PhD Student in Geosciences Focused on PFAS

Gothenburg University meets societal challenges with diverse knowledge. With 58,000 students and 6,800 staff, the university is a large and inspiring workplace. Strong research and attractive educational programs attract researchers and students from all over the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, Gothenburg University contributes to a better future.

The Department of Earth Sciences has about 70 staff members and offers bachelor's and master's programs in geosciences and geography, as well as doctoral education in several geoscience subjects. Our main research areas are Climate and Climate Change, Surface Processes on Earth, and the Geosphere. The department's research strategy emphasizes the development of Earth system science through interdisciplinary approaches. More information about the department can be found on our website.

About Dr. Philipp Wanner's Research Group

Dr. Philipp Wanner's research group (link (https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/hitta-person/philippwanner)) is part of the Department of Earth Sciences at Gothenburg University and belongs to the research theme Geosphere. The group conducts both fundamental and applied research, teaching, and collaboration with societal actors in the fields of pollution hydrogeology and hydrogeochemistry.

Our research focuses on understanding the behavior of new types of pollutants such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and plastic particles in groundwater and drinking water systems, including identifying their sources. The group collaborates closely with national and international research partners and stakeholders in Germany, Switzerland, Canada, the USA, and France. We also have access to a comprehensive set of advanced instruments for stable isotope and element analysis.

Job Description

We are looking for a PhD student for the project “Revolutionizing the Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Source Identification in Drinking Water with a Novel Stable Isotope Method.”

The PhD student will develop and apply an innovative method based on stable isotopes to identify the sources of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water systems. The project offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of analytical chemistry, hydrogeochemistry, and environmental science.

The PhD project will be conducted in close collaboration with Professor Lutz Ahrens (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SLU) and Professor Orfan Shouakar-Stash (University of Waterloo, Canada), providing access to leading expertise, advanced laboratory resources, and international research environments.

About the Doctoral Education

Doctoral education consists of four years of full-time studies and leads to a doctoral degree. General information about what it means to be a PhD student at Gothenburg University can be found on the university's PhD pages.

Eligibility

To be admitted to doctoral education, basic eligibility and, if applicable, the specific eligibility established in the general study plan for the doctoral subject are required.

Basic eligibility for doctoral education is met by those who:

• have obtained 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
• have acquired equivalent knowledge in some other way, both within and outside the country.

Assessment Criteria

Selection among applicants who meet the requirements for basic and specific eligibility is based on the ability to benefit from the doctoral education.

The successful candidate for this PhD project should have a strong background in environmental geology, pollution hydrogeology, environmental chemistry, or a related field. Furthermore, experience in field and laboratory work is required. Experience with numerical simulations is an advantage. Additionally, good oral and written skills in English are required.

Admission and Employment

Employment type: Temporary employment for four years full-time

Location: Department of Earth Sciences, Gothenburg

Start date: March 1, 2026, or by agreement

Once you have been admitted to doctoral education, you will receive a PhD position at Gothenburg University.

The initial appointment as a PhD student can last for a maximum of one year and can be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time. A PhD student can be employed as a PhD student for a maximum of eight years, but the total employment period must not exceed what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for four years.

The university applies local agreements on salary setting for PhD students.

Contact Information for the PhD Position

If you have questions about the position, please contact Dr. Philipp Wanner at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Application

You apply for admission to doctoral education via Gothenburg University's recruitment portal.

The application should include:

• A cover letter with motivation describing the applicant's suitability for the position (max one A4 page)
• A CV including education, qualifications, and previous experience
• A copy of the degree certificate and a transcript of courses with grades
• A copy of the master's thesis (or equivalent)
• Other documents that the applicant considers important
• Contact details for at least two references who are familiar with the applicant's qualifications.

The application must be received by: 2026-01-11

The university actively works for a work environment with equal conditions and values the qualities that diversity brings to the organization.

The university applies individual salary setting.

According to the National Archives' regulations, the university is obliged to store application documents for two years after the appointment decision. If you as an applicant specifically request the return of your documents, they will be returned after two years have passed; otherwise, they will be discarded.

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