Vacant job

Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment

Doctoral field of study:

Environmental Analysis, specialization in Environmental Chemistry

Description of the doctoral project:

This doctoral project aims to increase the understanding of new environmental pollutants (contaminants of emerging concern, CECs) in food webs by using bioaccumulation and trophic transfer as strategies for chemical prioritization. The project will investigate how pollutants are transported from the environment to organisms and further through food webs, and how these processes can be used to identify substances relevant to ecosystems and One Health. The project will focus on one or several selected food web systems depending on sample availability, collaborations, and scientific relevance.

The project includes: i) selection of relevant food web systems, biological matrices, and new environmental pollutants based on occurrence data, chemical properties, bioaccumulation potential, and available samples; ii) application of targeted analysis, suspect screening, and non-target screening using LC-HRMS to identify known and previously unknown substances in selected biological matrices; iii) assessment of bioaccumulation, biomagnification, and trophic transfer patterns where suitable data and samples are available; iv) use of samples from environmental sample banks, where available, to investigate temporal trends and enable retrospective screening; and v) linking measured chemical patterns to potential environmental sources.

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 student who wants to contribute to increased knowledge about new environmental pollutants in food webs, with a special focus on bioaccumulation, trophic transfer, and advanced chemical screening.

To achieve this goal, you will develop and apply analytical workflows for the detection and identification of both known and previously unknown substances in complex biological matrices. The work includes, among other things, sample preparation, extraction, and development of cleanup strategies for biological samples.

The project will also include semiquantitative analysis of identified substances as well as assessment of bioaccumulation, biomagnification, and trophic transfer patterns in selected food web systems. When suitable samples are available, material from environmental sample banks can be used to investigate temporal trends and conduct retrospective screening.

The responsibilities also include preparation of biological and environmental samples, extraction and analysis of target substances and unknown compounds, processing of large HRMS datasets, data analysis, statistical evaluation, interpretation of chemical patterns in relation to environmental sources, collaboration with national and international partners, and writing scientific articles in English.

Qualifications:

Basic eligibility is granted to those who have completed an advanced level degree, fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 credits at advanced level, or who in other ways within or outside the country have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge (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 granted to those who have knowledge in aquatic ecology, aquatic biogeochemistry, statistics, or ecotoxicology. The basic education must include an independent project.

Additionally, you are required to have knowledge in English equivalent 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, chemistry, ecotoxicology, environmental science, food science, or equivalent. Specialization in chemical analysis of organic pollutants as well as experience with LC-MS, LC-HRMS, GC-MS, or other advanced mass spectrometric techniques is meritorious. Experience with workflows for suspect screening and non-target screening is particularly desirable. Previous experience in chemical analytical laboratory work, especially with complex biological, food, biota, soil, or sediment matrices, is an advantage. Knowledge of new environmental pollutants, bioaccumulation, biomagnification, trophic transfer, or time series analysis is considered meritorious. Skills in data processing using statistical calculation, visualization, and data analysis tools (e.g., R, Python, or similar) are also meritorious. Great emphasis is also placed on personal qualities such as good teamwork skills, analytical and problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, 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/doktorand3/ (https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/lediga-jobb/doktorand3/)

Employment type and salary: Employment as a doctoral student (4 years of education).

The salary for the doctoral position follows a local collective agreement with fixed salary steps.

Extent: 100%

Location: Uppsala

Start date: As agreed.

Application and selection: Please submit 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 life, 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. The 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 students, 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. We therefore welcome people with different backgrounds and perspectives to apply for the current position.