PhD position in Chemistry, with a specialization in geochemistry, Umeå University

The Department of Chemistry is opening a PhD position in Chemistry with a specialization in geochemistry. The thesis project will focus on the occurrence and stability of smectite minerals with relevance for nuclear waste disposal. The position is for four years of doctoral studies, including participation in research and postgraduate courses. The last day to apply is January 19, 2026. Starting date is March 1, 2026 or by agreement.

Project description and tasks

The project, which is funded by the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority (Strålsäkerhetsmyndigheten, SSM), focuses on the mineralogy and molecular properties of Swedish smectite-rich minerals, which are of interest as natural analogues to the bentonite barrier in the planned KBS-3 concept for final disposal of spent nuclear fuel.

The PhD student will develop, apply, and combine theoretical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with experimental techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) to characterize, at the molecular level, smectite samples from various Swedish mineral deposits.

The PhD student will develop, apply, and combine theoretical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with experimental techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) to characterize, at the molecular level, smectite samples from various Swedish mineral deposits.

The PhD student will be part of a research group active in the area of molecular geochemistry (http://moleculargeo.chem.umu.se) at the Department of Chemistry (https://www.umu.se/chemistry), with many years of experience in the field. In addition to the group’s own resources, the student will make use of several experimental platforms at the Chemical-Biological Centre (KBC; 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.

Additional required qualifications are:

We are looking for a candidate with a strong interest in, and previous coursework within, geochemistry, geology, inorganic chemistry, and physical chemistry or equivalent subjects at the advanced level (at least 15 ECTS credits). Applicants must have strong oral and written communication skills in English. Because the project extends over four years, the successful candidate must also show thoroughness, logical reasoning skills, and strong problem-solving abilities.

Merits are:

practical experience with experimental methods in spectroscopy or diffraction, as well as familiarity with basic programming.

Consideration will also be given to the applicant’s ability to collaborate, their motivation and independence, and how their previous experience and competence indicate their potential to successfully complete doctoral studies.

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 earliest 1 March, 2026 or according to agreement.

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/.  The candidate’s physical workplace will be in Umeå, starting date March 1, 2026 or by agreement.

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 January 19, 2026.

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,
• 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 on advance level or other publications (no more than 5)
• contact information for at least two reference persons.

Further information

Further information is provided by Associate Professor Michael Holmboe, e-post: michael.holmboe@umu.se; web: http://moleculargeo.chem.umu.se/holmboe/.

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/. For more information about working at Umeå University, https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/.