Doctoral student in PFAS treatment and destruction technologies Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden

PFAS pollution represents a significant environmental challenge due to the persistence of these chemicals in water resources, ecosystems, and food webs. Current treatment technologies often fail to eliminate PFAS, instead transferring them between waste streams. At Chalmers University of Technology, this doctoral project aims to develop innovative treatment trains that concentrate PFAS from complex water matrices and subsequently destroy them using catalytic and photocatalytic approaches, supported by advanced analytical verification methods.

The research is conducted in close collaboration with IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, Örebro University, and municipal wastewater treatment plants. The Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Chalmers offers a broad and international research environment, spanning fundamental chemistry, health and medical technology, materials science, renewable energy, chemical engineering processing, material recycling, nuclear chemistry, theory, and modelling.

The Ergang Wang group specializes in organic semiconductors for electronics and the development of photocatalysts for sustainable chemistry applications. The group is international, comprising a professor, permanent researcher, postdocs, and PhD students. This doctoral position is part of the Formas-funded COAST PFAS project, which aims to reduce PFAS emissions to coastal waters by combining source control, advanced analytics, treatment technologies, and governance innovation. The PhD project focuses on developing and evaluating treatment trains that combine PFAS pre-concentration, catalytic and photocatalytic destruction, and advanced analytical verification to achieve robust PFAS elimination in complex water matrices.

Instead of merely capturing PFAS and creating waste streams, the project targets upstream solutions: concentrating PFAS into manageable side streams followed by catalytic and photocatalytic destruction, with robust verification to avoid hidden byproducts. Experimental work will involve visits to IVL’s Sjöstadsverket Water Innovation Centre in Stockholm and collaboration with Örebro University researchers.

Applicants must have a relevant Master's degree (or equivalent) in material science, chemistry, chemical engineering, environmental engineering, or related fields. Strong English communication skills are required. Experience in catalysis, electrochemistry, photocatalysis, environmental chemistry, water treatment, or analytical chemistry is mandatory. Additional experience with PFAS, persistent organic pollutants, water/wastewater treatment, advanced oxidation/reduction processes, mass spectrometry, reactor design, QA/QC routines, programming/data handling, organic or materials synthesis will strengthen the application.

The position is fully funded, with a starting salary of 35,725 SEK per month (from May 1, 2026), and includes employee benefits. The appointment is for four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20% and extend to five years. Doctoral studies require physical presence in Sweden throughout the study period, and a valid residence permit must be presented by the start date.

As a doctoral student at Chalmers, you will take advanced courses, develop scientific concepts, communicate research results, and contribute to publications and project deliverables. The role involves interdisciplinary collaboration, periodic travel to partner organizations, and participation in experimental and joint research activities. Chalmers offers a dynamic working environment in Gothenburg, with support for gender equality and integration, including Swedish language courses for non-native speakers.

Applications must be submitted in English as PDF files via the online application form. Required documents include CV, personal letter, introduction, motivation, thesis, and transcripts. Incomplete applications and those sent by email will not be considered. References will be requested after the interview. The application deadline is August 10, 2026.

For questions, contact Ergang Wang ([email protected]), Linda Önnby ([email protected]), or Leo Yeung ([email protected]).