PhD position in Chemistry, with a specialization in inorganic chemistry

Umeå Universitet; Umeå kommun; On-site; SEK 270,000 - 340,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Social benefits (parental leave, holiday leave)

Occupational health services

Job summary

Umeå Universitet is offering a PhD position in Chemistry, specializing in inorganic chemistry. The research will explore radiation-induced processes at oxide-water interfaces, combining experimental and theoretical methods.

This four-year position includes participation in research and courses, starting from 1 October 2026. Applicants should have a second-cycle degree and strong problem-solving skills, with additional merits in spectroscopy, programming, and collaboration.

Qualifications

• Completed a second-cycle level degree or 240 ECTS including 60 at second-cycle.
• Completed first-cycle courses of at least 90 ECTS credits in chemistry or relevant fields.
• Practical experience in spectroscopy or diffraction techniques.

Responsibilities

• Pursue doctoral studies and complete postgraduate courses.
• Conduct research in radiation-induced processes.
• Teach and engage in departmental work if required.

Skills

Meticulous attention to detail

Logical thinking

Problem-solving ability

Good oral and written English proficiency

Education

Second-cycle level degree or equivalent education

First-cycle courses of at least 90 ECTS in Chemistry

Tools

Experimental spectroscopy techniques (XAS, XRD, FTIR, XPS)

Molecular modelling (MD/MC, DFT)

Programming (Python, MATLAB)

Linux/HPC systems

Job description

PhD position in Chemistry, with a specialization in inorganic chemistry

Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology

The Department of Chemistry is opening a PhD position in Chemistry with a specialization in inorganic chemistry. The thesis project will focus on radiation‑induced processes at oxide–water interfaces, investigated using advanced experimental and theoretical methods. The position is for four years of doctoral studies, including participation in research and postgraduate courses. The last day to apply is 15 August 2026 and the starting date is 1 October 2026 at the earliest, or by agreement, but no later than 31 January 2027.

Project description and tasks

Throughout the nuclear fuel cycle, from fuel reprocessing to final disposal, interfaces between water and metal oxides arise at which ionizing radiation induces radiolysis of the water. The species formed, free radicals and other reactive molecules, can affect corrosion rates, the release of radionuclides, and the material properties of both reactor materials and the barrier materials used in a deep geological repository for spent nuclear fuel. In a collaborative project with KTH Royal Institute of Technology, funded by the Swedish Research Council, we investigate these radiation‑induced processes at various oxide‑water interfaces.

The PhD student will combine time‑resolved and multimodal X‑ray absorption spectroscopy (XANES, EXAFS, and others) at synchrotron facilities such as MAXIV with theoretical molecular modelling of the corresponding systems. The work will be carried out in the Molecular Geochemistry research group at the Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, in collaboration with researchers and PhD students at KTH.

Qualifications

To be admitted for studies at third‑cycle level you are required to have completed a second‑cycle level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS credits are at second‑cycle level or have an equivalent education from abroad, or equivalent qualifications.

To fulfil the specific entry requirements to be admitted for studies at third‑cycle level in chemistry, you are required to have completed first‑cycle courses of at least 90 ECTS credits within the field of chemistry or another subject considered to be directly relevant to the specialization in question. Of those 90 ECTS credits, at least 15 ECTS credits shall have been acquired at second‑cycle level within the specialization or an equivalent subject.

The prerequisites listed above are also considered to be met by those who have acquired essentially equivalent knowledge through other means. The eligibility requirements must be met at the time of admission, but do not need to be met when you submit your application.

Additional required qualifications are:

A suitable candidate is meticulous, with logical thinking and a strong problem‑solving ability. Good oral and written proficiency in English is also required.

Merits are:

A particular interest in, and prior coursework in, inorganic chemistry or physical chemistry at an advanced level (at least 15 ECTS credits). Practical experience of experimental spectroscopy or diffraction techniques such as XAS, XRD, FTIR, and XPS, of molecular modelling (MD/MC, DFT), and familiarity with basic programming (Python, MATLAB) and the use of Linux/HPC systems are considered merits.

Consideration will also be given to collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing doctoral studies.

About the employment

The position is intended to result in a doctoral degree. The main task of the PhD student is to pursue their doctoral studies, including participation in research and doctoral courses. The duties can include teaching and other departmental work (up to 20%). The employment is limited to the equivalent of four years of full time (48 months) or up to five years for teaching part‑time. Salary is set in accordance with the established salary levels for PhD positions. The employment starts 1 October 2026 or according to agreement.

As employees at Umeå University PhD students are granted social benefits such as parental leave, holiday leave, and occupational health services.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Umeå University strives to offer an equal environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity and development. We welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current employment.

Application

Apply via our e‑recruitment system Varbi. The deadline for applications is 15 August 2026.