Research Position in Material Chemistry at FOI

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

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 developing the handling of contaminated materials. We are looking for someone who can contribute to our research group with current expertise and professional experience in areas such as material characterization, material development, or modeling of degradation mechanisms. 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 project-funded authority that conducts research and provides expert support to various clients, primarily the Swedish Armed Forces and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV). We at the Unit for Physical Protection and Decontamination work in project form, which means you will also 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 involve 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, orally and in writing, and actively contribute to maintaining a good scientific level that results in scientific publications.

Since we conduct project-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 respirators 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 be part of an engaged team working to strengthen Sweden's preparedness against CBRN threats.

The 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 chemistry, for example, material chemistry or another area that the employer deems equivalent.
• Communicates well in Swedish and English, both orally and in writing.
• Has current experience with methods for characterizing and/or modifying materials, such as adsorbents, porous materials, or textiles, or has other relevant experience that the employer deems relevant for our long-term research in physical protection and decontamination.

Meritorious

It is meritorious if you:

• Have current experience with laboratory work involving gases and/or highly toxic substances.
• Have current experience in modeling, such as modeling chemical degradation mechanisms.
• Have a network with other researchers in relevant fields, such as materials research.

We are looking for someone who is flexible in their working methods, is self-driven, and possesses 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 defense and society as a whole. Together with others, you will have the chance 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 Swedish Armed Forces and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, more efficient, knowledgeable, and stronger in their respective areas.

We consciously work for a good working 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 start with a six-month probationary period.

Do you want to be part of seeking answers for a safer world?

Welcome with your application in the form of a CV and cover letter via the application button by 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 prior to employment according to the Security Protection Act (2018:585). For the security screening, certified copies of relevant education and service certificates will be requested.

FOI is an authority whereby submitted application documents become public documents that may be disclosed to third parties upon request in accordance with the Public Access to Information and Secrecy Act.

Offers from recruitment companies are not welcome.