Researcher in Environmental Organic Chemistry

Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment

We are looking for a researcher with expertise in environmental organic chemistry to focus on the development and evaluation of innovative treatment processes for the removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from drinking water.

About the position

A major task is to develop and evaluate alternative innovative pretreatment processes, assess innovative treatment trains to meet new strict water regulations, and use develop early warning system tools to identify hazardous chemicals. The tasks will also include sampling, extraction of environmental samples, chemical analysis, processing of large data sets, data analysis, statistical evaluation and writing of peer-reviewed scientific publications.

The successful candidate will participate in ongoing research (e.g., SIDWater, PARC), build strategic networks nationally and internationally, create resources for and run new research projects, and collaborate with other researchers at SLU and externally. You are also expected to be responsible for authority assignments and infrastructure operation and development. You will work in a team consisting of several senior researchers and PhD students and with access to a well-equipped mass spectrometer facility. Teaching and supervision of students are also part of the duties.

Your profile

Applicants must hold a PhD in Environmental Chemistry, Environmental Engineering or a related field. Documented expertise in PFAS research, including treatment methods or fate and transport is required, as is experience in designing, setting up and running laboratory and field experiments, including process development. Proficiency with chemical analytical methods using LC-MS/MS, as well as strong skills in data processing using statistical computing and visualisation (MATLAB, R, Excel, etc.) are also essential. Additional merits include knowledge of remediation methods, sampling techniques, environmental regulation, and experience in project leading and interdisciplinary collaboration. Teaching and supervision experience in relevant subjects are of merits too.

Emphasis is also placed on personal characteristics such as communication skills, interpersonal skills, analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and in a team. Proficiency in English (both spoken and written) is required, as well as experience in delivering research presentations.

About us

The Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment is working with applied environmental science, with a national responsibility for assessing the condition of Swedish surface waters with respect to water chemistry, pollution and aquatic biota. The research focuses on geochemical and hydrological processes, aquatic ecology and biodiversity, microbial ecology as well as on environmental chemistry and ecotoxicology. The department has about 150 employees, of which approximately half are researchers/doctoral students, and the other half are technical and administrative staff.

For more information about the department visit: www.slu.se/aquatic-sciences

Read more about our benefits and working at SLU by visiting: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

Location:

Uppsala

Form of employment:

Indefinite-term employment. SLU may use probationary employment.

Scope:

100%

Start date:

As soon as possible.

Application:

Please submit your application before deadline 20 September 2025. You can submit your application by clicking the button below.

The application should be written in English. The following documents should be included: (1) CV including a publication list, (2) PhD diploma, (3) a description of previous research, other activities of relevance for the position, and a description of specific research interests (maximum three pages), and (4) names and addresses of at least one person able to provide references for the candidate.

Union representatives:

https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/

 

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden. SLU has around 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 3 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.