PhD Candidate in Ecotechnology and Environmental Science

The Department of Natural Sciences, Design and Sustainable Development (NDH) operates at Campus Östersund and Campus Sundsvall, where we educate and conduct research within the department's subjects with a focus on sustainable development.

Department Description

The subject of Ecotechnology and Environmental Science at Mid Sweden University deals with the interdisciplinary study of human societies in interaction with nature, with particular emphasis on the development of new systems for the long-term sustainable use of natural resources. The research methodology is interdisciplinary and, where appropriate, system-oriented.

The project Circular Biomass 3.0 (https://www.miun.se/Forskning/forskningsprojekt/pagaende-forskningsprojekt/cirkular-biomassa-3.0-) addresses Sweden's dependence on imported fertilizers, feed, and food, while energy production needs to adapt to new requirements, fossil fuels are phased out, and greenhouse gas emissions are significantly reduced. With support from municipalities, county administrative boards, and companies in the region, the project focuses on research within clean environments and sustainable local production of food and energy. By utilizing unwanted biomass from industry and society, the project develops sustainable processes for extracting metals and producing energy and ingredients for food and feed using plants and microorganisms such as yeast, fungi, algae, and bacteria. At the same time, the possibility of removing harmful substances such as PAH, PFAS, PCB, and heavy metals is being investigated, paving the way for local industrial production with reduced environmental impact.

Job Responsibilities

We are looking for a PhD candidate in the subject of Ecotechnology and Environmental Science for the aforementioned project. The PhD project aims to develop innovative methods to utilize society's waste streams and convert them into high-value products. You will conduct experiments with sewage sludge and other waste flows on a laboratory scale. The purpose of the experiments is to investigate the ability of plants and algae to purify the raw material from toxic substances such as PFAS, microplastics, pharmaceutical residues, and heavy metals, as well as to refine it into useful products. The research includes the design and execution of experiments in laboratory and pilot scale, as well as chemical and biological analysis of the various treated materials.

Independent doctoral education including research (80-100%) and teaching and administrative work (0-20%).

Eligibility

Basic eligibility is granted to those who have obtained a degree at the advanced level or completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at the advanced level or in some other way acquired equivalent knowledge within or outside the country. Special eligibility is granted to those who have at least 90 higher education credits in environmental science or environmental engineering or in some other way acquired equivalent knowledge within or outside the country.

Assessment Criteria

In addition to the eligibility requirements, applicants with good knowledge in microbiology, biotechnology, cultivation, environmental chemistry, and/or ecotoxicology and with experience in field and laboratory work as well as statistics and data analysis will be given preference. Previous experience in bioremediation (purification of soil, sludge, and other materials using microorganisms and plants) is meritorious.

Personal Qualities

In addition to good subject knowledge, great importance will be placed on creative thinking, collaboration skills, initiative for independent work, and personal suitability for doctoral education.

Other Assessment Criteria

Applicants should have a good ability to express themselves in spoken and written English. Good knowledge of Swedish in speech and writing is meritorious.

Processing

The processing of the employment follows the forms specified in Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance and proceeds in accordance with this link (https://www.miun.se/medarbetare/styrdokument/ny-styrning-planering-och-uppfoljning/Personal/Anstalla-personal/?item=311447).

Employment and Start Date

The PhD position corresponds to an employment equivalent to two years of full-time studies and is expected to lead to a licentiate degree. The employment can be extended up to a doctoral degree provided that additional funding is obtained. Start date is 2025-02-24 or by agreement.

A new employment as a PhD candidate is valid for a maximum of one year, and the employment may thereafter be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time. Regulations regarding employment as a PhD candidate can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 5, Sections 1-7.

Place of Employment

Östersund

Salary

According to Mid Sweden University's salary scale for PhD candidates.

Information

Further information can be obtained from the Deputy Head of Department Håkan Wiklund, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]), or 010-142 83 85, or Docent Erik Grönlund, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or 010-142 84 70.

Application

Application documents must be in Swedish or English. The application must include your CV, certificates from previous education, and a statement of your research interests, visions, and goals.

Welcome with your application via our recruitment system no later than 25-02-04.

Mid Sweden University, with campuses in both Sundsvall and Östersund, is an institution close to students, colleagues, and the surrounding community. At the same time, we are located next to the sea, forests, and mountains, which creates conditions for fantastic quality of life. New knowledge is created here through internationally successful research and education that contributes to societal development. In this way, we contribute to a sustainable future and a better world.

As an employee at Mid Sweden University, you should be able to combine work with leisure and have a good balance in life. We offer, among other things, flexible working hours, support for wellness activities, salary supplementation during parental leave and illness. You also get generous vacation days.

Welcome to a university where people meet, are inspired, and think anew.

Mid Sweden University actively works for equal opportunities and strives to take advantage of the qualities that diversity and gender equality bring to the organization. Your personal data is processed and stored in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation. We welcome inquiries from those interested in working with us but decline offers from those selling advertisements and recruitment services.