The Department of Environmental Science is one of the biggest departments at the Faculty of Science. The department consists of four units with more than 170 researchers, teachers, doctoral students and technical/administrative staff from over 30 countries. Research and teaching focuses on chemical contaminants, atmospheric science, biogeochemistry and (eco)toxicology. As an employee at the Department of Environmental Science you will be part of a dynamic environment with research in leading research areas and with a strong international profile. More information about us, please visit: the Department of Environmental Science.

This project will be conducted at the Unit for Exposure and effects. More information about us, please visit: the Department of Environmental Science/Exposure and effects

Project description

The thesis work will be conducted within the framework of the project “Exposing and Overcoming Corruption in EU Chemical Regulation: An Interdisciplinary Approach”, funded by Swedish government research council for sustainable development FORMAS.

This project aims to investigate the prevalence of corrupt practices in the regulation of chemicals in the EU, to provide tools for detection and prevention, and to identify strategies for effective enforcement in cases of law violations. The central challenge is designing a regulatory framework that addresses the systemic vulnerabilities enabling corruption, rather than merely rectifying individual cases of misconduct. This project employs an interdisciplinary approach by integrating legal science and toxicology expertise from the onset, generating knowledge and societal impact unattainable by each discipline independently.

We will test hypotheses based on initial findings using a unique empirical core: a collection of 56 industry-funded developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) studies of pesticides. The toxicology perspective utilizes novel cross-study intra-laboratory analysis to evaluate the exclusion of datasets, which would constitute violations of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP). It also cross-compares study inventories (EU versus USA) to quantify non-submission rates of toxicity studies, and will quantify the prevalence of reporting biases through a novel typology. Simultaneously, the law science perspective will analyze identified violations against existing EU legislation (including GLP Directives) and international OECD guidance. Qualitative document analysis will also be used to assess how stakeholders influence regulatory protection levels during law development.

Expected results include the systematic characterization and quantification of corrupt activities and the development of freely available data analysis tools for use by regulators and scientists. The project will deliver detailed suggestions for necessary changes in law, guidance text, and pathways toward more effective enforcement.

Overall, improved chemical regulation supports sustainable development by protecting public health and the environment from avoidable harm. Short-term impact includes identifying specific previously unrecognized chemical hazards and communicating these immediately to relevant agencies, such as EFSA and ECHA. Long-term benefits involve providing tailored legal text and strategies to address structural issues and systemic vulnerabilities, thereby strengthening the entire regulatory system and facilitating prevention and dissuasive enforcement.

-> Example of previous work in this area

Qualification requirements

In order to be admitted to postgraduate education, the applicant must have the general and specific entry requirements. The qualification requirements must be met by the deadline for admission.

You meet general entry requirements if you have completed a second-cycle degree, or completed courses equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits, of which 60 credits must be in the second cycle, or have otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or elsewhere.

Specific entry requirements for doctoral studies in Environmental Science, is met if at least 45 of the credits at the second cycle is in one of the natural sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Physics, or Meteorology) including a 30 credits thesis project. The applicant should also have 30 credits in other natural science subjects different from the major.

Selection

The selection among the eligible candidates will be based on their capacity to benefit from the training. The following criteria will be used to assess this capacity:

documented knowledge in a relevant field of research
capacity for analytical and creative thinking
initiative
independence
ability to collaborate
written and oral proficiency in English
documented experience regarding the study or practice of law or criminology
documented work with public administration or enforcement
documented experience with interdisciplinary research
documented studies and work with statistics
documented experience with risk assessment and chemical regulation

Admission Regulations for Doctoral Studies at Stockholm University.

About the employment

We offer a fixed-term employment as a doctoral student according to Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). The period of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for four years. As a doctoral student, you should primarily devote yourself to your own doctoral education, but the employment may include work with education, research and administration to a limited extent (maximum 20 %).

A new employment as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, the employment is then renewed for a maximum of two years at a time.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

For more information, please contact Axel Mie, axel.mie@aces.su.se.

Application

Apply for the PhD student position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.

Stockholm University contributes to the development of sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment and the pursuit of truth.

PhD student in Environmental Science, focusing on corruption in EU Chemical Regulation