Ph.D. Student position in Chemistry with focus on Molecular Geochemistry - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

The Department of Chemistry is opening a PhD student position for applicants with particular fascination and skill sets for advancing knowledge of molecular-level processes involving inorganic geomaterials. Application deadline is November 30, 2023.

Tasks

This Ph.D. project is on the mineralization of CO2 by MgO and CaO minerals, and is funded by the Formas. The selected candidate will explore mechanisms of Mg- and Ca-carbonate formation on MgO and CaO (nano)minerals exposed to the atmosphere. This research aims to support direct air capture technologies for mitigating hikes in atmospheric CO2 levels, as well as advancing fundamental ideas on mineral growth. This work will make use of various spectroscopic methods, X-ray diffraction and possibly computational modelling techniques available at Umeå University. The candidate will integrate the Molecular Geochemistry (http://moleculargeo.chem.umu.se/) research environment of the Department of Chemistry (https://www.umu.se/chemistry) and work with various analytical platforms of the Chemical and Biological Center (https://www.umu.se/en/chemical-biological-centre/).

Qualifications

To be admitted for studies at third-cycle level you are required to have completed a second-cycle level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS credits are at second-cycle level or have an equivalent education from abroad, or equivalent qualifications.To fulfil the specific entry requirements to be admitted for studies at third-cycle level in chemistry, you are required to have completed first-cycle courses of at least 90 ECTS credits within the field of chemistry or another subject considered to be directly relevant to the specialization in question. Of those 90 ECTS credits, at least 15 ECTS credits shall have been acquired at second-cycle level within the specialization or an equivalent subject.

You have strong aptitudes in mineral (geo)chemistry, and have demonstrated abilities at thinking at the molecular level. You must have at least 15 ECTS credits in inorganic (geo)chemistry, mineralogy, aquatic (geo)chemistry, environmental (geo)chemistry, chemical  engineering or the equivalent at an advanced level. Good oral and written proficiency in English are required.

Practical experience in spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, inorganic synthesis and/or advanced data evaluation (MATLAB, R, Python) and computer programming are considered valuable assets. Experience in molecular modelling (molecular dynamics or ab initio methods) is considered meriting.

You are a logical thinker, thorough at work, and able to work independently. You have the ability to work both independently and in collaboration in groups, and take all initiatives needed to enjoy and pursue a 4-year degree.

Terms of employment

The appointment aims at a PhD degree and the main task of the PhD student is to pursue their doctoral studies, which includes participation in research projects as well as 40 ECTS in postgraduate courses. In the assignments, teaching and other departmental work (up to a maximum of 20%) can be included. The employment is limited to four years full-time, and can be extended up to a fifth year to compensate for part-time teaching. The salary is determined according to the established salary levels by the University. The candidate’s physical workplace will be in Umeå, and will begin no later than March 1st, 2024.

Application

The application must contain the following items in English or in Swedish:

• Curriculum vitae of a maximum of two A4;
• Cover letter of a maximum of one A4 stating why you are interested in the position;
• Certified copies of degree certificates, including documentation of completed academic courses and obtained grades;
• Names and contact information for at least two reference persons.

You must apply through our e-recruitment system. Log in and apply using the link at the bottom of the page. The application deadline is November 30st, 2023.

Further information can be obtained from Professor Jean-François Boily, e-mail: jean-francois.boily@.umu.se, web: https://moleculargeo.chem.umu.se/boily/

About us

The Department of Chemistry is one of the largest departments within the Faculty of Science and Technology with approximately 200 employees, of which approximately 40 graduate students, and a strong and expanding research. We are active in three of the priority research areas of the Faculty of Science and Technology and are a strong partner in the KBC, Chemical- Biological Center. Information about the postgraduate education can be found on the Faculty of Science and Technology website (https://www.umu.se/en/faculty-of-science-and-technology/education/doctoral-studies/). More information about working at Umeå University is also found here https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/.

The Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020 was awarded to Emmanuelle Charpentier, who was employed at Umeå University when the CRISPR-Cas9 method was developed.