Jerker Fick

Umeå University’s Department of Chemistry is advertising two postdoctoral scholarships in Sweden, both within a strong research environment at the Chemical Biological Centre and supported by the Kempe Foundations. Postdoc 1: Environmental Chemistry (PFAS) This project focuses on the occurrence and behaviour of PFAS in wastewater, surface water, and drinking water. The research aims to improve understanding of contamination pathways and treatment processes, including regional investigations in South Africa, Bangladesh, and Sweden. The work is centered on environmental chemistry and analytical chemistry, with collaboration across international partners. Applicants should have a PhD in environmental chemistry, analytical chemistry, or a closely related field, plus experience in sampling and LC-MS/MS analysis. Experience with PFAS analysis is an advantage. Postdoc 2: Analytical Chemistry & Biogeochemistry This project develops advanced methods to characterize nanoparticulate trace metals , with a particular focus on nanoparticulate mercury sulfide (HgS(np)) and its role in mercury cycling in soils and sediments. The project uses ICP-MS-based approaches, including single-particle ICP-MS and SEC-ICP-MS, alongside electron microscopy and spectroscopy. Applicants should hold a PhD in analytical chemistry, biogeochemistry, inorganic chemistry, or a relevant field, and have experience in advanced experimental research, chromatography-mass spectrometry method development, and biogeochemical studies of nanoparticulate trace metals. Very good English skills are required. Both positions are full-time for 2 years and are described as scholarships rather than salaried jobs. The funding is SEK 360,000 per year tax-free for each position, totaling SEK 720,000 over two years. Application deadlines: 30 June 2026 for the PFAS postdoc and 12 July 2026 for the analytical chemistry/biogeochemistry postdoc. Applications must be submitted in English through Umeå University’s Varbi e-recruitment system as a single PDF, including CV, cover letter, degree certificate or proof of expected award date, publication list, and other requested documents. Contacts: Associate Professor Jerker Fick ([email protected]) and Professor Erik Björn ([email protected]).

Umeå University’s Department of Chemistry is recruiting two postdoctoral researchers for two-year scholarship positions in Sweden, supported by the Kempe Foundations . Both roles are in a strong interdisciplinary environment at the Chemical Biological Centre and are centered on chemistry , environmental chemistry , analytical chemistry , and related environmental research. Postdoc 1: Environmental Chemistry (PFAS) Project focus: the occurrence and behaviour of PFAS in wastewater, surface water, and drinking water, with international collaboration involving South Africa and Bangladesh. The project examines contamination pathways, treatment processes, and removal efficiencies in water systems. Required background includes a PhD in environmental chemistry/analytical chemistry or equivalent, experience in sampling and LC-MS/MS , and strong English skills. Previous PFAS analysis experience is an advantage. Postdoc 2: Analytical Chemistry & Biogeochemistry This project develops advanced methods to characterize nanoparticulate trace metals , especially HgS nanoparticles , using ICP-MS , single-particle ICP-MS , SEC-ICP-MS , SEM-EDX, XPS, and vibrational spectroscopy. The second phase studies naturally formed nanoparticles in pore waters from sediments and soils and their role in mercury cycling . Applicants should hold a PhD in analytical chemistry, biogeochemistry, inorganic chemistry, or a relevant field, and have experience in advanced experimental research, chromatography-mass spectrometry method development, and biogeochemical studies; very good English is required. Funding : both positions are tax-free scholarships for two years. The PFAS postdoc provides 360,000 SEK per year (720,000 SEK total). The analytical chemistry/biogeochemistry postdoc is also funded at 720,000 SEK total for two years. Application : submit the application through Umeå University’s Varbi e-recruitment system. The PFAS postdoc deadline is 2026-06-30 ; the analytical chemistry and biogeochemistry postdoc deadline is 2026-07-12 . Required documents include CV, cover letter, degree certificate or proof of expected degree, transcripts, publication list, and referee/contact information as specified in each call.