Christiane Funk

Umeå University is advertising a PhD position in Chemistry, with a specialization in Biochemistry , focused on microalgae bioremediation and heavy metal decontamination . The project investigates how microalgae can clean heavy metals from industrial wastewater and how their bioremediation capacity can be improved through molecular and biotechnological approaches. The doctoral project will combine molecular biology , biochemistry , cell biology , and biotechnology . Research tasks include studying gene expression and metabolome changes, identifying molecular mechanisms behind heavy metal biosorption, testing microalgae for wastewater cleanup, and developing strategies to enhance bioremediation at lab and pilot scale. The student will also be part of the strategic research environment Bio4Energy and collaborate with researchers in the environment. This is a four-year PhD employment at Umeå University, with possible extension up to five years if teaching is included. The position may include up to 20% teaching and other departmental work. Salary follows the university’s established PhD salary levels, and the workplace will be in Umeå, Sweden. Eligibility highlights: applicants need a second-cycle degree or equivalent, plus at least 90 ECTS credits in chemistry or a directly relevant subject, including at least 15 ECTS credits at second-cycle level in the specialization. The university also asks for a solid background in molecular biology, experience with standard biochemistry and cell biology methods, strong English skills, and good communication, initiative, creativity, and accuracy. Experience with microalgae cultivation and biotechnological applications of microalgae is considered a merit. Application window: the deadline is 5 June 2026 . The start date is 1 September 2026 or by agreement, but no later than 15 December 2026 . Applications must be submitted through the Varbi e-recruitment system and include a motivation letter, CV, degree documents, transcripts, relevant theses/publications, and contact details for at least two referees. Supervisor/contact: Professor Christiane Funk, Umeå University, is listed as the contact person for further information.

Umeå University is advertising a PhD position in Chemistry, with a specialization in Biochemistry , focused on heavy metal decontamination by microalgae . The project sits in the Department of Chemistry and connects to the strategic research environment Bio4Energy , with collaboration across an interdisciplinary research setting and industrial partners. The research topic combines microalgae , bioremediation , biochemistry , molecular biology , cell biology , and environmental science . The PhD student will study how microalgae can clean heavy metals from industrial wastewater, investigate changes in gene expression and metabolome, identify molecular mechanisms behind heavy metal biosorption, and develop strategies to improve bioremediation at lab and pilot scale. This is a four-year doctoral employment (with possible extension up to five years if teaching is included). The position is intended to lead to a doctoral degree. Salary follows Umeå University’s PhD salary levels, and employees receive standard social benefits. The workplace is in Umeå, Sweden. Eligibility highlights: applicants need a second-cycle degree or equivalent, plus at least 90 ECTS credits in chemistry or a directly relevant subject, including at least 15 ECTS credits at second-cycle level in the specialization. The post also asks for a solid background in molecular biology, experience with standard biochemistry and cell biology methods, strong English, and good communication, initiative, creativity, accuracy, independence, and teamwork. Experience with microalgae cultivation and biotechnology is considered a merit. Application deadline: 5 June 2026. Start date is 1 September 2026 or by agreement, but no later than 15 December 2026. Apply through the Varbi recruitment system and include a motivation letter, CV, degree documents, transcripts, relevant theses/publications, and contact details for at least two referees.

Umeå University, one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions, is renowned for its world-leading research and high-quality education. The Department of Chemistry is offering a PhD position in Chemistry with a specialization in Biochemistry, focusing on heavy metal decontamination by microalgae. This four-year doctoral position is embedded in a dynamic research environment, including the strategic Bio4Energy initiative, and offers opportunities for collaboration across disciplines. The project addresses the urgent environmental and health hazards posed by heavy metals, which persist in aquatic ecosystems due to anthropogenic activities and geochemical cycles. Bioremediation using microorganisms, particularly microalgae, is a promising approach to eliminate heavy metal contamination. Microalgae are photosynthetic microorganisms responsible for producing about half of the atmospheric oxygen and converting CO2 into biomass. Certain microalgae species thrive in wastewater contaminated with heavy metals, making them ideal candidates for bioremediation processes. The PhD research will characterize the bioremediation potential of microalgae, ranging from molecular biological studies to biotechnological applications at lab and pilot scales. Key tasks include analyzing gene expression and metabolome changes to identify molecular mechanisms behind heavy metal biosorption, evaluating microalgae’s capacity to clean industrial wastewater, and developing strategies to enhance their bioremediation efficiency. The project is highly interdisciplinary, combining chemistry, biology, and environmental science. Applicants must have a second-cycle degree or equivalent (at least 240 ECTS credits, with 60 at second-cycle level), and at least 90 ECTS credits in chemistry or a directly relevant subject (with 15 at second-cycle level). Required qualifications include a strong background in molecular biology, proficiency in biochemistry and cell biology methods, excellent English communication skills, initiative, creativity, accuracy, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international team. Merits include experience in microalgae cultivation and biotechnological applications. The position is intended to result in a doctoral degree and includes participation in research, doctoral courses, and potentially teaching or departmental duties (up to 20%). Employment is limited to four years full-time (or up to five years with part-time teaching). Salary is set according to established PhD salary levels and includes social benefits such as parental leave, holiday leave, and occupational health services. The physical workplace is in Umeå, Sweden. Applications must be submitted via the Umeå University e-recruitment system Varbi by June 5, 2026. Required documents include a personal letter, CV, degree certificates and transcripts, student theses or publications, and contact information for at least two references. For further information, contact Professor Christiane Funk at [email protected]. More details about the benefits of working at Umeå University and the doctoral program can be found on the university’s website. Starting date is September 1, 2026, or by agreement but no later than December 15, 2026. Join a vibrant academic community and contribute to innovative research in bioremediation and environmental sustainability.