Postdoc in Electrochemical Mercury Removal from Concentrated Acids Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden

Chalmers University of Technology invites applications for a postdoctoral position in the Division of Chemical Physics, Department of Physics and Astronomy, focusing on electrochemical mercury removal from concentrated sulfuric acid. The research group is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach, combining experimental and theoretical expertise in nanomaterials, energy storage, electrolysis, fuel cells, purification of aqueous solutions, and photovoltaics. The Electrochemistry group specializes in electrocatalysis, materials and surface reactions for environmental and sustainable energy applications, including heavy metal removal from aqueous solutions.

The project addresses a critical environmental challenge: mercury contamination in sulfuric acid, a byproduct of zinc and copper smelting. Mercury released through these processes is a major source of anthropogenic emissions, threatening ecosystems and human health globally. The group has demonstrated an electrochemical method capable of removing over 98% of mercury from real concentrated sulfuric acid in laboratory tests. The postdoc will advance this method for industrial application, developing materials and processes to scale up mercury removal and enable global implementation. Research tasks include optimizing electrochemical processes, ensuring safe retrieval of removed mercury, and regenerating electrodes for a circular process.

Applicants must have a doctoral degree in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or equivalent, with strong hands-on experience in electrochemistry/electrolysis and material characterization/chemical analysis. Collaboration skills, proficiency in English, and willingness to work with academic and industrial partners are essential. Preferred qualifications include experience in materials design, chemical reaction development, complementary analytical methods (ICP-MS, XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM, EDX), scripting for data analysis (Matlab, Python), and a strong publication record. The position is full-time for two years, requiring physical presence in Gothenburg and a valid residence permit by the start date.

Chalmers offers a dynamic, international, and family-friendly environment, with employee benefits such as healthcare, parental leave, subsidized day care, and free schools. The university is committed to gender balance, equality, and inclusion, and provides Swedish language courses for non-native speakers. The position is meritorious for future roles in academia, industry, or the public sector.

To apply, submit your application in English as PDF files via the provided application form. Include a comprehensive CV with publication list, teaching experience, and a personal letter summarizing your research background and outcomes. Incomplete applications and those sent by email will not be considered. References will be requested after the interview. The application deadline is June 7, 2026.

For questions, contact Associate Professor Björn Wickman at [email protected].