Kempe Foundations

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]).