Assessing human exposure to emerging contaminants using high-resolution MS
Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment Third-cycle subject area Environmental assessment, specialising in environmental chemistry Description of the doctoral project This doctoral project aims to develop an analytically robust strategy to identify, measure and interpret contaminants of emerging concern relevant for water-related human exposure. The project will use existing information from pan-European monitoring campaigns stored in the NORMAN chemical occurrence database to identify substances that may occur in water resources and contribute to human exposure. Based on this evidence, the doctoral student will develop and validate analytical methodologies for selected emerging substances and apply them to water-related samples collected at national or international level. The results will be interpreted using hazard, exposure and risk indicators to support the prioritisation of substances for future monitoring. In addition, suspect and non-target screening will be applied to reveal novel compounds that may contribute to early-warning systems for emerging chemical risks. The project includes i) selecting contaminants of emerging concern re-using European monitoring data and their chemical properties; ii) developing and validating an LC-HRMS-based target method for emerging substances; iii) applying the method to water-related samples (drinking water, precipitation); iv) comparing LC-HRMS with LC-MS/MS for selected compounds to assess sensitivity, linearity, precision and suitability for monitoring; and v) interpreting the results in relation to human exposure You will work in an international, interdisciplinary team. The project provides access to advanced instrumentation and training in data analysis, scientific communication, and collaborative research. About the position We are seeking a PhD student who will advance the understanding of contaminants of emerging concern in water-related pathways of human exposure, with a particular focus on analytical method development and high-resolution mass spectrometry. To achieve this aim, you will develop and apply analytical workflows for the determination of selected emerging substances in water-related samples collected at national or international level. The selection of substances will be guided by existing information. Central to the project is the use of liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) for sensitive and reliable chemical analysis. Analysis of polar substances may require the use of specialised LC columns. The project may also include comparison with LC-MS/MS for selected compounds to assess sensitivity, linearity, precision and suitability for monitoring. Selected samples may be processed using effect-directed analysis (EDA) to link chemical presence with biological effects. The duties also include sample preparation, extraction and analysis of contaminants, processing of HRMS datasets, quality assurance, data analysis, visualisation and interpretation of results using hazard, exposure and risk indicators, collaboration with national and international partners, and scientific manuscript writing in English. Requirements To meet the general entry requirements you must have been awarded a second-cycle (Master's) qualification, satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second-cycle, or acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad (Higher Education Ordinance 1993:100, Chapter 7, Section 39). Specific entry requirements for the third-cycle courses and study programme in environmental assessment, specialising in environmental chemistry. To meet the specific entry requirements, you must have knowledge of aquatic ecology, aquatic biogeochemistry, statistics or ecotoxicology. The undergraduate degree must include a degree project. You must also meet the equivalent English language requirements as those necessary for the Swedish upper-secondary qualification Engelska B/6. Your profile Applicants shall hold an MSc in analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, environmental science, toxicology or equivalent. Specialisation in chemical analysis of water contaminants and experience with LC-MS or LC-HRMS are valuable merits. Previous experience with laboratory work, sample preparation, extraction and analysis of organic contaminants is advantageous. Experience with method development, method validation, quality assurance or the analysis of water-related matrices is also considered a merit. Experience with suspect and nontarget screening workflows is highly desirable. Data processing skills using statistical computing and visualization tools (e.g. R, Python or similar) are also considered a merit. The ability to handle large analytical datasets and to work in a structured and reproducible way is important for the project. Emphasis is also placed on personal characteristics such as strong interpersonal skills, analytical and problem-solving abilities, accuracy, motivation, and the capacity to work independently as well as in collaboration with others. Read more here: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/jobs-and-vacancies/doktorand2/ Form of employment Employment as a doctoral student (4-year programme). Doctoral student's salaries are set following the local collective agreement. Salary progression is fixed. Location: Uppsala Scope: 100% Start date: Upon agreement. Application and selection: Please submit your application using the link below. The deadline is 28 August 2026. The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden. SLU has around 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 4,5 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses.
