PhD Candidate in Marine Radioecology and Radiochemistry

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Your Responsibilities

You will explore one of the major environmental challenges of our time – how climate change affects the distribution and mobility of radioactive substances in the oceans. The project focuses on the Baltic Sea and combines fieldwork, laboratory experiments, radiochemical analysis, advanced measurement techniques, and environmental modeling to understand how altered redox conditions (such as hypoxia and reoxygenation) affect the behavior of actinides like plutonium (Pu) and americium (Am) in sediments and seawater.

You will:

• Collect sediment and seawater samples in the Baltic Sea for analysis of redox-sensitive radionuclides and geochemical parameters.
• Conduct laboratory-based microcosm experiments simulating anoxic and oxidizing conditions to quantify the remobilization of radionuclides under climate-related changes.
• Develop and apply radiochemical and advanced measurement methods (alpha-spectrometry, ICP-MS, Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS)) for ultra-sensitive determination of actinides.
• Integrate experimental results into dynamic geochemical and transport models to predict future behavior of radionuclides under various climate scenarios.
• Collaborate closely with international research partners and participate in research stays at world-leading laboratories, such as IAEA's Marine Environment Laboratories in Monaco, Gdansk University, and University of Seville, to gain knowledge and experience in marine radioecology and advanced analytical techniques.
• Present research results in scientific journals and at international conferences, and contribute to strengthening Sweden's competence in climate-adapted radiation protection.

The position offers the opportunity to develop interdisciplinary knowledge and skills in marine radioecology, radiochemistry, and environmental modeling, in a dynamic and internationally well-established research environment at LiU.

As a PhD candidate, you will dedicate yourself to your doctoral education and research project. The work may also include teaching or participating in other departmental assignments, up to 20% of full-time.

Your Qualifications

You have a master's degree in radiation physics, environmental science, chemistry, nuclear physics, marine science, or a related field, or have completed courses totaling at least 240 ECTS credits, including at least 60 ECTS credits at the advanced level in a relevant subject area, or otherwise acquired substantially equivalent knowledge.

Knowledge in at least one of the following areas is essential: radiochemistry, environmental radioactivity, marine geochemistry, or analytical chemistry. It is advantageous if you have:

• Experience in environmental modeling, laboratory work with trace analysis, radiochemical separation, or mass spectrometry (e.g., ICP-MS or AMS).
• Knowledge of programming languages or use of environmental modeling tools (e.g., PHREEQC, MATLAB, or Python).
• Experience in international collaborations or fieldwork in marine or environmentally related studies.

We are an international group, so it is important that you have excellent proficiency in English, both spoken and written. Supervision of you as a PhD candidate will primarily be in English.

We are looking for someone who is motivated and curious about doctoral studies, enjoys working both independently and in teams. You have good analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail, and can manage experimental work and data analysis concurrently. Since the project involves international collaboration and fieldwork, good communication skills and a collaborative attitude are crucial.

You are encouraged to attach a short document (maximum one page) describing your motivation for doctoral studies in the field, relevant background and skills, and how you see your role in the project's implementation.

Your Workplace

You will be part of the Unit for Radiological Sciences at the Department of Health, Medicine, and Care (HMV), Linköping University, which conducts research and education in medical radiation physics, radiation protection, radiochemistry, and radioecology, with applications in both medical and environmental areas of ionizing radiation.

The research group has a leading national and international profile in environmental radiology and the development of radiochemical methods, with collaborations including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), University of Gothenburg, and University of Seville. The group offers a stimulating research environment that combines laboratory-based radiochemistry, environmental sampling in the field, and advanced modeling.

You will work closely with these partners and participate in joint fieldwork and research visits abroad, including at IAEA's marine laboratories in Monaco and at the University of Seville.

About the Employment

Upon acceptance into the doctoral program, your employment as a PhD candidate will be processed. Read more about the respective faculty's doctoral education here.

The position is temporary for four years full-time. Initially, you will be employed for one year, and thereafter the employment will be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time, based on the achieved study plan. Extension of employment up to five years can occur based on the degree of teaching and departmental assignments. In special cases, further extension may be granted.

Start date by agreement, preferably in the first quarter of 2026.

Salary and Benefits

The PhD salary is regulated according to a locally agreed salary scale. Read more about employee benefits here.

Union Contacts

Information about union contacts can be found in Help for Applicants.

Application

You apply for this position by clicking the “Apply” button below. Your application must be received by Linköping University no later than December 15, 2025. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, as this enriches and develops our operations. It is self-evident for us to uphold everyone's equal value, rights, and opportunities. Read about our work with Equal Conditions.

Welcome with your application!

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