Doctoral student in Biology & Ecotoxicology

Örebro University and the School of Science and Technology are looking for a doctoral student for the doctoral programme in Biology & Ecotoxicology. Start date: 1 January 2025.

Project description

This doctoral position is part of the SEASON project, which explores how climate change impacts the risks posed by sediments contaminated with organic and inorganic pollutants. The research will be carried out at the Man-Technology-Environment (MTM) research centre, located within the School of Science and Technology at Örebro University.

To achieve the project’s goals, researchers must simulate and adjust key environmental parameters like pH and temperature under controlled laboratory conditions. These simulations will consider the complex and dynamic interactions between abiotic and biotic factors at the sediment-water interface. The project will be conducted in collaboration with six industrial partners: Eurofins, Jordnära Miljökonsult, Sellén & Filipovic, Tyrens, Wescon Miljökonsult, and WSP.

In collaboration with these industry partners, this doctoral project aims to investigate molecular and phenotypical effects of contaminated sediment samples under changing environmental conditions. The research will use in vitro models and zebrafish to identify the substances responsible for (eco-)toxicological effects and their adverse outcomes in environmental samples. Therefore, the project seeks a PhD candidate with practical experience in molecular biology, particularly with zebrafish, and a background in (eco-)toxicology and cell culture testing. It is an advantage to have training in laboratory animal science, along with knowledge of analytical organic chemistry and effect-directed analyses. The candidate should hold a degree in environmental toxicology, ecotoxicology, or a related field, with a strong interest in studying adverse effects caused by environmental toxins.

The ideal candidate will:

  • be creative, with strong analytical skills and a solid theoretical foundation,
  • be proficient in written and spoken English,
  • have good interpersonal skills and a cooperative nature,
  • have the ability to effectively carry out assigned duties.

The programme and the doctoral studentship

The doctoral programme includes coursework and an independent research project that culminates in a doctoral thesis. Completion of the programme leads to a doctoral degree, consisting of 240 credits over four years of full-time study. As a doctoral student, you will have a main supervisor and two assistant supervisors.

A thorough introduction will provide a strong start and a solid foundation for your studies. As a doctoral student at Örebro University, you will have access to specially designed seminars that cover topics such as doctoral programme rules, career development, study support, and networking.

The position comes with a full-time doctoral studentship, that covers the four years of full-time study. The starting salary for the position is 30,300 SEK per month.

Entry requirements and selection

Applicants must meet both general and specific entry requirements. To meet the specific requirements, you must have completed higher education courses totalling at least 120 credits in biology, including an independent project and at least 30 credits at the advanced level.

Application to the programme and for the doctoral studentship

The online application must include the following documents:

  • CV
  • Copies of the original certificate and official transcript for Bachelor’s degree
  • Copies of the original certificate and official transcript for the Master’s degree
  • Independent project (degree project)
  • Other relevant documents, course and degree certificates verifying eligibility

Application documents and attachments should be written in Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, or English. Certificates and documents in other languages must be translated by an authorised translator into Swedish or English.

The application deadline is October 22, 2024. You can apply over the application portal