PhD student in Environmental Science, the Chemical exposome and links to Health effects in pet animals

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.

Project description

The concept of One Health highlights the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Pet animals have proven to be valuable sentinels and predictors for various diseases that are also relevant to humans. This correlation is partly due to the shared home environment, which results in similar chemical exposures for both pets and their owners. Studying pet animals offers several advantages: Within breeds, pet animals exhibit low genetic variability, making it easier to control for genetic factors in health studies. Pets reach reproductive maturity relatively quickly, allowing for faster generation of study data. Samples and data from pets are often readily available through routine veterinary check-ups, facilitating ongoing research.

Endocrine diseases, such as thyroid disorders, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and reproductive impairments, which are prevalent in humans, are also increasingly reported in pet animals. By establishing pet animals as significant models for endocrine health studies, researchers can minimize the use of experimental animals, adhering to the 3R principles: replace, reduce, and refine the use of animals in research. Thus, pet animals not only provide early warning signs for human diseases but also offer a viable and ethical alternative for studying these conditions, enhancing our understanding while promoting animal welfare.

In this project, much effort will be on the establishment of multi-target analytical method(s) for biological samples to establish the chemical exposome of pet animals. Research will include optimization of sample preparation steps, and the development of data processing strategies using open science tools for identification of unknown molecules in complex samples, with emphasis on quality control at all stages. Complementary GC and LC-Orbitrap technology, available at ScilifeLab in the Exposomics group will be utilized. The chemical exposome will be linked to the health status and biomarkers of the pet animals to establish associations.

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 applications.

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.

For specific entry requirements for doctoral studies in Environmental Science, at least 45 of the credits at the second cycle must be 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 ability to successfully pursue the research education. Special emphasis is put on the applicant’s knowledge and skills within the subject area, ability to express her/himself verbally and in writing, analytical aptitude, creativity, initiative and independence, and a capacity for working together with others. The evaluation will be made based on the relevance of past education and experience, grades from previous university courses (in particular at the advanced level), the quality and ambition of the independent project work, references, a cover letter motivating the candidate’s interest, and interviews.

We are looking for a highly motivated person with a willingness to learn and expand skills in a multidisciplinary context. Experience in analytical and environmental chemistry is a pre-requisite, and previous experience working with mass spectrometry will be considered as a plus. We expect the candidate to have an interest into toxicology and being curious in developing skills in statistics.

Admission Regulations for Doctoral Studies at Stockholm University.

About the post

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 Assoc. Prof. Jana Weiss, phone: +46 73 3706363, jana.weiss@aces.su.se, or lab manager PhD Bénilde Bonnefille, phone: +46 72 148 9280, benilde.bonnefille@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.

You are welcome to apply!