PhD student in Environmental Science focusing on chemical persistence in the hadal zone

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 can be found on our Department website.

The Contaminant Chemistry Unit currently consists of 6 research groups (Benskin, Cousins, MacLeod, Rahu, Posselt, and Sobek). Our research programs examine the occurrence and behavior of pollutants in the environment and in the technosphere. Areas of particular interest include the discovery of new contaminants, understanding the physical, chemical, and biological pathways that contaminants follow, and the development of novel tools and techniques for sampling and analysis. We strive to synthesize our scientific understanding about the sources, transport, transformation and bioaccumulation of environmental contaminants into mathematical models that inspire new scientific hypotheses and support environmental decision-making.

Project description

Hadal zones - located 6-11 km below the ocean surface - represent the deepest regions on Earth. Limited data suggest that hadal sediments are important repositories for legacy hydrophobic persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The importance of hadal zones as sinks for contaminants with more diverse properties, however, is poorly understood. At the same time, emerging evidence suggests that hadal microbial communities may be adapted to degrade halogenated pollutants. In this project, entitled “Small but efficient – can hadal sediment microbes degrade persistent chemicals? (Hadal-Degrade)”, we will investigate the occurrence of a diverse suite of contaminants in sediments from deep-sea trenches from the northern and southern hemisphere using state-of-the-art mass spectrometric methods.

Further, we will use lab-based biodegradation experiments in high pressure chambers to test hypotheses on the influence of hadal microbial diversity on chemical persistence. In addition to improving fundamental knowledge on the role of hadal trenches in global contaminant cycling, this work has the potential to open pathways into sustainable bioremediation technologies for contaminated environments on the Earth’s surface.

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 time the applicant is admitted to the PhD program in the Department of Environmental Science.

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.

Specific documented experiences/skills that are considered meritorious include previous experience in liquid and gas chromatography, high resolution mass spectrometry, ion mobility, and trace analysis of environmental contaminants, and suspect/non-target screening.
Short-listed candidates may be required to demonstrate their problem-solving skills through a small practical exercise. 

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 Professor Anna Sobek, phone: +46 8 674 72 30, anna.sobek@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.