Research Position in Molecular Biogeochemistry

Department of Forest Ecology and Management
The department includes about 100 people of which 11 are professors. Our mission is to advance the understanding of forest ecosystem processes and to progress the principles of forest ecosystem management. For more information: http://www.slu.se/en/departments/forest-ecology-management/

The major research focus is on the boreal landscape, including peatlands, forests and surface waters, but we have activities also in other biomes. The current position is in Soil Science/Biogeochemistry. The units of soil science and boreal forest biogeochemistry are highly productive with several well renowned researchers. The department has modern technical facilities for plant, soil and water analyses, close collaboration with several state-of-the-art technical platforms at Umeå University, and close and easy access to field research infrastructures, unique long-term forest ecosystem experiments and other field sites.

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate for a position as researcher focusing on the molecular level mechanistic understanding of the uptake and methylation of inorganic mercury by anaerobic bacteria. The research to be carried out  by the holder of the position will be based on research grants funded by the Swedish research councils Formas and VR.

Duties:

• To set-up laboratory experimental systems to study the uptake and methylation of Hg by anaerobic bacteria. 
• To advance mechanistic understanding by utilizing state-of-the art synchrotron radiation based techniques, such as XAS, and isotope labelling techniques to characterize the chemical interaction of Hg and MeHg with functional groups at outer and inner membranes of bacteria, and the role of these interactions for uptake and methylation of Hg. 
• The successful candidate is expected to develop a strong research    platform in the research area of Hg biogeochemistry.  

Qualifications:
A PhD degree in trace metal biogeochemistry and post-doctoral experience in mercury biogeochemistry. Specifically, the candidate must capable of:  


• Demonstrating experience in molecular scale studies of Hg biogeochemistry involving cultures of anaerobic bacteria 
• Demonstrating experience with all aspects of “clean environment measurement protocol" for mercury measurements and utilizing central techniques, such as isotope dilution and labelling of species-specific Hg compounds, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy, to resolve the mechanisms of Hg uptake and methylation 
• Independently conduct experimental laboratory work 
• The position requires good command of the English language.  

Place of work:
Umeå

Form of employment:
Permanent employment. SLU uses probationary employment.

Extent:
100%

Starting date:
According to agreement. 

Application:
We welcome your application no later than March 14 2022, use the button below.

Documents required: 

CV, list of publications, a short description of your field of research interest , name and contact information for two reference persons and a copy of PhD diploma.

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