Postdoctoral researcher in aerosol emissions from streams

SLU - Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences; Umeå kommun; On-site; SEK 469,000 - 603,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Forest Ecology and Management at SLU in Umeå invites applications for a postdoctoral position to study emissions of aerosols from boreal streams. The project will develop a flux chamber to capture aerosols and quantify fluxes using online particle counters and laboratory measurements of ice‑nucleating particles.

Hosted by Associate Professor Marcus Klaus, the role involves independent work and collaboration with a research team and external partners, with a 24‑month temporary

Qualifications

• PhD in atmospheric sciences, aquatic sciences, physics, environmental engineering, or related discipline.
• Experience in measurements of aerosols, suspended particles and/or air–water exchange.
• Excellent written and spoken English skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop a flux chamber to capture aerosols from stream surfaces.
• Quantify aerosol fluxes with online counters and air filtration for lab measurements of ice‑nucleating particles.
• Deploy chamber in controlled experiments and field studies in boreal streams.
• Contribute to experimental design, data collection and analysis, manuscript preparation.

Skills

Air filtration

Droplet freezing assays

Bubble turbulence

Data analysis

Instrument development

Education

PhD in atmospheric/aquatic sciences/physics/Env Eng

Tools

R

MATLAB

Job description

Department of Forest Ecology and Management

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.

About Us

The title will be employed at The Department of Forest Ecology and Management. The department includes about 120 people of which 9 are professors. Our mission is to advance the understanding of forest ecosystems and how these should be managed today and in the future.

For more information: http://www.slu.se/en/departments/forest-ecology-management/

Read more about our benefits and working at SLU by visiting: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

Location

Umeå

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/

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.