Research Leader in CBRN Protection

The Total Defence Research Institute (FOI) is a government agency conducting world-leading research in defence and security to support Sweden's military and civil defence. The research spans several areas, including underwater, cyber defence, space, electronic warfare, sensor systems, civil defence, CBRNe (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive substances), military platforms including weapons and protection, as well as security policy analysis. FOI's research plays a key role in building Sweden's defence capability.

Do you want to help develop the future's protection against chemical, biological, and radioactive substances (CBR substances)? FOI is looking for a researcher with a focus on physics and an interest in participating in the development of future materials for physical protection against CBR substances and techniques for decontamination of such substances. We offer a balanced work life, a developing work environment, and a socially important job!

About the Position

In the role of researcher with us, you will primarily work with our grant-funded, long-term research, focusing on understanding and improving the protective properties of materials and managing contaminated materials. We are looking for someone who can contribute to our research group with expertise in areas such as material characterization, material development, aerosols, or modeling of transport mechanisms in protective barriers and adsorbents. The most important thing is that you have a genuine interest in research, both theoretical and practical, and want to deepen your knowledge in our field.

FOI is a contract-funded agency that conducts research and provides expert support to various clients, primarily the Armed Forces and the Defence Materiel Administration (FMV). We in the Unit for Physical Protection and Decontamination work in project form, which means you will get to work on varying projects that may include testing and evaluation activities, expert support, or applied research close to our clients.

A large part of the work is laboratory-based and may include setting up experimental setups and conducting experiments with various types of substances, including gases and highly toxic substances. You are expected to participate in long-term research activities by communicating our knowledge both internally and externally, verbally and in writing, and actively contribute to maintaining a good scientific level that results in scientific publications.

As we conduct contract-funded activities, we expect you to contribute to project applications and research funding in the future.

About the Unit

You will be part of the Unit for Physical Protection and Decontamination, which belongs to CBRN Protection and Security in Umeå.

Protection against CBR substances is a broad research area that includes both personal protective equipment – such as respiratory protection and protective suits – and collective protection, including filters, as well as techniques for decontaminating contaminated environments and materials. We work with protection against both particles/aerosols and liquids and gases.

Our activities range from modeling and experiments in controlled laboratory environments to field trials in realistic environments. Within the unit, both cutting-edge research and practical application are conducted – and you will become part of an engaged team working to strengthen Sweden's preparedness against CBRN threats.

The stationing location for the position is Umeå.

Do you have the competence profile we need?

Requirements

We are looking for someone who

• Has a PhD in physics, such as material physics or aerosols, or another specialization that the employer deems equivalent.
• Communicates well in Swedish and English, both orally and in writing.

Meritorious

It is meritorious if you

• Have current experience of laboratory work with gases and chemicals.
• Have current experience of methods for characterizing and/or modifying materials, such as adsorbents, porous materials, or textiles.
• Have current experience of modeling, such as flow dynamics or diffusion modeling.
• Have a network with other researchers in relevant fields, such as materials research, aerosols, or modeling.
• Have expertise in aerosols.
• Have expertise in gas adsorbents.

We are looking for someone who is flexible in their working methods, is self-driven, and has good communication and collaboration skills as many tasks are performed together with other authorities and colleagues. We highly value personal qualities.

What do we offer you?

At FOI, you will have the opportunity to work on issues that are important for both total defence and society as a whole. Together with others, you will have the opportunity to create new perspectives and solutions to complex issues and see the results realized with our clients. Your expertise contributes to making important societal functions, such as the Armed Forces and the Defence Materiel Administration, more efficient, knowledgeable, and stronger in their respective areas.

We consciously work for a good work environment with a good balance between work and private life. In addition, we offer a range of benefits. Read more about what it is like to work with us: https://www.foi.se/jobba-hos-oss.html (https://www.foi.se/jobba-hos-oss.html)

The position is a permanent employment that may begin with a six-month probationary period.

Do you want to help seek answers for a safer world?

Welcome with your application in the form of a CV and cover letter via the application button no later than March 8, 2026!

For more information about the position, please contact unit manager Andreas Fredman. Union representatives are Sofia Jonasson (Saco-S) and Petrus Hemström (OFR/S – ST at FOI). All can be reached at 08-555 030 00.

As the employment is placed in a security class, Swedish citizenship is required. A security screening with a background check will be conducted before employment according to the Security Protection Act (2018:585). Prior to the security screening, certified copies of the relevant education and service certificates will be requested.

FOI is an authority whereby submitted application documents become public documents that can be disclosed to outsiders upon request according to the Freedom of the Press Act and the Public Access to Information and Secrecy Act.

Offers from recruitment companies are not welcome.