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Doctoral position in in Atmospheric Chemistry
Research and graduate education at the department of chemistry and molecular biology comprises a wide scientific field from the atomic and molecular levels all the way through cells to intact organisms. Much of the phenomena studied here impact on our natural environment and living systems. We participate in undergraduate programs in chemistry, molecular biology, medicinal chemistry, biology, marine sciences, environmental science and pharmacy.
The group focuses on the atmospheric fate of volatile organic compounds and their impacts on air quality and climate change, with a special interest in development and use of advanced sampling and detection techniques combined with data-driven analytical approaches.
As a doctoral student, your research training will be align with ongoing projects within your supervisor’s research program. Current projects span from fundamental studies of atmospheric chemical processes and mechanisms to the practical application of cutting-edge detection and analytical techniques. State-of-the-art mass spectrometric (MS) techniques—such as chemical ionization mass spectrometry with a filter inlet for gases and aerosols (FIGAERO-CIMS) and proton transfer mass spectrometry (VOCUS PTR-TOF)—along with advanced complementary instrumentation, are employed to characterize organic compounds in both gas and particle phases across diverse environments and ecosystems. The aim is to identify the sources of organic compounds, elucidate their key oxidation processes, and evaluate their role in the formation of air pollutants and their broader impacts on climate.
General information about being a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg can be found on the university's doctoral student pages.
https://www.gu.se/en/doctoral-studies
Duties
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to contribute to a research project titled Atmospheric oxidation of emissions from the boreal forest in a complex and nonlinear world. This position is fully funded and will be part of an interdisciplinary collaboration exploring the complex chemistry of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) and organic aerosols.
The research task for the PhD student will be to conducting field observations, laboratory experiments, and modeling studies to understand the oxidation of BVOCs and their transformation into secondary organic aerosols (SOAs). Key assignments include:
- perform both ground-based and airborne field observation by using the ACTRIS mobile platform equipped with state-of-the-art mass spectrometers and a novel drone-sampling platforms for monitoring and sampling gases and particles.
- design and perform in-situ oxidation simulation experiments and controlled chamber experiments.
- use the obtained knowledge from field observation and lab experiments to improve chemistry models with data-driven approaches
The PhD education also includes the development of generic skills and knowledge in tools applicable to research. E.g. one will achieve detailed knowledge within advanced mass spectroscopy and data analysis using programming software such as of Python, MatLab, or similar.
Doctoral studies comprises four years of full-time study, and leads to a doctoral degree.
As part of your employment as a doctoral student, you may have departmental duties corresponding to up to 20 % of full-time employment, distributed throughout your study period, and result in a corresponding extension of the studies. Departmental duties usually consist of teaching at first- and second-cycle levels, but may also include research and administration.
Eligibility
Doctoral education requires general eligibility and, where appropriate, specific eligibility as set out in the general syllabus for the subject.
The general eligibility requirements for doctoral studies are:
- having completed a degree at second-cycle level, or
- the fulfilment of course requirements totalling at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits must be at second-cycle level, or
- the acquisition of equivalent knowledge in some other way, either in Sweden or abroad.
To meet the specific entry requirements for third-cycle studies, applicants must: (i) have a second-cycle (advanced-level) degree in a relevant* subject area in the natural sciences, or (ii) have completed studies for at least 60 higher education credits at a second-cycle level in relevant subject areas in the natural sciences, or (iii) have completed a corresponding program of relevance to the planned third-cycle program, in Sweden or in another country, or have equivalent qualifications.
*Relevant for the planned third-cycle education.
The specific entry requirements also include an acceptable command of spoken and written English. Guidelines for assessing English proficiency may include a minimum score of 550 on the TOEFL test (or 213 on the TOEFL-CBT, or 79 on the TOEFL-iBT).
Assessment criteria
The selection of applicants who meet the basic and specific eligibility requirements will be based on the ability to assimilate the doctoral studies.
We are looking for a motivated and ambitious doctoral student with a strong interest in atmospheric chemistry and environmental science. The ideal candidate should have a solid background in chemistry, with relevant coursework in atmospheric chemistry, environmental science, or related fields. We welcome applicants with documented laboratory experience where experience utilizing High-Resolution Chemical Ionization MS is advantageous. A keen interest in data-driven research, including the analysis and interpretation of large datasets, is highly desirable. Strong skills in data analysis, programming, and modeling using Python, MATLAB, or similar tools are highly valued.
The candidate should be able to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment. Proficiency in English, both written and spoken, is required.
In selecting between applicants who meet the general and specific entry requirements, their ability to benefit from third-cycle studies shall be taken into account. The assessment shall attach particular importance to documented qualifications for:
The following criteria will be applied in selecting among applicants:
- Qualifications from basic and advanced education.
- The relevance and acquired skills of previous studies or work for the planned postgraduate studies.
- The applicant's ability to work in a research group.
- Assessment of the applicant's ability to benefit from research studies.
Admission and employment
Once you have been admitted to doctoral studies, you will be employed as a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg.
The provisions for employment as a doctoral student can be found in ordinance SFS 1993:100.
Initial employment as a doctoral student may apply for a maximum of one year, and may be renewed by a maximum of two years at a time.
A doctoral student may be employed as a doctoral student for a maximum of eight years, but the total period of employment may not be longer than the equivalent of full-time education at doctoral level for four years.
Type of employment: Fixed-term employment, four years full time (with extension for teaching it can be extended to maximum five years)
Extent: 100 % (minimum 80% and maximum 20% teaching)
Location: Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, Gothenburg
First day of employment: As soon as possible based on agreement
The University applies a local agreement on salaries for doctoral students.
Please note, doctoral studies at the Department of Chemistry and Molecular biology require physical presence to conduct the studies. If the admitted applicant needs a residence permit for higher education to pursue studies in Sweden, the Department of Chemistry and Molecular biology has the right to revoke the admission decision if the applicant cannot present a valid residence permit no later than at the start of the studies.
Contact information
Main supervisor: Cheng Wu, [email protected]
Co-supervisor: Mattias Hallquist, [email protected]
Unions
Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here:
https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande
Application
You can apply to be admitted to doctoral education via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal.
It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per this notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline.
You must include the following, in PDF format
- Personal letter
- CV
- Diploma and transcripts showing that you meet with the general entry requirement
- Proof of completion of English 6 course or the acquired equivalent knowledge through previous studies
- Two references (name, e-mail, telephone number, relation)
If your degree is from a university outside of Sweden, check what you need to submit.
If your degree has not been verified by a Swedish authority you need to provide contact details to the issuing university, registrar or similar, that can verify the degree at our request.
Applications must be received by: 20th of April 2025
Information for International Applicants
Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit:
https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services
https://www.movetogothenburg.com/
The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations. Salaries are set individually at the University. In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed. In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.
