Kempe Foundations

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.