Department of Water and Environment
Doctoral Study Subject:
Environmental Analysis with specialization in Environmental Chemistry
Description of the Doctoral Project:
This doctoral project aims to develop an analytically robust strategy to identify, measure, and interpret emerging environmental contaminants (contaminants of emerging concern, CECs) relevant to human exposure via water. The project will use existing information from pan-European monitoring campaigns stored in the NORMAN database on chemical occurrences to identify substances that may be present in water resources and contribute to human exposure.
Based on this knowledge, the doctoral student will develop and validate analytical methods for selected emerging contaminants and apply these to water-related samples collected at the national or international level. 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 emerging environmental contaminants using European monitoring data and information on 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; and 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.
Duties:
We are seeking a doctoral student who wants to contribute to increased knowledge of emerging environmental contaminants 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 determining selected emerging contaminants in water-related samples collected at the national or international level. 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 to 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 method sensitivity, linearity, precision, and suitability for monitoring.
Selected samples may be analyzed using effect-directed analysis (EDA) to link chemical occurrence to biological effects. Duties also include sample preparation, extraction and analysis of contaminants, HRMS data processing, 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.
Eligibility:
Basic eligibility is held by those who have completed an advanced degree, completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS at the advanced level, or who have otherwise acquired substantially equivalent knowledge within or outside the country (the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 7 § 39).
Special eligibility for admission to doctoral studies in the subject of Environmental Analysis with specialization in Environmental Chemistry is held by those with knowledge in aquatic ecology, aquatic biogeochemistry, statistics, or ecotoxicology. Undergraduate education must include an independent project.
In addition, you must have English language skills 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, environmental science, toxicology, or equivalent. Specialization in chemical analysis of water pollutants and experience with LC-MS or LC-HRMS are advantageous. Previous experience with laboratory work, sample preparation, extraction and analysis of organic contaminants is beneficial. Experience with method development, method validation, quality assurance, or analysis of water-related matrices is also considered advantageous. Experience with suspect screening and non-target screening workflows is particularly desirable. Skills in data processing using statistical computing and visualization tools (e.g., R, Python, or equivalent) are also advantageous. The ability to handle large analytical datasets and work in a structured and reproducible manner is important for the project. Great emphasis will also be placed on personal qualities such as good collaboration skills, analytical ability and 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/
Employment Form and Salary: Employment as a doctoral student (4 years of education).
The salary for the doctoral student position follows 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 2026-08-28.
Sweden's University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in developing sustainable living, grounded in science and education. Through our focus on the interactions between humans, animals, and ecosystems and responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Main locations are Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, but operations are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks, and educational locations throughout the country. SLU has over 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and doctoral students, and a turnover exceeding 4.5 billion Swedish kronor. The university is investing in attractive environments on its campus areas. We work toward an equal and inclusive work environment where open dialogue between people with different experiences forms the basis for scientific rigor, creativity, and development.Department of Water and Environment
Doctoral Study Subject:
Environmental Analysis with specialization in Environmental Chemistry
Description of the Doctoral Project:
This doctoral project aims to develop an analytically robust strategy to identify, measure, and interpret emerging environmental contaminants (contaminants of emerging concern, CECs) relevant to human exposure via water. The project will use existing information from pan-European monitoring campaigns stored in the NORMAN database on chemical occurrences to identify substances that may be present in water resources and contribute…