Summary
Umeå University is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher in Environmental Chemistry for a two-year, full-time position. The successful candidate will work on a project focused on the recovery of carbon and organic material from hydrothermal carbonization filtrates, specifically investigating the formation of self-generated carbon (SGC) microspheres.
Designation
Postdoctoral Researcher
Research Area
- Environmental Chemistry
- Recovery of carbon and organic material from hydrothermal carbonization filtrates
- Formation and characterization of self-generated carbon (SGC)
- Filtrate chemistry and its interaction with microbial production of biodegradable plastics (PHA)
Location
Umeå, Västerbottens län, Sweden. Some work may also be carried out at Karlstad University.
Eligibility/Qualification
Required Qualifications:
- A doctoral degree (or equivalent) in chemistry, environmental chemistry, materials chemistry, chemical engineering, or a closely related subject, completed no later than three years prior to the appointment decision (exceptions for special reasons like parental leave, illness, etc., may apply).
- Documented experience in designing and performing experimental laboratory work in chemistry.
- Documented experience in chemical or material characterization using instrumental analytical techniques, specifically including at least one of: chromatography–mass spectrometry (e.g., LC-MS/MS, GC-MS), elemental analysis (e.g., ICP-MS), or surface and material characterization (e.g., BET, FTIR, XPS, SEM).
- Very good command of English, both spoken and written.
- Documented ability to publish scientific results, typically demonstrated by first-author publications in peer-reviewed international journals.
Desirable Qualifications:
- Experience with hydrothermal carbonization or other thermochemical conversion techniques.
- Experience with experimental work at elevated temperature and pressure, or at pilot scale.
- Experience in surface chemistry and material characterization, or aqueous-phase organic chemistry.
- Experience from an interdisciplinary or international research environment.
- Strong planning, organizational, problem-solving, and collaborative skills.
Job Description
The postdoctoral researcher will join the Environmental Chemistry group at the Department of Chemistry. The main focus of the work will be on understanding how self-generated carbon (SGC) forms within hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) filtrates and what aspects of the filtrate chemistry govern this process. This project is part of the larger RE-FIL initiative, funded by Formas, which aims to transform HTC filtrate from a waste product into a valuable resource.
Key responsibilities include:
- Conducting experimental laboratory work to investigate SGC formation and filtrate chemistry.
- Characterizing filtrates and products using various analytical techniques such as chromatographic, spectroscopic, and microscopic methods.
- Contributing to the interface between SGC recovery and microbial production of biodegradable plastics (PHA) by partners at Karlstad University.
- Collaborating with main advisor Prof. Stina Jansson and co-advisor Assoc. Prof. Maria Sandberg (Karlstad University).
- Publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals.
The research environment offers direct access to the Trace Analysis Platform and the Vibrational Spectroscopy Core Facility.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through Umeå University’s electronic recruitment system. Required application documents include:
- Cover letter (maximum two pages): Describe your qualifications, previous research experience, and how they align with the advertised project. Clearly state your motivation for applying.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Include a comprehensive list of publications.
- Verified copy of doctoral degree certificate: Or documentation clarifying the expected date of degree completion.
- Verified copies of other diplomas: Including lists of completed academic courses and grades.
- Other relevant documents: Any additional documents the applicant wishes to submit.
All application documents must be in English or Swedish and submitted in Word or PDF format.
For further details, please contact Prof. Stina Jansson at +46-90 786 76 22 or stina.jansson@umu.se.
Last Date for Apply
November 30, 2026
