Post doctor (2 years) in Analytical chemistry and Biogeochemistry
The Department of Chemistry announces a postdoctoral fellowship within the project Nanoparticulate Structures of Trace Metals: Method Development and Biogeochemical Studies. The fellowship is full-time for two years, with a starting date by agreement.
Departmental specific information 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, and is located in a science campus under the same roof as over several hundred scientists. This offers excellent opportunities for cross-disciplinary research across many fields of science. We are also a strong partner in the KBC, Chemical-Biological Center which offers excellent infrastructure easily available locally (https://www.umu.se/en/chemical-biological-centre/).
Project description Nanoparticles are defined as particles with a diameter smaller than 100 nm. Due to their high surface-to-volume ratio and distinctive surface structures, they exhibit unique chemical and physical properties that differ from those of larger microparticles. Some types of nanoparticles form naturally in the environment and in biological systems, while others are industrially manufactured for specific applications, for example in materials development, catalysis, and medical diagnostics.
The project aims to develop advanced analytical methods to quantify and characterize nanoparticulate structures of trace metals, with a particular focus on nanoparticulate mercury sulfide, HgS(np). By combining two techniques based on inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), single-particle ICP-MS (sp ICP-MS) and size-exclusion chromatography ICP-MS (SEC ICP-MS), the project will establish new, highly sensitive methods that enable determination of particle size, hydrodynamic diameter, elemental composition, and very low concentrations of nanoparticles. ICP-MS instrumentation is available at the Trace Analysis Platform (TAP, https://www.umu.se/en/research/infrastructure/tap/) at the Department of Chemistry. The nanoparticles will also be characterized using electron microscopy combined with X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) at the Umeå Centre for Electron Microscopy (UCEM, https://www.umu.se/forskning/infrastruktur/umea-centre-for-electron-microscopy-ucem/). Furthermore, particle surface coatings will be characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) at the XPS platform (https://www.umu.se/en/research/infrastructure/xps/) and vibrational spectroscopy at the VISP platform (https://www.umu.se/forskning/infrastruktur/visp/) at Umeå University.
The second phase of the project focuses on studies of naturally formed HgS(np) in pore waters from sediments and soils, and their role in mercury cycling in such environments. Concentrations and size distributions of HgS(np) will be determined and related to pH, dissolved sulfide, and dissolved organic carbon. In the next step, the concentration and size distribution of HgS(np) will be related to rates of methylation and reduction of Hg²⁺ to test whether these properties can explain the availability of Hg²⁺ for such transformation reactions in soils and sediments.
Qualifications To be eligible for a postdoctoral fellowship, the applicant must hold a doctoral degree, or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree, in analytical chemistry, biogeochemistry, inorganic chemistry, or another relevant field. This qualification requirement must be fulfilled no later than at the time of the decision about scholarship recipient.
Priority should be given to candidates who completed their doctoral degree, according to what is stipulated in the paragraph above, no later than three years before the application deadline. If there are special reasons, candidates who completed their doctoral degree before that may also be eligible. Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, appointments of trust in trade union organizations, military service, or similar circumstances, or other forms of appointment/assignment relevant to the subject area.
You have experience with and enjoy advanced experimental research. You have You have demonstrated an ability to conduct research both independently and as part of a team, and you are flexible with regard to changes within the project. You have a focus on high quality, take initiative, and possess strong analytical skills for solving problems and handling complex issues. Very good proficiency in both spoken and written English is required.
Experience in method development within chromatography–mass spectrometry and biogeochemical studies of nanoparticulate forms of trace metals is considered an asset.
Application The application must be written in English and submitted as a single PDF file.
A complete application must include:
CV
Cover letter describing research interests, qualifications, and motivation for applying for the fellowship (maximum 2,000 characters including spaces)
Publication list including published articles and preprints with web links/DOIs
Verified copy of the doctoral degree certificate or documentation clarifying when the doctoral degree is expected to be awarded
Copies of other degree certificates, academic transcripts, and/or grades that the applicant wishes to submit
Contact information for two referees who have agreed to be contacted
The application should be registered via Umeå University’s e-recruitment system Varbi and submitted by the deadline July 12, 2026.
Further information and contact This postdoctoral fellowship is funded and administered by the Kempe Foundations. The fellowship is tax-free and amounts to SEK 720,000 for two years, corresponding to SEK 360,000 per year.
For further information, please contact Professor Erik Björn, erik.bjorn@umu.se.
