PhD position in Chemistry, with a specialization in inorganic chemistry

The Department of Chemistry is opening a PhD position in Chemistry with a specialization in inorganic chemistry. The thesis project will focus on radiation-induced processes at oxide–water interfaces, investigated using advanced experimental and theoretical methods. The position is for four years of doctoral studies, including participation in research and postgraduate courses. The last day to apply is 15 August 2026. Starting date is 1 October 2026 at the earliest, or by agreement, but no later then 31 January 2027.

Project description and tasks

Throughout the nuclear fuel cycle, from fuel reprocessing to final disposal, interfaces between water and metal oxides arise at which ionizing radiation induces radiolysis of the water. The species formed, free radicals and other reactive molecules, can affect corrosion rates, the release of radionuclides, and the material properties of both reactor materials and the barrier materials used in a deep geological repository for spent nuclear fuel. In a collaborative project with KTH Royal Institute of Technology, funded by the Swedish Research Council (Vetenskapsrådet), we are therefore recruiting a PhD student to investigate, within a basic-research project, these radiation-induced processes at various oxide–water interfaces.

The PhD student will, among other things, combine time-resolved and multimodal X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XANES, EXAFS, and others) at synchrotron facilities such as MAXIV with theoretical molecular modeling of the corresponding systems. The work will be carried out in the Molecular Geochemistry research group (moleculargeo.chem.umu.se) at the Department of Chemistry, Umeå University (www.umu.se/chemistry), in collaboration with researchers and PhD students at KTH.

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.

The prerequisites listed above are also considered to be met by those who have acquired essentially equivalent knowledge through other means. The eligibility requirements must be met at the time of admission, but do not need to be met when you submit your application.

Additional required qualifications are:

A suitable candidate for this four-year project is meticulous, with logical thinking and a strong problem-solving ability. Good oral and written proficiency in English is also required.

Merits are:

A particular interest in, and prior coursework in, inorganic chemistry or physical chemistry at an advanced level (at least 15 ECTS credits). Practical experience of experimental spectroscopy or diffraction techniques such as XAS, XRD, FTIR, and XPS, of molecular modeling (MD/MC, DFT), and familiarity with basic programming (Python, MATLAB) and the use of Linux/HPC systems are considered merits.

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 1 October 2026 or according to agreement.

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 15 August 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.

Further information

Further information is provided by Michael Holmboe, Associate Professor, e-mail: michael.holmboe@umu.se; web: http://moleculargeo.chem.umu.se/holmboe/.

Welcome with your application!

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/.