Doctoral Candidate in Chemistry, Specializing in Planetary Biogeochemistry and Spectroscopy

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The Department of Chemistry is seeking a doctoral candidate in chemistry with a specialization in planetary (bio)geochemistry and spectroscopy. The doctoral candidate's project will focus on experimental investigations of how water and simple organic molecules are trapped and preserved under the icy, salty conditions of present-day Mars, and connecting laboratory spectroscopy to data from ongoing and future missions from NASA and ESA. The position is for four years of doctoral research, which includes independent research and participation in courses at the doctoral level. The application deadline is July 31, 2026. Start date is October 2026 or by agreement, but no later than December 15, 2026. Project Description and Tasks Can liquid water – and even chemical fingerprints of ancient or present life – still exist hidden on icy Mars today? This doctoral project aims to answer that question in the laboratory. Salts such as chlorides and perchlorates keep salt solutions and thin water films liquid far below 0 °C across the Martian surface, but we still know little about how regolith captures water and whether delicate organic compounds survive. Using advanced cryogenic vibrational spectroscopic and microscopic techniques, the doctoral candidate will build a unique spectral and image database of Mars-analog soils and connect it to data from space missions (e.g., SuperCam, SHERLOC, CheMin, REMS) to trace water, cryosalts, and organic compounds on present-day Mars. During the doctoral project, the student will have the opportunity to work with experiments and laboratory work both in our laboratory and at local facilities in Umeå as well as at our collaborating partners' laboratories at SETI Institute, NASA Ames Research Center (CA), and NASA Johnson Space Center (TX). We offer a unique opportunity to learn advanced techniques, particularly for cryogenic studies, and to build a scientific network within astrobiology and planetary science. In addition to the research task, participation in doctoral courses and teaching are also included. Qualifications and Requirements Basic eligibility is held by those who have completed a degree at the advanced level, fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at the advanced level, or in some other way within or outside the country acquired substantially corresponding knowledge. To meet the requirement of special eligibility for admission to doctoral education in chemistry, the applicant must have basic higher education of at least 90 higher education credits in chemistry or other subjects deemed directly relevant to the current specialization. Of the 90 higher education credits, at least 15 higher education credits at the advanced level within the specialization, or equivalent, must be included. Requirements for prerequisites as stated above are considered met also by those who in another manner acquired substantially corresponding knowledge. The eligibility requirements must be met at the time of admission, but need not be met when you submit your application. Other requirements are: very good ability to express yourself verbally and in writing in English; documented experience with laboratory work, including sample preparation and work with geological materials and organic compounds; knowledge of spectroscopy and/or scanning and/or transmission electron microscopy. Meritorious qualifications include: experience analyzing spectral data with Matlab, R, or Python; a background in planetary science, astrobiology, mineralogy, or geochemistry; creativity and good analytical and problem-solving abilities; a motivated and ambitious attitude with good organizational skills. Consideration will also be given to good collaboration skills, initiative, independence, and enthusiasm, as well as how the applicant, through their experience and competence, is assessed to have the ability to succeed in doctoral studies. About the Position The position aims toward a doctoral degree, and the doctoral candidate's main task is to pursue their doctoral studies, which includes both participation in the research project described above and in doctoral courses. The work tasks may include teaching and other departmental work (maximum 20%). The position is limited-term for four years full-time or up to five years with part-time teaching. Salary placement is made according to the established salary scale for doctoral positions. The position begins in October 2026 or by agreement, but no later than December 15, 2026. The study location is Umeå. Application You apply through our recruitment system by July 31, 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), a curriculum vitae (CV) a copy of your degree certificate including documentation of completed higher education courses, grades, and any additional certificates or testimonials relevant to the project, a copy of your thesis and any publications, names and contact information for at least two references Application documents must be in MS Word or PDF format. For More Information For more information, contact Dr. Merve Yeşilbaş, email: [email protected], website: https://www.yesilbaslab.com/. About Us The Department of Chemistry is one of the largest departments within the Faculty of Science and Technology and has close to 200 employees, of which approximately 40 are doctoral candidates, with strong and expanding research. Four major research areas – Biological Chemistry, IBEAM, Organic Chemistry, and Technical Chemistry – bring together the department's research and education in chemistry. We are also a strong partner within KBC, the Chemical-Biological Centre. Information about the department's doctoral education can be found on our website: www.umu.se/teknisk-naturvetenskaplig-fakultet/utbildning/utbildning-pa-forskarniva/kemi/. More information about working at Umeå University: https://www.umu.se/jobba-hos-oss/. Open to Everyone We focus on your competence, not your other circumstances. We are open to adapting the role or workplace to your needs.The Department of Chemistry is seeking a doctoral candidate in chemistry with a specialization in planetary (bio)geochemistry and spectroscopy. The doctoral candidate's project will focus on experimental investigations of how water and simple organic molecules are trapped and preserved under the icy, salty conditions of present-day Mars, and connecting laboratory spectroscopy to data from ongoing and future missions from NASA and ESA. The position is for four years of doctoral research, which includes independent research and participation in courses at the doctoral level. The application…

Přehled

Typ

job

Stav

active

Viditelnost

public

Město

Umeå

Adresa

Umeå universitet

GPS

63.7970413, 20.2816791kopírovatotevřít v ▾

Email

Zobrazit e-mail

Zobrazení

3

Publikováno

15. 6. 2026

Upraveno

30. 7. 2026

Parametry