Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 41,500 students and about 4,600 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.
The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.
The Department of Chemistry is opening a PhD position in Chemistry with a specialization in Biochemistry. The thesis project will focus on heavy metal decontamination by microalgae. The position is for four years of doctoral studies, including participation in research and postgraduate courses. The last day to apply is June 5, 2026.Starting date is September 1, 2026 or by agreement but no later then 15 Dec 2026.
Project description and tasks
Heavy metals are extremely hazardous to the environment and health due to their persistence, ubiquity and toxicity. Heavy metal contamination is mainly produced by anthropogenic activities, but also geochemical cycles play a significant role. Bioremediation with the help of microorganisms emerges as a promising solution to eliminate heavy metal contamination from aquatic ecosystems. Microalgae are a group of photosynthetic microorganisms, which produce about 50% of the atmospheric oxygen and convert the greenhouse gas CO2 into biomass. Several microalga species can grow in wastewaters contaminated with heavy metals and therefore have the potential to be used in heavy metal bioremediation processes.
The aim of this Ph.D. project is to characterize the potential of microalgae to bioremediate heavy metals. The research will range from detailed molecular biological studies on microalgae to biotechnological applications in large lab- and pilot scale. In your research you will determine changes in gene expression and metabolome to identify the key molecular mechanisms behind heavy metal biosorption. You will determine the potential of microalgae to clean heavy metals from industrial wastewater, and you will develop new strategies to enhance their bioremediation. You will be part of the strategic research environment Bio4Energy and collaborate with researchers within the environment.
Qualifications
To be admitted for studies at third-cycle level you are required to have completed a second-cycle level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS credits are at second-cycle level or have an equivalent education from abroad, or equivalent qualifications.
To fulfil the specific entry requirements to be admitted for studies at third-cycle level in chemistry, you are required to have completed first-cycle courses of at least 90 ECTS credits within the field of chemistry or another subject considered to be directly relevant to the specialization in question. Of those 90 ECTS credits, at least 15 ECTS credits shall have been acquired at second-cycle level within the specialization or an equivalent subject.
Additional required qualifications are:
A solid background in molecular biology and interest in the described research area.
Experience with standard methods in biochemistry and cell biology.
Strong written and oral proficiency in English.
Good communication skills, initiative, creativity and accuracy.
Ability to work independently and in an international team in an interdisciplinary environment.
Merits are:
Experience in microalgae cultivation.
Experience with biotechnological applications of microalgae.
Consideration will also be given to collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing doctoral studies.
About the employment
The position is intended to result in a doctoral degree. The main task of the PhD student is to pursue their doctoral studies, including participation in research and doctoral courses. The duties can include teaching and other departmental work (up to 20%). The employment is limited to the equivalent of four years of full-time (48 months) or up to five years for teaching part-time. Salary is set in accordance with the established salary levels for PhD positions. The employment starts September 1, 2026 or according to agreement but no later then 15 Dec 2026.
As employees at Umeå University PhD students are granted social benefits such as parental leave, holiday leave, and occupational health services. Read more about the benefits of being an employee at Umeå University here: https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/benefits/. The candidate’s physical workplace will be in Umeå.
Application
You apply via our e-recruitment system Varbi. Log in and apply via the button at the bottom of the page. The deadline for applications is June 5, 2026.
The application, written in English or Swedish, should include:
a personal letter with a brief description of why you are applying for the position, and how your qualifications and research interests are relevant to the doctoral project described above (no more than 2 pages),
a curriculum vitae,
copies of degree certificates, diplomas or equivalent, including documentation of completed academic courses, grades obtained, and other certificates of relevance to the described project,
copies of student theses on advance level or other publications,
contact information for at least two reference persons.
About us The Department of Chemistry is one of the largest departments within the Faculty of Science and Technology with approximately 200 employees and strong and expanding research. The Department has four major research areas: Biological Chemistry, IBEAM, Organic chemistry and Technical Chemistry. We are also a strong partner in the KBC, Chemical-Biological Center. Information about the postgraduate education can be found on the Faculty of Science and Technology website: www.umu.se/en/faculty-of-science-and-technology/education/doctoral-studies/chemistry/. For more information about working at Umeå University, https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/.
Umeå University wants to offer an equal environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity and development. We welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current employment.
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