PhD Student

Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet · Vollzeit

Uppsala, Schweden

Department of Water and Environment Doctoral Field of Study: Environmental Analysis with focus on Environmental Chemistry Description of the PhD Project: This PhD project aims to increase understanding of emerging contaminants in soil matrices through advanced chemical screening and source-oriented approaches for chemical prioritization. The project will investigate the occurrence, distribution, and transformation of contaminants in soil and how these processes can be used to identify substances relevant to terrestrial ecosystems and One Health. The project will focus on one or several selected soil systems, depending on sample availability, collaborations, and scientific relevance. The project encompasses: i) selection of relevant soil systems, soil matrices, and emerging contaminants based on occurrence data, chemical properties, environmental persistence, mobility, and available samples; ii) application of target-, suspect-, and non-target screening with LC-HRMS to identify known and previously unknown substances in selected soil matrices; iii) analysis of spatial patterns, persistence, and transformation of contaminants when appropriate data and samples are available; iv) use of samples from environmental biobanks, where available, to investigate temporal trends and enable retrospective screening; and v) linking measured chemical patterns to possible environmental sources and the processes governing contaminant distribution and fate in the environment. You will work in an international and interdisciplinary team. The project provides access to advanced instrumentation and training in sample preparation, HRMS-based chemical analysis, data processing, statistical evaluation, scientific communication, and research collaboration. Duties: We are seeking a PhD student who wants to contribute to increased understanding of emerging contaminants in soil matrices, with particular focus on contaminant occurrence, persistence, transformation, mobility, and advanced chemical screening. To achieve this, you will develop and apply analytical workflows for detection and identification of known and previously unknown compounds in complex soil matrices, including strategies for sample preparation, extraction, and purification. The project will also include semi-quantitative analysis of detected compounds and assessment of spatial and temporal patterns, persistence, and transformation of contaminants in selected soil systems. Where appropriate samples are available, material from environmental biobanks can be used to investigate temporal trends and enable retrospective screening. Tasks include preparation of soil and environmental samples, extraction and analysis of target and non-target compounds, optimization of analytical workflows, processing of large HRMS datasets, data analysis, statistical evaluation, interpretation of chemical patterns in relation to environmental sources and contaminant fate in the environment, collaboration with national and international partners, and authoring of scientific manuscripts in English. Qualifications: 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 substantially equivalent knowledge (Swedish Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 7 § 39). Special eligibility for admission to doctoral studies in Environmental Analysis with focus on Environmental Chemistry is held by those who have knowledge in aquatic ecology, aquatic biogeochemistry, statistics, or ecotoxicology. Additionally, you must have knowledge of English equivalent to a passing grade in English B/6 from a Swedish upper secondary school. Your Background: We are looking for someone with an MSc/Master's degree in analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, chemistry, environmental science, soil science, geoscience, or equivalent. Specialization in chemical analysis of organic contaminants and experience with LC-MS/MS, LC-HRMS, or other advanced mass spectrometric techniques are meritorious. Experience with suspect- and non-target screening workflows is highly meritorious. Previous experience with chemical analytical laboratory work, particularly with complex environmental matrices such as soil, sediment, sludge, compost, or other solid environmental samples, is meritorious. Knowledge of emerging environmental contaminants and their fate in the environment, persistence, transformation, mobility, sorption, or transport in soil systems is meritorious. Experience with source apportionment, spatial or temporal trend analysis, retrospective screening, or work with samples from environmental biobanks is also meritorious. Knowledge of data processing using statistical programming and tools for visualization and data analysis (e.g., R, Python, or equivalent) is also meritorious. 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 independently as well as in collaboration with others. About Us: More information about the department: http://www.slu.se/vatten-miljo Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/ Read more about SLU's doctoral education at http://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/. Employment Form and Salary: Employment as a PhD student (4 years of education). The salary for the PhD student position follows local collective agreement with fixed salary steps. Extent: 100% Location: Uppsala Start Date: By agreement. Application and Selection: Welcome to submit your application via the application button below no later than 2026-09-18. Read more about the attachments your application should contain at https://www.slu.se/utbildning/studera/forskarutbildning/hur-kan-jag-bli-doktorand/ansokan-och-bilagor/ Selection among eligible applicants will be based on the attachments submitted with the application and shall be made with consideration for the ability to complete the education within the set time. Trade Union Contact Persons https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/