Advanced Screening of Emerging Environmental Contaminants in Food Chains

Description:

Department of Water and Environment Doctoral Program: Environmental Analysis with focus on Environmental Chemistry Description of the Doctoral Project: This doctoral project aims to increase understanding of emerging environmental contaminants (CECs) in food chains by using bioaccumulation and trophic transfer as strategies for chemical prioritization. The project will investigate how contaminants are transported from the environment to organisms and further through food chains, 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 chain systems depending on sample availability, collaborations, and scientific relevance. The project includes: i) selection of relevant food chain systems, biological matrices, and emerging environmental contaminants based on occurrence data, chemical properties, bioaccumulation potential, and available samples; ii) application of targeted analysis, suspect screening, and non-target screening with LC-HRMS to identify known and previously unknown substances in selected biological matrices; iii) evaluation of bioaccumulation, biomagnification, and trophic transfer patterns where appropriate 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 of 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. Main Responsibilities: We are seeking a doctoral student who wants to contribute to increased knowledge about emerging environmental contaminants in food chains, with particular focus on bioaccumulation, trophic transfer, and advanced chemical screening. To achieve this goal, you will develop and apply analytical workflows for 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 purification strategies for biological samples. The project will also include semiquantitative analysis of identified substances as well as evaluation of bioaccumulation, biomagnification, and trophic transfer patterns in selected food chain systems. When appropriate samples are available, material from environmental sample banks can be used to investigate temporal trends and conduct retrospective screening. Work tasks 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 authoring of scientific articles in English. Qualifications Required: Basic eligibility is held by those who have completed a degree at an advanced level, completed course requirements of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits at an advanced level, or who in another way within or outside the country have acquired essentially equivalent knowledge (Swedish Higher Education Ordinance, ch. 7 § 39). Special eligibility for admission to doctoral studies in Environmental Analysis with focus on Environmental Chemistry is held by those with knowledge in aquatic ecology, aquatic biogeochemistry, statistics, or ecotoxicology. The undergraduate education should include an independent project. Additionally, you are required to have knowledge of English equivalent to a passing grade in English B/6 from Swedish upper secondary school. Your Background: Applicants should have a master's degree in analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, chemistry, ecotoxicology, environmental science, food science, or equivalent. Specialization in chemical analysis of organic contaminants and experience with LC-MS, LC-HRMS, GC-MS, or other advanced mass spectrometric techniques is meritorious. Experience with suspect screening and non-target screening workflows is particularly desirable. Previous experience with chemical analytical laboratory work, particularly with complex biological, food, biota, soil, or sediment matrices, is an advantage. Knowledge of emerging environmental contaminants, bioaccumulation, biomagnification, trophic transfer, or time series analysis is considered meritorious. Skills in data processing using statistical computation, visualization, and data analysis tools (such as R, Python, or similar) are also meritorious. Great emphasis is also placed on personal qualities such as good collaboration skills, analytical and problem-solving abilities, 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/doktorand3/ Employment Form and Salary: Employment as a doctoral student (4-year program). Salary for the doctoral student position follows a local collective agreement with fixed salary steps. Scope: 100% Location: Uppsala Start Date: By agreement. Application and Selection: Welcome to submit your application via the application button below no later than August 28, 2026. Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in developing sustainable life, grounded in science and education. Through our focus on the interactions between humans, animals, and ecosystems and responsible stewardship of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. The main locations are Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, but operations are also conducted at research stations, experimental 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 is committed to creating attractive environments on its campus areas. We work for an equal and inclusive working environment where open dialogue between people with different experiences forms the foundation for scholarship, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome people with different backgrounds and perspectives to apply for this position.Department of Water and Environment Doctoral Program: Environmental Analysis with focus on Environmental Chemistry Description of the Doctoral Project: This doctoral project aims to increase understanding of emerging environmental contaminants (CECs) in food chains by using bioaccumulation and trophic transfer as strategies for chemical prioritization. The project will investigate how contaminants are transported from the environment to organisms and further through food chains, and how these processes can be used to identify substances relevant to ecosystems and One Health. The project will…

Overview

Type

job

Status

active

Visibility

public

City

Uppsala

Address

Lennart Hjelms väg 9

GPS

59.816784219135, 17.661700133949copyopen in

Email

Show email

Views

11

Published

9. 7. 2026

Edited

5. 8. 2026

Location

Specifications