Postdoctoral position in chemistry

The School of Science and Technology is seeking a postdoctoral researcher in chemistry for a 2-years position at MTM Research Centre.

Subject area
The position is in chemistry.

Background
The Man Technology Environment (MTM) Research Centre at Örebro University focuses on applied research on chemicals of different origin in the environment and their relations to sustainable development.

In a circular economy recycling of plastics needs to increase dramatically. Recycling of plastics with complex compositions of chemicals may pose a risk for humans and the environment. To achieve a chemical-safe circulation of plastics data on hazardous chemicals in recycled plastics are needed to develop practical solutions to reduce the risks. This issue is addressed in a joint research project between H&M Group and MTM Research Centre at Örebro University.

Duties and responsibilities
We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher that will investigate potential hazardous chemicals in post-consumer plastics (PCR) and elucidate their sources. The work involves discovery of hazardous chemicals in PCR and hazard assessment using chemical and biological analysis. The successful candidate will be actively involved in experimental work and lead the chemical screening using high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) combined with in-vitro bioassay screening with aim to provide an effect-directed assessment of different types of PCR. The work also includes further investigation of the origin of the hazardous compounds in production and upstream plastics. The candidate will work in a fully equipped laboratory and collaborate with biologists specialized in bioassay screening.

Eligibility
Those qualified for appointment as a postdoctoral researcher are applicants who have been awarded a doctoral degree in a subject matter relevant for the position or have a degree from abroad deemed to correspond to a doctoral degree. Candidates who are expected to complete a doctoral degree after the application deadline will also be given full consideration but in that case proof of a completed degree must be presented before an appointment decision can be taken. The degree is to have been awarded no more than three years prior to the application deadline. If special grounds exist, a person who has been awarded their doctoral degree prior to that should also be considered. Such grounds comprise leave of absence due to illness, parental leave, clinical practice, positions of trust in a trade union or other similar circumstances.

Assessment criteria
The successful candidate is required to show documented skills in handling HRMS instrumentation and data from suspect screening and nontarget chemical analysis. It is a merit to provide documented knowledge in using both liquid and gas chromatography as well as investigation of chemical content in complex matrices. It is a merit to show knowledge and experience in effect-directed analysis (EDA) using bioanalytical testing methods, such as in-vitro tests for nuclear receptor agonist/antagonist, mutagenicity and toxicity-related changes in cellular phenotype. The successful candidate should express interest in producing novel data in cooperation with industry. We are looking for an ambitious, analytically oriented researcher with aspiration of developing independent research. Proficiency in written and spoken English is a requirement.

Information
The position is a 2-year position. The salary depends on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience.

For more information about the position, please contact Assoc. Prof. Anna Kärrman +46 19 30 14 01 (anna.karrman@oru.se) or Prof. Magnus Engwall +46 19 30 36 06 (magnus.engwall@oru.se). For information about MTM, please visit www.oru.se/mtm or contact Head of Unit Assoc. Prof. Mattias Bäckström +46 19 30 39 65 (mattias.backstrom@oru.se).

Örebro University actively pursues an equal work environment and values the qualities that diversity adds to our operations.

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:


• A covering letter
• CV with relevant description of your overall qualifications and experience
• An account of research/artistic qualifications
• Scientific publications for consideration (maximum of 10)
• Copies of relevant course/degree certificates and references verifying eligibility and criteria met

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

The application deadline is 2022-03-31. 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.