Doctoral student in Environmental science and ecotoxicology

Subject description

Environmental science is the scientific study of environmental problems resulting from human activity, including climate change. The subject combines the study of human impact on natural processes and the measures and strategies that can be implemented in order to prevent, avert or counteract environmental problems and achieve long-term sustainable development. Environmental science research is based on a fundamental understanding of natural processes and how they are affected by human activity and therefore has a broad foundation in traditional subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics, geology and physical geography. It also includes the study of relevant measures and strategies to tackle environmental problems. This enables the research to be based on interdisciplinary approaches in collaboration across traditional subject boundaries.

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 than 20%).

The PhD student will be working in an interdisciplinary research project which investigates presence of environmental contaminants and toxic materials in gardens and urban green spaces, and how exposure to different pollutants impact natural organisms and humans in urban spaces. The project collaborates and communicates with societal partners, which is why knowledge of Swedish is a merit for this position. The PhD student will participate in field studies and perform lab-based biological and chemical analyses. In addition, the PhD student will analyze data, write scientific articles and communicate results derived from the project. The scientific articles will subsequently be complied into a doctoral thesis.

Admission requirements

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

To be admitted to the third-cycle programme in Environmental Science, the student must have completed an independent project, e.g. a degree project in the relevant subject comprising at least 30 credits and have good oral and written proficiency in English.

Qualifications other than subject-specific competence in environmental science may be taken into consideration in order to enable interdisciplinary initiatives and important specialisations in certain areas.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Master’s degree or equivalent (including a degree project of 30 credits or more), in any one of the subjects biology, molecular biology, chemistry or environmental sciences.
• Experience of field and lab work
• Knowledge of ecotoxicology
• The candidate is expected to have good collaborative abilities and to work proactively and independently

It is of merit to have:

• Practical experience working with analyses of environmental contaminants and toxicology, particularly ecotoxicology
• Experience of environmental monitoring or biodiversity studies
• Knowledge of statistical tools, methods and analyses
• Experience working with outreach/communication, municipalities or stakeholders
• Minimum basic knowledge of the Swedish language, both in writing or speaking

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:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study.
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
3. Written and oral communication skills
4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills and how the applicant, through his or her 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. Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

This employment is today placed at the department of Centre for environmental- and Climate Science. From January 1st 2026 your employment will be placed at the newly formed department of Earth and Environmental Sciences due to a planned co-organization. This will give you a unique opportunity to be a part of a dynamic development process and give you an opportunity to contribute to a new interdisciplinary department. 

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, degree certificate or equivalent, contact information for a minimum of two references and other documents you wish to be considered.