Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 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 Environmental Chemistry. The thesis project will focus on the fate of PFAS in thermochemical conversion and associated processes of biomass and industrial waste materials. The position is for four years of doctoral studies, including participation in research and postgraduate courses. The last day to apply is 2026-01-02. Starting date is 2026-04-01 or by agreement.
Project description and tasks
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is a large and chemically diverse class of fluorinated organic compounds used in industrial processes and consumer products due to their unique surfactant and stability properties. However, their extreme persistence, bioaccumulation potential, and toxicological effects have led to widespread environmental and health concerns. As PFAS are ubiquitous in waste and residual materials, their fate during thermochemical valorization of biomass and industrial wastes - such as pyrolysis, gasification, and hydrothermal upgrading - remains a critical but poorly understood issue. The overarching aim of the project is to elucidate the fate, distribution, and degradation pathways of PFAS during thermochemical conversion of PFAS-containing biomass and waste feedstocks, and to assess their potential presence in process outputs. The research will be conducted in close collaboration with our industry partner Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), and will include combustion experiments in lab set-ups, using real and model waste feedstocks. Some of the experimental studies will be conducted in lab-scale setups at the Department of Chemistry but given TNO’s unique infrastructure we will also have the possibility to complement the lab studies with realistic and upscaled experiments and sampling campaigns at their development facilities.
Umeå University Industrial Doctoral School for research and innovation
This project is part of the Industrial Doctoral School (IDS), where you will be part of an interdisciplinary group of PhD students, in addition to your research group at the Department of Chemistry. All IDS projects are based on collaborations between Umeå University and external organizations. The aim is to increase the doctoral students' employability, independence and innovativeness. As part of the IDS concept, each doctoral student is given a tailor-made course package and a three-month internship at the external organization, outside of the time dedicated to the research education.
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.
Additional required qualifications are:
Very good command of the English language, both written and spoken.
Merits are:
Training and/or experience in environmental chemistry, analytical chemistry, combustion chemistry, organic chemistry.
This project will be carried out within a research group focusing on thermal processes that utilize biomass, waste fractions and other biomaterials. You should have a keen interest in the area and be prepared to take on the scientific and technical challenges it involves. Consideration will also be given to interpersonal and 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 place of study is Umeå, and the start date is 1 April 2026 or as agreed.
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/.
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 2026-01-02.
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 advanced level, or other publications (no more than 5)
contact information for at least two reference persons.
Further information
Further information is provided by Professor Stina Jansson, email: stina.jansson@umu.se.
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.
We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising help.