PhD Candidate – Biomethane Production from Syngas - Climate & Techno-Economic Analysis
Department of Energy and Technology Doctoral Subject: Technology Project Description: Biomethane is traditionally produced through anaerobic digestion of biodegradable biomass and plays an important role in reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and limiting climate change. To increase biomethane production and meet growing demand in the transport and industrial sectors, there is a need to utilize raw materials that are difficult to convert biologically, such as forest residues. A promising method is biomethane production from syngas generated through thermal gasification of lignocellulose-based biomass. Integrating biomethane production from syngas with conventional anaerobic digestion offers several advantages, including increased gas flow that enables more cost-effective liquefaction of biomethane and improved heat management. Additionally, the supply of external green hydrogen, produced through water electrolysis within the framework of carbon capture and utilization (CCU), can further increase methane production and facilitate upgrading of the produced gas. Duties: We are seeking a motivated PhD candidate who wants to work on the design and evaluation of different system scenarios for biomethane production. The research will involve modeling and simulation from feedstock supply and thermal gasification to biomethane production. The system scenarios will include integration of biomethane production from syngas with conventional biogas plants based on anaerobic digestion as well as supply of external hydrogen. The objective is to evaluate energy balance, climate impact, and techno-economic performance. The candidate is expected to read and critically review scientific literature in English and to publish and present research results in scientific journals and at conferences. The PhD candidate will also participate in doctoral training courses and contribute to departmental activities. The hired person will be part of the national interdisciplinary center of excellence, Biogas Solutions Research Center (BSRC). Within BSRC, new and relevant knowledge is created through collaboration between different scientific disciplines and between researchers and actors from industry and the public sector. BSRC encompasses researchers and support from two universities – Linköping University and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) – as well as approximately 50 private and public organizations representing the entire biogas system value chain. The center is also financed with support from the Swedish Energy Agency. Qualifications: Basic eligibility is held by those who have completed a degree at an advanced level, fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits at an advanced level, or who have otherwise acquired substantially equivalent knowledge within or outside the country (Swedish Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 7, Section 39). Specific eligibility for admission to doctoral education in the subject of Technology is held by those who have knowledge equivalent to at least 90 higher education credits in courses in technology-relevant subjects. These must include an independent work and at least 30 credits must be at an advanced level. For others, specific eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis with regard to the research task. Furthermore, you must have knowledge of English equivalent to a passing grade in English B/6 from Swedish upper secondary school. Your Background: Required Qualifications - Advanced degree (civil engineer or master's degree) in energy systems, energy technology, or a related field - Documented knowledge and experience in data programming and modeling - Excellent ability to communicate in English, both orally and in writing Meritorious Qualifications - Knowledge of biomass conversion techniques - Experience with Python programming - Experience with life cycle assessment (LCA) - Experience with techno-economic analysis - Experience with scientific writing and scientific communication - Knowledge of the Swedish energy system - Ability to communicate in Swedish Great weight will be placed on personal qualities such as good collaboration skills, analytical skills and problem-solving abilities, motivation, and the ability to work independently. About Us: The Department of Energy and Technology at the Center for Soil, Water and Environment (MVM) offers a stimulating and interdisciplinary research environment with both national and international focus. Our bioenergy research focuses on studies of technical solutions and systems related to how resources can be used efficiently and sustainably for the production of fuels, electricity, and heat. The department and the involved researchers have extensive experience in doctoral education and supervision. More information about the department: https://www.slu.se/om-slu/organisation/institutioner/energi-teknik/ Read more about our benefits and what it's like to work at SLU: https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/ Read more about SLU's doctoral education: http://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/ Employment Form and Salary: Employment as a PhD candidate (4-year training program). The salary for the PhD candidate position follows a local collective agreement with fixed salary steps. Extent: 100% Location: Uppsala Start Date: By agreement, but no later than December 2026. Application and Selection: Welcome to submit your application via the application button below by September 10, 2026. Read more about the attachments your application should include at https://www.slu.se/utbildning/studera/forskarutbildning/hur-kan-jag-bli-doktorand/ansokan-och-bilagor/ Selection among eligible applicants will be made based on the attachments submitted with the application and shall be made with regard to the ability to complete the training within the allotted time. Trade Union Contact Persons https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/