Postdoctoral scholarship (2 years) in Chemistry – Ice Geochemistry at Umeå university

Postdoctoral scholarship (2 years) in Chemistry – Ice Geochemistry

The Department of Chemistry is offering a two-year postdoctoral scholarship in ice geochemistry, with a starting date of January 1, 2026, or as otherwise agreed. The application deadline is May 7, 2025.

Departmental specific information 

The Department of Chemistry at Umeå University (https://www.umu.se/chemistry) is one of the largest departments within the Faculty of Science and Technology with approximately 200 employees and with strong and expanding research. The Department has three major research areas: Biological Chemistry, Environmental and Biogeochemistry, and Technical Chemistry. We are also a strong partner of the Chemical and Biological Centre of Umeå University (https://www.umu.se/en/chemical-biological-centre/).

The Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020 was awarded to Emmanuelle Charpentier, who was active at Umeå University when the CRISPR-Cas9 method was developed.

Project description  

Ice is can be a very reactive geochemical reactor affecting the fate of elements in nature.  This experimental (vibrational spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction/scattering, (Ambient Pressure) X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, (cryo) electron microscopy/tomography) project will resolve molecular- to meso-scale processes affecting mineral/water interfacial reactions within the confines of ice

The scholarship holder will join Umeå’s Molecular Geochemistry Group, which includes two PhD students working within this project, under the supervision of Professor Jean-François Boily (https://moleculargeo.chem.umu.se/boily/).

The scholarship is for two years, starting no later than January 1st, 2026 or according to agreement. The tax-free stipend is 360 000 SEK per year, and financed by the Kempe Foundation.

Qualifications  

To qualify as a postdoctoral scholarship holder, the postdoctoral fellow is required to have completed a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree. This qualification requirements must be fulfilled no later than at the time of the decision about scholarship recipient.

Priority should be given to candidates who completed their doctoral degree, according to what is stipulated in the paragraph above, no later than three years prior. If there are special reasons, candidates who completed their doctoral degree prior to that may also be eligible. Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, clinical practice, appointments of trust in trade union organizations, or similar circumstances.

A doctoral degree in chemistry, geochemistry, or a related field is required. Proficiency in spoken and written English is essential.

Merits:

• Practical experience in nanomineral geochemistry, spectroscopic techniques (vibrational and X-ray spectroscopy), inorganic synthesis, and advanced data analysis (MATLAB, R or Python).
• Experience in thermodynamics and/or molecular modeling (e.g., molecular dynamics or ab initio methods).

We are seeking a candidate with a strong interest in geochemistry and inorganic chemistry, as well as the ability to reason at the molecular level. The ideal candidate is meticulous, possesses well-developed logical thinking skills, and is capable of working independently by taking initiative and completing tasks. To thrive and succeed in this role, strong collaboration skills and an appreciation for teamwork are also essential.

Application  

A full application should include:

• A 2-page curriculum vitae;
• A 1-page cover letter stating why you are interested in the position;
• A list of publications and (B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.) theses (2 pages max)
• Certified copies of degree certificates, including documentation of completed academic courses and obtained grades;
• Names and contact information for at least two reference persons.

The application should be written in English or Swedish, and all attached documents must be in Word or PDF format. Applications must be submitted through Umeå University’s e-recruitment system Varbi no later than May 7, 2025.

Further information 

For further information, please contact Professor Jean-François Boily, email: jean-francois.boily@umu.se

We look forward to receiving your application!