Vacant job

Department of Natural Sciences, Design and Sustainable Development (NDH)

operates at Campus Östersund and Campus Sundsvall, where we educate and conduct research in the department's subjects with a focus on sustainable development.

The subject of chemistry at Mid Sweden University

is defined as the knowledge of the properties, structure, and reactions of chemical substances, as well as their occurrence and effects on the environment and their use to solve technical and scientific problems.

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 seeking a PhD candidate in chemistry for the aforementioned project. The PhD project aims to investigate biological processes for the sustainable extraction of valuable metals from waste materials and low-grade ores, which includes bio-extraction of metals using plants and microbes. 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 research training will include research (80-100%) as well as teaching and administrative work (0-20%).

Eligibility

Basic eligibility is held by those who have completed a degree at the advanced level or have 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 substantially equivalent knowledge within or outside the country. Special eligibility is held by those who have at least 90 higher education credits in chemistry or have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way within or outside the country.

Assessment Criteria

In addition to the eligibility requirements, applicants with good knowledge in microbiology, biotechnology, cultivation, environmental chemistry, geoscience, and/or soil science/chemistry will be given priority. Experience in laboratory work as well as statistics and data analysis is meritorious.

Personal Qualities

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

Other Assessment Criteria

Applicants must 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 that corresponds to four years of full-time studies and is expected to lead to a doctoral degree. Start date 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: Sundsvall

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

Information

For further information, please contact Deputy Head Erika Wallin, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or 010-1428491 or Doctor Gabriela Paladino, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or 010-1428091.

Application

Application documents must be in Swedish or English. The application must include your CV, proof of previous education, and a statement of your research interests, visions, and goals. Welcome to submit your application via our recruitment system no later than 2025-02-04.

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, creating conditions for a 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 supplements during parental leave and sickness. You also receive generous vacation days.

Welcome to a university where people meet, get 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.