PhD position in Chemistry, with a specialization in Environmental Chemistry

The Department of Chemistry is opening a PhD position in Chemistry with a specialization in Environmental Chemistry. The thesis project will focus on computational models for assessing exposure of organic pollutants in zebrafish. The position is for four years of doctoral studies, including participation in research and postgraduate courses. The last day to apply is November 23, 2025. Starting date is January 19, 2026 or by agreement.

Project description and tasks

This project offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of computational modelling, cutting-edge analytical chemistry, and experimental toxicology. The overall aim is to develop and validate new computational models to better understand how organic pollutants are taken up, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in zebrafish. We have a particular interest in critical developmental stages, including early development and juvenile stages analogous to puberty, which represent windows of increased sensitivity to environmental pollutants.

Your work will focus on advancing physiologically based kinetic models by integrating tissue-specific data from mass spectrometry analyses. These models will provide a more realistic picture of how chemicals behave in different tissues across zebrafish life stages, from embryos to adults.

The project is highly collaborative between Umeå University, Uppsala University, and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam with possibilities for research visits abroad. The project will provide training in state-of-the-art computational and analytical techniques, as well as valuable experience in international and interdisciplinary teamwork. The expected outcome is novel modelling tools and new insights into how pollutants affect developing organisms.

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 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. The above prerequisites are also considered to be fulfilled by those who have acquired essentially equivalent knowledge in another way. The eligibility requirements must be fulfilled at the time of admission, but do not need to be fulfilled when you submit your application.

Merits are:

• Practical experience in programming, computational modelling, environmental chemistry, and mass spectrometry techniques

We are looking for a candidate with a strong interest in analytical chemistry and toxicology, combined with an ambition to develop expertise in advanced computational modelling approaches. Consideration will also be given to the candidate’s collaborative skills, motivation, and independence, as well as their ability to take initiative and carry projects through to completion.

About the employment

The position is intended to result in a doctoral degree. The main task of the PhD student is to pursue their doctoral studies, including participation in research and doctoral courses. The duties can include teaching and other departmental work (up to 20%). The employment is limited to the equivalent of four years of full-time (48 months) or up to five years for teaching part-time. Salary is set in accordance with the established salary levels for PhD positions. The employment starts January 19, 2026  or according to agreement, but no later then 30 april 2026.

As employees at Umeå University PhD students are granted social benefits such as parental leave, holiday leave, and occupational health services. Read more about the benefits of being an employee at Umeå University here: https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/benefits/.  

Application

You apply via our e-recruitment system Varbi. Log in and apply via the button at the bottom of the page. The deadline for applications is November 23, 2025.

The application, written in English or Swedish, should include:

• a personal letter with a brief description of why you are applying for the position, and how your qualifications and research interests are relevant to the doctoral project described above (no more than 2 pages),
• a curriculum vitae (CV),
• copies of degree certificates, diplomas or equivalent, including documentation of completed academic courses, grades obtained, and other certificates of relevance to the described project,
• copies of student theses or other publications (no more than 5)
• contact information for at least two reference persons.

Application documents must be in MS Word or PDF format.

Further information

Further information is provided by Associate Professor Malin L. Nording, malin.nording@umu.se.

Welcome with your application!

About us

The Department of Chemistry is one of the largest departments within the Faculty of Science and Technology with approximately 200 employees and strong and expanding research. The Department has four major research areas: Biological Chemistry, IBEAM, Organic Chemistry and Technical Chemistry. We are also 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: www.umu.se/en/faculty-of-science-and-technology/education/doctoral-studies/chemistry/.