PhD Student in Chemistry, with a focus on Inorganic Chemistry

Description:

The Department of Chemistry is seeking a PhD student in chemistry with a focus on inorganic chemistry or materials chemistry. The doctoral student's project will concern radiation-induced processes at oxide–water interfaces, investigated using advanced experimental and theoretical methods. The employment is for four years of doctoral research, which includes independent research and participation in courses at the doctoral level. The application deadline is August 15. The start date is no earlier than October 1 or by agreement, but no later than January 31, 2027. Project Description and Work Tasks Throughout the entire nuclear fuel cycle, from fuel processing to its final disposal, interfaces between water and metal oxides arise where ionizing radiation induces radiolysis of water. The species formed, free radicals and other reactive molecules, can affect corrosion rates, the release of radionuclides, and the material properties of both reactor materials and the 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 doctoral student who, within a basic research project, will investigate these radiation-induced processes at various oxide–water interfaces. The doctoral student will, among other things, combine time-resolved and multimodal X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XANES, EXAFS, etc.) at synchrotron radiation facilities such as MAX IV with theoretical molecular modeling of corresponding systems. The work will be conducted in the research group for molecular geochemistry, http://moleculargeo.chem.umu.se/holmboe/, at the Department of Chemistry, Umeå University www.umu.se/chemistry, in collaboration with researchers and doctoral students at KTH. Eligibility and Qualifications Basic eligibility is held by those who have completed a degree at advanced level, completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at advanced level, or in some other way within or outside the country acquired substantially equivalent knowledge. To meet the requirement for special eligibility for admission to education at doctoral level in chemistry, the applicant must have basic university education of at least 90 higher education credits in chemistry or other subjects assessed to be directly relevant to the current focus area. Of the 90 higher education credits, at least 15 higher education credits at advanced level within the focus area, or equivalent, must be included. The requirements for prior knowledge as stated above are also considered met by those who in another way have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge. 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 thorough, has logical thinking, and good problem-solving skills. Good oral and written skills in English are also a requirement. Meritorious qualifications include: A person who has a particular interest in, and has studied courses in: inorganic chemistry or physical chemistry at 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 the use of Linux/HPC systems are meritorious. Consideration will also be given to good collaboration skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through their experience and competence, is assessed to have the ability to manage doctoral education. About the Employment The employment aims toward a doctoral degree and the doctoral student's main task is to devote themselves to their doctoral education, which includes both participation in the research project described above and in doctoral training courses. The work tasks may include teaching and other institutional work (maximum 20%). The employment is limited to four years full-time or up to five years with part-time teaching. Salary placement will be according to the established salary scale for doctoral student employment. As an employee at Umeå University, doctoral students have the right to social benefits such as parental leave, vacation, and occupational health care. Read more about the benefits of working at Umeå University here: https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/benefits/. The physical workplace will be in Umeå. Application You apply through our recruitment system by August 15, 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 diploma including documentation of completed university courses, grades, and any additional certificates or testimonials 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, Senior Lecturer, email: [email protected]; web: http://moleculargeo.chem.umu.se/holmboe/. Umeå University wants to offer an equal and fair environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives forms the foundation for learning, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for this position. To staffing and recruitment companies and to you as a sales representative: We kindly but firmly decline direct contact from staffing and recruitment companies and sellers of additional job advertisements. Open to Everyone We focus on your competence, not your other conditions. We are open to adapting the role or workplace according to your needs.The Department of Chemistry is seeking a PhD student in chemistry with a focus on inorganic chemistry or materials chemistry. The doctoral student's project will concern radiation-induced processes at oxide–water interfaces, investigated using advanced experimental and theoretical methods. The employment is for four years of doctoral research, which includes independent research and participation in courses at the doctoral level. The application deadline is August 15. The start date is no earlier than October 1 or by agreement, but no later than January 31, 2027. Project Description and Work…

Overview

Type

job

Status

active

Visibility

public

City

Umeå

Address

Umeå universitet

GPS

63.7970413, 20.2816791copyopen in

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6

Published

26. 6. 2026

Edited

30. 7. 2026

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