Postdoctoral researcher in aerosol emissions from streams

European Geosciences Union (EGU); Umeå kommun; On-site; SEK 435,000 - 469,000; Full time

Job summary

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Umeå seeks a Postdoctoral researcher to study aerosol emissions from streams. You will develop a flux chamber to capture aerosols, quantify fluxes with online counters and lab-based ice-nucleating particle measurements, and perform water sampling in boreal streams.

The role includes experimental design, data analysis, manuscript preparation, and collaboration with the research team and external partners.

Qualifications

• PhD in atmospheric sciences, aquatic sciences, physics, environmental engineering, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Develop a flux chamber to capture aerosols emitted from stream surfaces.
• Conduct laboratory and field measurements of aerosol fluxes and ice-nucleating particles.
• Contribute to experimental design, data collection and analysis, and manuscript preparation.

Skills

Air filtration

Aerosol sampling

Particle counting

Droplet freezing assays

Bubble and turbulence characterization

Programming

Data analysis (R/MATLAB)

Engineering and instrument design

Education

PhD

Tools

R

MATLAB

Job description

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Position

Postdoctoral researcher in aerosol emissions from streams

Employer

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU)

About Us

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden. SLU has around 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 4,5 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Location

Umeå

Umeå, Sweden

Homepage: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/organisation/departments/forest-ecology-management/

Sector

Academic

Relevant divisions

• Atmospheric Sciences (AS)
• Biogeosciences (BG)
• Hydrological Sciences (HS)

Type

Full time

Level

Experienced

Salary

ca. 39 000 SEK / month

Required education

PhD

Application deadline

16 November 2026

Posted

19 October 2026

Job Description

Scientific background

Atmospheric aerosols are microscopic particles that influence weather and climate, contribute to biogeochemical cycling, and facilitate the dispersal of organisms. Aquatic systems can release aerosols into the atmosphere through processes such as bubble bursting, which have been studied extensively in oceans. However, whether and how these processes operate in streams remains poorly understood. Streams differ from oceans in their hydrodynamics and water chemistry, potentially affecting how particles are captured by bubbles and potentially transferred to the atmosphere. Recent observations suggest that streams contain ice-nucleating particles that could become airborne, raising the possibility that boreal streams represent an overlooked source of atmospheric aerosols. The magnitude of these emissions, the mechanisms driving them, and the environmental factors controlling them remain largely unknown

About The Position

The postdoctoral researcher will investigate the hypothesis that streams emit aerosols to the atmosphere and identify the mechanisms and environmental conditions governing these emissions. A central task will be to develop a flux chamber to capture aerosols emitted from stream surfaces and quantify aerosol fluxes using online particle counters and air filtration for laboratory measurements of ice-nucleating particles. The chamber is planned to be deployed in both controlled experiments and field studies in natural boreal streams. The job also includes water sampling and measurements of physicochemical water and bubble properties. The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to experimental design, data collection and analysis, manuscript preparation, scientific publication, and other forms of research communication. The position will be supervised by Associate Professor Marcus Klaus. The successful candidate will be expected to work independently while collaborating closely with other members of the research team and external partners. The research environment will provide opportunities to develop scientific expertise, establish collaborations, and strengthen the candidate's professional development and academic career prospects.

Your profile

We are seeking a motivated and dedicated researcher with expertise at the interface of aquatic and atmospheric sciences and a strong interest in air–water exchange processes. Applicants must hold a PhD in atmospheric sciences, aquatic sciences, physics, environmental engineering, or a related discipline. The applicant must have demonstrated experience in measurements of aerosols, suspended particles and/or air‑water mass exchange (particles or gases) and experience conducting laboratory and/or fieldwork in aquatic and/or atmospheric systems. A track record of scientific writing and publishing in peer‐reviewed journals is also required, as are excellent written and spoken English skills.

• Air filtration, aerosol sampling, and particle counting
• Droplet freezing assays
• Bubble and/or turbulence characterization
• Programming and data analysis using tools such as R or MATLAB
• Engineering, instrument development, or practical skills relevant to designing and constructing the flux chamber

In addition to scientific qualifications, emphasis will be placed on personal suitability, including scientific curiosity, initiative, the ability to work independently, and a constructive and collaborative approach to teamwork. As postdoctoral appointments are career‑developing positions for junior researchers, we are primarily looking for candidates with a doctoral degree that is three years old at most.

Form Of Employment

Temporary employment 24 months, with the possibility of extension.

Scope

100%

Start Date

1 January 2027 or by agreement

Union Representatives

https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/