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 planetary (bio)geochemistry and spectroscopy. The thesis project will focus on the experimental investigation of how water and simple organic molecules are captured and preserved under the icy, salty conditions of present-day Mars, bridging laboratory spectroscopy with data from ongoing and upcoming NASA and ESA missions. The position is for four years of doctoral studies, including participation in research and postgraduate courses. The last day to apply is 31 July, 2026.Starting date is October 2026 or by agreement, but no later then 15 Dec 2026.
Project description and tasks
Could liquid water and even the chemical fingerprints of past or present life still be hiding in the icy Mars today? This doctoral project sets out to answer that question in the laboratory.
Salts such as chlorides and perchlorates keep brines and thin water films liquid-like far below 0 °C across the Martian surface, yet we still know little about how the regolith captures water and whether fragile organics survive. Using cutting-edge cryogenic vibrational spectroscopy and microscopy techniques, the doctoral student will build a unique spectral and imaging database of Mars analogue soils and link it to spacecraft mission data (e.g., SuperCam, SHERLOC, CheMin, REMS) to trace water, cryosalts and organics on present-day Mars.
During this doctoral project, the student will get an opportunity to work in experiments and trials, both at our laboratory and local infrastructures in Umeå as well as at our collaborators' laboratories at the SETI Institute and NASA Ames Research Center (CA) and NASA Johnson Space Center (TX). We offer a unique opportunity to learn high-end techniques, especially for cryogenic studies, and to build a scientific network in astrobiology and planetary science fields. In addition to the research assignment, participation in postgraduate courses and teaching is also included.
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:
very good proficiency in both written and spoken English;
documented experience in laboratory research, including sample preparation and working with geological materials and organics;
knowledge of spectroscopy and/or scanning and/or transmission electron microscopy techniques.
Merits are:
experience in spectral data analysis using Matlab, R or Python;
a background in planetary science, astrobiology, mineralogy or geochemistry;
creativity, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
a motivated, ambitious attitude with good organisational skills.
Consideration will also be given to collaborative skills, drive and independence, enthusiasm, 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 October 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 31 July, 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 Dr. Merve Yeşilbaş, e-mail: merve.yesilbas@umu.se, web: https://www.yesilbaslab.com/.
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/. 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.
We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising help.
