Vacant job

The Department of Chemistry is seeking a PhD student in chemistry with a focus on planetary (bio)geochemistry and spectroscopy. The doctoral project will focus on experimental investigations of how water and simple organic molecules are captured and preserved under the icy, salty conditions on present-day Mars, and linking laboratory spectroscopy to data from ongoing and upcoming missions from NASA and ESA. The appointment is for four years of doctoral studies, which involves independent research and participation in courses at the graduate level. The application deadline is July 31, 2026. The start date is October 2026 or as agreed. However, no later than December 15, 2026.

Project Description and Duties

Could liquid water – and even chemical fingerprints of ancient or current life – still be hidden on today's icy Mars? This doctoral project aims to answer that question in the laboratory.

Salts such as chlorides and perchlorates keep salt solutions and thin water films liquid far below 0 °C over the Martian surface, but we still know little about how regolith captures water and whether delicate organic compounds survive. Using advanced cryogenic vibrational spectroscopic and microscopic techniques, the doctoral student will build a unique spectral and image database of Mars-analog soils and link it to data from space missions (e.g., SuperCam, SHERLOC, CheMin, REMS) to track water, cryosalts, and organic compounds on present-day Mars.

During the doctoral project, the student will have the opportunity to work with experiments and trials, both in our laboratory and at local infrastructure in Umeå as well as at our partner institutions' laboratories at the SETI Institute, NASA Ames Research Center (CA), and NASA Johnson Space Center (TX). We offer a unique opportunity to learn advanced techniques, especially for cryogenic studies, and to build a scientific network within astrobiology and planetary science. In addition to the research duties, participation in graduate courses and teaching is included.

Qualifications and Requirements

Basic eligibility is held by those who have completed an advanced 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 a 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 prerequisite requirements 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:

• very good ability to express oneself orally and in writing in English;
• documented experience of laboratory work, including sample preparation and work with geological materials and organic compounds;
• knowledge of spectroscopy and/or scanning and/or transmission electron microscopy.

Merits include:

• experience in analyzing spectral data with Matlab, R, or Python;
• a background in planetary science, astrobiology, mineralogy, or geochemistry;
• creativity and good analytical and problem-solving skills;
• a motivated and ambitious attitude with good organizational skills.

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

About the Position

The position aims at a doctoral degree, and the doctoral student's main task is to engage in their graduate education, which includes participation in the research project described above as well as in graduate courses. Teaching and other departmental work (maximum 20%) may be included in the duties. The appointment 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 appointments. The appointment starts in October 2026 or as agreed. However, no later than December 15, 2026. The study location is Umeå.

Application

You apply via our recruitment system no later than July 31, 2026. The application must consist of the following documents written in English (preferably) or Swedish:

• A brief description of why you are applying for the position and how your qualifications and experience 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,
• names and contact information for at least two reference persons

The application documents must be in MS Word or PDF format.

More Information

For more information, contact Dr. Merve Yeşilbaş, email: [email protected], web: https://www.yesilbaslab.com/.

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 approximately 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 Kemical-Biological Centre. Information about the department's graduate education can be found on our website: www.umu.se/teknisk-naturvetenskaplig-fakultet/utbildning/utbildning-pa-forskarniva/kemi/. More information about working at Umeå University: 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.