Vacant job

Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment

Doctoral discipline:

Environmental Analysis, specialization in Environmental Chemistry

Description of the doctoral project:

This doctoral project aims to develop an analytically robust strategy to identify, measure, and interpret new environmental pollutants (contaminants of emerging concern, CECs) relevant to human exposure via water. The project will utilize existing information from pan-European monitoring campaigns stored in the NORMAN database of chemical occurrences to identify substances that may occur in water resources and contribute to human exposure.

Based on this knowledge, the doctoral candidate will develop and validate analytical methods for selected new pollutants and apply them to water-related samples collected at national or international levels. The results will be interpreted using hazard, exposure, and risk indicators to support the prioritization of substances for future monitoring. Additionally, suspect screening and non-target screening will be used to identify new substances that can contribute to early warning systems for emerging chemical risks.

The project includes:

• i) Selection and prioritization of new environmental pollutants using European monitoring data and information on the chemical properties of substances.
• ii) Development and validation of an LC-HRMS-based targeted method for selected substances.
• iii) Application of the method to water-related samples, such as drinking water and precipitation.
• iv) Comparison between LC-HRMS and LC-MS/MS for selected compounds to evaluate sensitivity, linearity, precision, and suitability for monitoring.
• v) Interpretation of results in relation to human exposure.

You will work in an international and interdisciplinary research team. The project provides access to advanced instrumentation and training in data analysis, scientific communication, and international research collaboration.

Responsibilities:

We are looking for a doctoral candidate who wishes to contribute to increased knowledge about new environmental pollutants in water-related exposure pathways for humans, with a particular focus on analytical method development and high-resolution mass spectrometry.

To achieve this goal, you will develop and apply analytical workflows for the determination of selected new pollutants in water-related samples collected at national or international levels. The selection of substances will be based on existing knowledge and available monitoring data.

A central part of the project is the use of liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) for sensitive and reliable chemical analysis. Analysis of polar substances may require the use of specialized chromatographic columns. The project may also include comparisons between LC-HRMS and LC-MS/MS for selected substances to assess the methods' sensitivity, linearity, precision, and suitability for monitoring.

Selected samples may be analyzed using effect-directed analysis (EDA) to link chemical occurrence to biological effects. The tasks also include sample preparation, extraction and analysis of pollutants, processing of HRMS data, quality assurance, data analysis, visualization and interpretation of results using hazard, exposure, and risk indicators, collaboration with national and international partners, and authoring scientific articles in English.

Qualifications:

Basic eligibility is met by those who have completed an advanced level degree, fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits at advanced level, or who have otherwise acquired substantially equivalent knowledge within or outside the country (Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 7, Section 39).

Special eligibility to be admitted to doctoral studies in the subject of Environmental Analysis, specialization in Environmental Chemistry, is held by those with knowledge in aquatic ecology, aquatic biogeochemistry, statistics, or ecotoxicology. The basic education must include an independent work component.

Additionally, you are required to have knowledge in English corresponding to a passing grade in English B/6 from Swedish upper secondary school.

Your background:

Applicants must have a master's degree in analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, environmental science, toxicology, or equivalent. Specialization in chemical analysis of water pollutants as well as experience with LC-MS or LC-HRMS is meritorious. Previous experience in laboratory work, sample preparation, extraction, and analysis of organic pollutants is an advantage. Experience in method development, method validation, quality assurance, or analysis of water-related matrices is also considered meritorious. Experience with workflows for suspect screening and non-target screening is particularly desirable. Skills in data processing using statistical computing and visualization tools (e.g., R, Python, or equivalent) are also meritorious. The ability to handle large analytical datasets and to work in a structured and reproducible manner is important for the project. Great emphasis will also be placed on personal qualities such as good teamwork skills, analytical ability, problem-solving skills, accuracy, motivation, and the ability to work both independently and in collaboration with others.

Read more here: https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/lediga-jobb/doktorand2/ (https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/lediga-jobb/doktorand2/)

Employment type and salary: Employment as a doctoral student (4 years of education). The salary for the doctoral position follows the local collective agreement with fixed salary steps.

Scope: 100%

Location: Uppsala

Start date: By agreement.

Application and selection: We welcome your application via the button below by 2026-08-28.

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) plays a key role in the development of sustainable living, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interactions between humans, animals, and ecosystems, and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Main campuses are in Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, but operations are also conducted at research stations, test parks, and educational sites throughout the country. SLU has over 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and doctoral candidates, and a turnover of over 4.5 billion SEK. The university invests in attractive environments on its campus areas. We work for an equal and inclusive working environment where open dialogue between people with different experiences lays the foundation for scientific rigor, creativity, and development.