Vacant job

The Department of Chemistry is seeking a PhD student in chemistry with a focus on biochemistry. The doctoral project will focus on the remediation of heavy metals using microalgae. The employment is for four years of doctoral studies, which involves independent research and participation in courses at the graduate level. The application deadline is June 5, 2026. The start date is September 1, 2026, or as agreed, but no later than December 15, 2026.

Project Description and Responsibilities

Heavy metals are highly dangerous to the environment and health due to their persistence, spread, and toxicity. Heavy metal pollution is mainly caused by human activities, but geochemical cycles also play a significant role. Bioremediation using microorganisms appears to be a promising solution for eliminating heavy metal contamination from aquatic ecosystems. Microalgae are a group of photosynthetic microorganisms that produce about 50 percent of the atmosphere's oxygen and convert the greenhouse gas CO₂ into biomass. Several microalgae species can grow in wastewater contaminated with heavy metals and therefore have the potential to be used in bioremediation processes for heavy metals.

The purpose of this doctoral project is to characterize the potential of microalgae for the bioremediation of heavy metals. The research will range from detailed molecular biological studies of microalgae to biotechnical applications at laboratory and pilot scale. In your research, you will investigate changes in gene expression and metabolome to identify the central molecular mechanisms behind the biosorption of heavy metals. You will determine the potential of microalgae to clean heavy metals from industrial wastewater, and you will develop new strategies to improve their bioremediation.

You will be part of the strategic research environment Bio4Energy and collaborate with researchers within the research environment.

Qualifications and Requirements

Basic eligibility is held by those who have completed an advanced level degree, fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at an advanced level, or in some other way within or outside the country have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge.

To meet the requirement for special eligibility to be admitted to graduate education in chemistry, the applicant must have basic higher education of at least 90 higher education credits in chemistry or other subjects assessed as directly relevant to the current focus. Of the 90 higher education credits, at least 15 higher education credits at an advanced level within the focus, or equivalent, must be included. The prerequisites for prior knowledge as above are also considered met by those who have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in another order. The eligibility requirements must be met at the time of admission, but do not need to be met when you submit your application.

Other requirements are:

• A solid background in molecular biology and interest in the described research area.
• Experience with standard methods in biochemistry and cell biology.
• Good written and oral proficiency in English.
• Good communication skills, initiative, creativity, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and in an international team in an interdisciplinary environment.

Merits:

• Experience in cultivating microalgae.
• Experience in biotechnical applications of microalgae.

Consideration will also be given to good cooperation skills, drive, and independence, as well as how the applicant, through their experience and competence, is assessed to have the ability needed to complete the doctoral education.

About the Employment

The employment aims at a doctoral degree, and the main task of the doctoral student is to engage in their doctoral education, which includes participation in the research project described above as well as in doctoral education courses. Teaching and other departmental work (maximum 20%) may be included in the duties. The employment is time-limited to four years full-time or up to five years with part-time teaching.

Salary placement is according to the established salary scale for doctoral employment. The start date is September 1, 2026, or as agreed, but no later than December 15, 2026. The study location is Umeå. As an employee at Umeå University, doctoral students have access to social benefits such as parental leave, vacation, and occupational health care. Read more about benefits at Umeå University here: https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/benefits/ (https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/benefits/).

Application

You apply via our recruitment system no later than June 5, 2026. The application should consist of the following documents written in English (preferred) or Swedish:

• A brief description of why you are applying for the position and how your qualifications and experiences are relevant to the project described above (maximum two pages),
• curriculum vitae (CV)
• copy of degree certificate including documentation of completed higher education courses, grades, and any additional certificates or letters of reference relevant to the project,
• copy of thesis and any publications,
• name and contact information for at least two reference persons

Application documents must be in MS Word or PDF format.

More Information

For more information, contact Professor Christiane Funk, [email protected].

About Us

The Department of Chemistry is one of the largest departments within the Faculty of Science and Technology and has nearly 200 employees, including about 40 doctoral students and strong and expanding research. Four major research areas, Biological Chemistry, IBEAM, Organic Chemistry, and Technical Chemistry, gather the department's research and education in chemistry. We are also a strong partner within KBC, the Kemisk-biologiskt centrum (Chemical-Biological Centre). Information about the department's doctoral education can be found on our website: www.umu.se/teknisk-naturvetenskaplig-fakultet/utbildning/utbildning-pa-forskarniva/kemi/ (http://www.umu.se/teknisk-naturvetenskaplig-fakultet/utbildning/utbildning-pa-forskarniva/kemi/). More information about being employed at Umeå University: https://www.umu.se/jobba-hos-oss/ (https://www.umu.se/jobba-hos-oss/).

Open to all
We focus on your competence, not your other prerequisites. We are open to adapting the role or workplace to your needs.