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

At the Unit for Contaminant Chemistry we study all aspects of the occurrence of pollutants in the environment. Areas of particular focus include the discovery of new contaminants, understanding the chemical, physical and biological pathways that contaminants follow, and the development of novel tools and techniques. We strive to synthesize our scientific understanding about the sources, transport, transformation, bioaccumulation and pharmacokinetics of environmental contaminants into mathematical models that inspire new scientific hypotheses, and support environmental decision-making.

Project description

Per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used in healthcare due to their unique properties. However, their extreme persistence and potential health and environmental impacts have created an urgent need to understand where PFAS are used, why they are used, and whether safer alternatives can meet essential performance requirements. As part of the PFAROS Innovative Health Initiative (IHI) consortium, this project will contribute by investigating exposure, persistence and environmental fate of PFAS-free materials and alternatives across relevant life-cycle stages. Particular emphasis will be placed on generating data on biodegradation and sorption to assess how PFAS-free alternatives behave in the environment. In this project, the student will:

compile existing knowledge on emissions, exposure, biodegradation and sorption of PFAS-free alternatives through literature review, database searches and dialogue with PFAROS partners
further develop and conduct laboratory methods to measure biodegradation and sorption in relevant environmental matrices, such as sludge and sediment
analyze and interpret data on degradation, partitioning in environmental compartments using chemical analysis and in silico tools
provide data and assessments for the PFAROS prioritization work and for the development of safer and more sustainable PFAS-free healthcare materials.

The student will work closely with PFAROS partners across academia and industry, gaining experience in environmental chemical analysis, persistence and fate assessment and regulatory-relevant research that directly informs Europe’s transition toward safer healthcare materials.

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, are 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
quality and ambition of previous project work
written and oral proficiency in English.

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 Assistant Professor Malte Posselt, malte.posselt@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 PFAS and PFAS alternatives in healthcare