Vacant job

The Department of Chemistry is seeking a PhD student in chemistry with a focus on inorganic chemistry or materials chemistry. The PhD project will deal with radiation-induced processes at oxide–water interfaces, investigated using advanced experimental and theoretical methods. The appointment is for four years of doctoral studies, which entails independent research and participation in courses at the graduate level. The application deadline is August 15. The start date is no earlier than October 1 or as agreed. However, no later than January 31, 2027.

Project Description and Responsibilities

Throughout the entire nuclear fuel cycle, from fuel reprocessing to final disposal, interfaces form between water and metal oxides where ionizing radiation induces the radiolysis of water. The species formed, free radicals and other reactive molecules, can influence corrosion rates, the release of radionuclides, and the material properties of both reactor materials and barrier materials included in a final repository for nuclear fuel. In a collaborative project with KTH, funded by the Swedish Research Council, we are therefore seeking a PhD student who, within a basic research project, will investigate these radiation-induced processes at various oxide–water interfaces.

The PhD student will, among other things, combine time-resolved and multimodal X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XANES, EXAFS, etc.) at synchrotron light facilities such as MAX IV with theoretical molecular modeling of the corresponding systems. The work is carried out in the research group for molecular geochemistry, http://moleculargeo.chem.umu.se/holmboe/ (http://moleculargeo.chem.umu.se/holmboe/), at the Department of Chemistry, Umeå University www.umu.se/chemistry (https://www.umu.se/chemistry), in collaboration with researchers and PhD students at KTH.

Eligibility and Qualifications

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 a basic higher education of at least 90 higher education credits in chemistry or other subjects assessed as directly relevant to the current specialization. Of the 90 higher education credits, at least 15 higher education credits at an advanced level within the specialization, or equivalent, must be included.

The requirements for prior knowledge as stated above are also considered met by those who have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in another manner. 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 suitable candidate for this four-year project is a person who is meticulous, has logical thinking and good problem-solving skills. Good oral and written skills in English are also a requirement.

Merits include:

A person who has a particular interest in, and studied courses in: inorganic chemistry or physical chemistry at an advanced level (at least 15 higher education credits). Practical experience with various experimental spectroscopy or diffraction techniques such as XAS, XRD, FTIR, XPS, molecular modeling (MD/MC, DFT) as well as knowledge of basic programming (Python, MATLAB) and use of Linux/HPC systems are merits.

Attention will also be paid to good teamwork 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 Position

The appointment aims at a doctoral degree and the PhD student's main task is to devote themselves to 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 appointment is limited to four years full-time or up to five years with part-time teaching.

The salary placement is made according to the established salary scale for PhD appointments.

As an employee at Umeå University, PhD students are entitled to social benefits such as parental leave, vacation, and occupational health care. Read more about the benefits of being employed at Umeå University here: https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/benefits/ (https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/benefits/). The physical workplace will be in Umeå.

Application

You apply via our recruitment system no later than August 15, 2026. The application should 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 documents relevant to the project,
• Copy of thesis and any publications,
• Name 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 Michael Holmboe, Associate Professor, e-mail: [email protected]; web: http://moleculargeo.chem.umu.se/holmboe/ (http://moleculargeo.chem.umu.se/holmboe/).

Umeå University wants to offer an equal and fair environment where open conversations between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current position.

To staffing and recruitment agencies and to you who are salespeople: We kindly but firmly decline direct contact from staffing and recruitment agencies as well as sellers of further job advertisements.

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