Summary
Umeå University is offering a full-time, two-year postdoctoral position in Environmental Chemistry. The successful candidate will join the Environmental Chemistry group at the Department of Chemistry and 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).
Designation
Postdoctoral Researcher
Research Area
- Environmental Chemistry
- Hydrothermal Carbonization (HTC)
- Recovery of Carbon and Organic Material
- Filtrate Chemistry
- Self-Generated Carbon (SGC) Formation
Location
Umeå, Västerbottens län, Sweden. Some work may also be carried out at Karlstad University.
Eligibility/Qualification
Required Qualifications:
- A doctoral degree (or foreign equivalent) in chemistry, environmental chemistry, materials chemistry, chemical engineering, or a closely related subject. The degree must be completed no later than the time of appointment decision. Priority is given to candidates who completed their doctoral degree no more than three years prior, with exceptions for special reasons (e.g., parental leave, illness).
- Documented experience in designing and performing experimental laboratory work in chemistry.
- Documented experience in chemical or material characterization using instrumental analytical techniques.
- Experience with at least one of the following: 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, structuring, problem-solving, and collaborative skills.
Job Description
The postdoctoral researcher will work on the RE-FIL project, funded by Formas, focusing on turning HTC filtrate from a waste product into a resource. The primary task will be to investigate the formation of self-generated carbon (SGC) within HTC filtrates and understand the governing filtrate chemistry. This involves using chromatographic, spectroscopic, and microscopic techniques for characterizing filtrates and products. The project also involves collaboration with partners at Karlstad University on microbial production of biodegradable plastics (PHA), exploring the interface between different recovery routes. The position is full-time for two years, with a start date of March 1, 2027, or by agreement. The main advisor is Prof. Stina Jansson, with Assoc. Prof. Maria Sandberg (Karlstad University) as co-advisor.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through Umeå University’s electronic recruitment system via the provided apply link. The application should be written in English or Swedish and include the following documents:
- A cover letter (maximum two pages) describing qualifications, previous research experience, motivation for applying, and how these align with the project.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) with a complete publication list.
- Verified copy of doctoral degree certificate or documentation clarifying the expected date of degree completion.
- Verified copies of other diplomas, a list of completed academic courses, and grades.
- Any other documents the applicant wishes to include.
Documents sent electronically must be in Word or PDF format.
Last Date for Apply
November 30, 2026
Apply Link
Apply for Postdoctoral Position in Environmental Chemistry
