Stina Jansson

This postdoctoral project is based in the Environmental Chemistry group at the Department of Chemistry, Umeå University . The successful researcher will investigate how carbon and organic material can be recovered from hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) filtrates , with a particular focus on the formation of self-generated carbon (SGC) —low-ash carbon microspheres with promising surface and morphological properties for energy storage and environmental uses. The project examines a practical resource-recovery challenge: while HTC produces a carbon-rich hydrochar from wet residues, much of the carbon remains dissolved in the process water and is typically discarded. Here, the filtrate is treated as a resource rather than waste. The postdoctoral researcher will study what controls SGC formation and how the chemistry of the filtrate shapes the products that form spontaneously. The work is part of RE-FIL , a broader project that also explores microbial production of biodegradable plastics from the same filtrate stream in collaboration with Karlstad University . A key aspect of the research is therefore the interface between two recovery routes and whether they compete or can be combined. The postdoc will contribute to this by characterizing filtrates and products using chromatographic, spectroscopic, and microscopic techniques . The position offers access to the Trace Analysis Platform and the Vibrational Spectroscopy Core Facility , within a collaborative and international research environment. The main advisor is Prof. Stina Jansson , with Assoc. Prof. Maria Sandberg of Karlstad University as co-advisor. Some work may be carried out at Karlstad University.

Umeå University in Sweden is offering a fully funded PhD position in Chemistry, specializing in Environmental Chemistry. The research project investigates the fate, distribution, and degradation pathways of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) during thermochemical conversion of biomass and industrial waste materials. PFAS are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic compounds widely found in waste and consumer products, raising significant environmental and health concerns. The project aims to elucidate how PFAS behave during processes such as pyrolysis, gasification, and hydrothermal upgrading, and to assess their presence in process outputs. Research will be conducted in collaboration with the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), allowing for both lab-scale and upscaled experiments. The position is part of Umeå University's Industrial Doctoral School, providing interdisciplinary training and a three-month internship at TNO. Applicants must hold a second-cycle degree or equivalent, with substantial coursework in chemistry, and demonstrate strong English skills. Experience in environmental, analytical, combustion, or organic chemistry is advantageous. The position offers a monthly salary, social benefits, and opportunities for teaching. The application deadline is January 2, 2026, and the start date is April 1, 2026, or as agreed. To apply, submit a personal letter, CV, degree certificates, transcripts, up to five publications, and references via the university's Varbi system. For further information, contact Professor Stina Jansson at [email protected].

Umeå University, a leading Swedish institution recognized for its world-class research and education, is offering a fully funded PhD position in Chemistry with a specialization in Environmental Chemistry. The project focuses on the fate of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) during thermochemical conversion processes involving biomass and industrial waste materials. PFAS are a diverse group of fluorinated organic compounds widely used in industry and consumer products, but their persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicological effects have raised significant environmental and health concerns. The research aims to elucidate the fate, distribution, and degradation pathways of PFAS during processes such as pyrolysis, gasification, and hydrothermal upgrading, and to assess their presence in process outputs. Experimental work will be conducted both at Umeå University's Department of Chemistry and in collaboration with the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), leveraging both lab-scale and upscaled facilities. The position is part of the Industrial Doctoral School (IDS), providing interdisciplinary training, a tailor-made course package, and a three-month internship with the external partner. Applicants must hold a second-cycle degree or equivalent, with substantial coursework in chemistry or a closely related field, and demonstrate strong English language skills. Experience in environmental, analytical, combustion, or organic chemistry is advantageous. The position is for four years of full-time doctoral studies, with possible extension for teaching duties. PhD students at Umeå University receive a competitive salary and comprehensive social benefits. The application deadline is January 2, 2026, and the anticipated start date is April 1, 2026, or as agreed. Applications should be submitted via the university's Varbi e-recruitment system and must include a personal letter, CV, degree certificates, transcripts, relevant publications, and references. For further information, contact Professor Stina Jansson at [email protected].