Doctoral student in Environmental Science: Urban Ecotoxicology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Project background

The PhD student will be working within the research project ChemFreeGarden, where researchers from several different disciplines work together to increase our understanding of the impact from chemical use and toxic materials in gardens.

The overall goal of the ChemFreeGarden project is to retrieve information and knowledge necessary to promote more sustainable urban environments, increase biodiversity and ecosystem services and reduce risks for animals and human health from the use of chemicals and hazardous materials.

Communication of results to the municipality, the public and stakeholders is an important part of the project, and accordingly knowledge of Swedish is required for this position.

 

Work duties

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than20%).

 The PhD student will be responsible for carrying out both field studies and lab-based biological/chemical experiments. In addition, the PhD student will conduct surveys, analyze data, write scientific articles and communicate the results in both Swedish and English. The scientific articles will subsequently be complied to a doctoral thesis.

The assignments include investigations of:

• which chemicals and hazardous materials are used in gardens;
• biodiversity and ecosystem services in gardens in relation to chemical use;
• the potential biological risks that chemicals and materials in gardens pose to exposed organisms and human health;
• the attitudes of gardenkeepers concerning the use of chemicals and different materials for various purposes.

 

Requirements

• Master’s degree or equivalent (including a degree project of 30 credits or more), in any one of the subjects biology, ecology, molecular biology, chemistry or environmental sciences.
• Experience of basic molecular biology techniques
• Knowledge of ecology or ecotoxicology
• Excellent skills in oral and written communication in English
• At least a basic knowledge of Swedish, both in writing or speaking
• The candidate is expected to have good collaborative abilities, and abilities to develop and run projects independently.

 

Merits

• Practical experience of lab work
• Experience from or training about chemicals or toxicology
• Experience of exposure experiments
• Experience from biological field work or monitoring
• Knowledge of statistical methods
• Experience from conducting survey or interviews
• Experience working with decision makers or stakeholders
• Experience of working with green urban spaces or gardens

  Assessment criteria Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following: knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study, an assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems, written and oral communication skills and other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience. Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through their experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.  

Terms of employment

Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100),chapter 5,1-7 §§.

 

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, two references, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered(grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).