PhD Student in Radioecology and Environmental Radiochemistry – Climate Change Impacts on Radioactive Contaminant Mobility in the Baltic Sea Linköping University in Sweden

Linköping University invites applications for a PhD student position in Radioecology and Environmental Radiochemistry, focusing on the impact of climate change on the mobility of radioactive contaminants in the Baltic Sea. This interdisciplinary project addresses how changing redox conditions, such as hypoxia and re-oxygenation, affect the behavior of actinides like plutonium and americium in marine sediments and seawater. The research combines fieldwork, laboratory experiments, advanced radiochemical analysis, and environmental modeling to predict future radionuclide behavior under different climate scenarios.

As a PhD student, you will collect and analyze sediment and seawater samples from the Baltic Sea, perform laboratory microcosm experiments simulating anoxic and oxic conditions, and develop radiochemical and mass spectrometric methods (including alpha spectrometry, ICP-MS, and AMS) for ultra-trace detection of actinides. You will integrate experimental results into dynamic geochemical and transport models and collaborate with international partners, including research visits to the IAEA Marine Environment Laboratories in Monaco, University of Gdańsk (Poland), and the University of Seville (Spain). The position offers opportunities to present research at international conferences and contribute to Sweden’s expertise in climate-adaptive radiological protection.

The successful candidate will join the Unit of Radiological Sciences at the Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences (HMV), Linköping University, a group with a strong national and international profile in environmental radioactivity and radiochemical method development. The group collaborates with leading institutions such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), University of Gothenburg, University of Gdańsk, and University of Seville, providing a stimulating environment that integrates laboratory radiochemistry, environmental fieldwork, and advanced modeling approaches.

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in radiation physics, environmental science, chemistry, marine science, nuclear physics, or a related field, or have completed at least 240 ECTS credits (with at least 60 at advanced level) in a relevant subject. Required expertise includes at least one of the following: radiochemistry, environmental radioactivity, marine geochemistry, or analytical chemistry. Merits include experience in environmental modeling, laboratory trace analysis, radiochemical separation, mass spectrometry (ICP-MS or AMS), programming languages or modeling tools (PHREEQC, MATLAB, Python), and international collaboration or fieldwork. Excellent proficiency in spoken and written English is essential, as is motivation, analytical ability, teamwork, and communication skills. Applicants are encouraged to attach a one-page motivation document outlining their background and interest in the project.

The position is full-time for four years, with possible extensions based on teaching and departmental duties. Salary is determined according to a locally negotiated progression, and employment benefits are provided. The preferred starting date is in the first quarter of 2026. Applications must be submitted online by December 15, 2025. Linköping University values diversity and equal opportunities in its workplace.