shipping activities in the Baltic Sea. The two-year position will be hosted by the Department of Mechanics and Maritime Sciences and includes collaboration with environmental authorities and the shipping industry.

According to recent studies over 5.5 million m3 grey water is emitted to the Baltic Sea annually and concerns have been raised that this unregulated waste stream may pose adverse impact on the marine environment. Current knowledge on grey water from ships, both with respect to chemical characterization and discharge volumes are limited, but the few available reports show elevated concentrations of nutrients, metals and other chemicals. However, little is known about the specific content of chemicals in grey water in the Baltic Sea region, where the chemicals originate from and what environmental impact they may have when discharged to the Baltic Sea.

The aim of the postdoc position is to i) develop a strategy for onboard sampling and sample grey water from ships ii) based on chemical analysis, life cycle assessment and environmental economics valuate the impact discharges of grey water has on the marine environment iii) assess and propose cost-efficient measures to reduce environmental impact from grey water.

Information about the department
The Department of Mechanics and Maritime Sciences (M2) conducts fundamental and applied research in all modes of transport to provide sustainable technological solutions. M2 hosts one of Sweden's most extensive simulator centres for navigation and propulsion of ships, as well as world class laboratories within combustion engineering and wind tunnels. The department has an established and continuous cooperation among academia, industry, and society, with a great focus on utilization. M2 is characterized by an international environment with employees and students from around the world, as well as outstanding research and world class education.

The Division of Maritime Studies offers a creative interdisciplinary working environment. The division for Maritime Studies is engaged in research and education connected to shipping and other maritime sectors. We educate the seafarers of tomorrow, focusing on developing a sustainable shipping industry. Our division consists of a total of three units: Technical and Maritime Management, Nautical Studies and Maritime Environmental Science. The common denominator of the research carried out at the unit Maritime Environmental Science is the aim to contribute to sustainable development of shipping and other maritime activities. 

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibility as postdoc is to perform your own research in a research group. Your work will include sampling of greywater onboard ships, interpretation of analytical data, statistical analyses, risk and impact assessments, literature review and writing scientific papers. The field work will be conducted in collaboration with shipping operators, ports and the data will be communicated to various stakeholders including the shipping sector and maritime and environmental authorities. The position may also include teaching on undergraduate and master's levels as well as supervising master's and/or PhD students to a agreed extent. Another important aspect involves collaboration within academia and with society at large. The position is meritorious for future research duties within academia as well as industry and public sector.

Qualifications
To qualify for the position of postdoc, you must hold a doctoral degree awarded no more than three years prior to the application deadline (according to the current agreement with the Swedish Agency for Government Employers) in a relevant field such as environmental science, chemistry, biology or engineering. We are looking for someone with experience in environmental risk assessment, environmental impact assessment and/or life cycle assessment or closely related fields. You are expected to be somewhat accustomed to teaching, and to demonstrate good potential within research and education. 

It is meritorious to have experience in environmental economics, chemical analysis, the shipping sector and of interdisciplinary cooperation. We think that you are a motivated person that enjoys solving complex problems individually as well as in collaboration with other researchers. 

The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English. Swedish is not a requirement but Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Contract terms
This postdoc position is a full-time temporary employment for two years.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Learn more and apply on Chalmers website: https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/Working-at-Chalmers/Vacancies/Pages/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=10508&rmlang=UK

Application deadline: June 2, 2022

For questions, please contact:
Kent Salo, Head of Unit, Maritime Environmental Science
Email: kent.salo@chalmers.se

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***