Advanced screening of new environmental contaminants in food chains

Department of Water and Environment

Doctoral subject:

Environmental Analysis specializing in Environmental Chemistry

Description of the doctoral project:

This doctoral project aims to increase the understanding of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in food chains by using bioaccumulation and trophic transfer as strategies for chemical prioritization. The project will investigate how contaminants are transported from the environment to organisms and further through food chains, as well as how these processes can be used to identify substances that are relevant to ecosystems and One Health. The project will focus on one or more selected food chain systems depending on the availability of samples, collaborations, and scientific relevance.

The project includes: i) selection of relevant food chain systems, biological matrices, and new environmental contaminants based on occurrence data, chemical properties, bioaccumulation potential, and available samples; ii) application of targeted analysis, suspect screening, and non-target screening with LC-HRMS to identify known and previously unknown substances in selected biological matrices; iii) evaluation of bioaccumulation, biomagnification, and trophic transfer patterns where suitable data and samples are available; iv) use of samples from environmental sample banks, where available, to investigate temporal trends and enable retrospective screening; as well as v) linking measured chemical patterns to possible environmental sources.

You will work in an international and interdisciplinary research team. The project provides access to advanced instrumentation and training in data analysis, scientific communication, and international research collaboration.

Tasks:

We are seeking a doctoral student who wants to contribute to increased knowledge about new environmental contaminants in food chains, with a particular focus on bioaccumulation, trophic transfer, and advanced chemical screening.

To achieve this goal, you will develop and apply analytical workflows for the detection and identification of both known and previously unknown substances in complex biological matrices. The work includes, among other things, sample preparation, extraction, and the development of purification strategies for biological samples.

The project will also involve semi-quantitative analysis of identified substances as well as the evaluation of bioaccumulation, biomagnification, and trophic transfer patterns in selected food chain systems. When suitable samples are available, material from environmental sample banks can be used to investigate temporal trends and conduct retrospective screening.

The tasks also include the preparation of biological and environment-related samples, extraction and analysis of target substances and unknown substances, processing of large HRMS datasets, data analysis, statistical evaluation, interpretation of chemical patterns in relation to environmental sources, collaboration with national and international partners, and writing scientific articles in English.

Eligibility:

Basic eligibility is granted to those who have completed a degree at an advanced level, fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 hp, of which at least 60 hp are at an advanced level, or who have otherwise acquired substantially equivalent knowledge within or outside the country (the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 7, Section 39).

Special eligibility for admission to the doctoral program in the subject Environmental Analysis specializing in Environmental Chemistry is granted to those who have knowledge in aquatic ecology, aquatic biogeochemistry, statistics, or ecotoxicology. The undergraduate education must include independent work.

Additionally, you must have knowledge in English corresponding to a passing grade in English B/6 from Swedish upper secondary school.

Your background:

Applicants should have a master's degree in analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, chemistry, ecotoxicology, environmental science, food science, or equivalent. Specialization in chemical analysis of organic contaminants as well as experience with LC-MS, LC-HRMS, GC-MS, or other advanced mass spectrometric techniques is meritorious. Experience with workflows for suspect screening and non-target screening is particularly desirable. Previous experience in chemical analytical laboratory work, especially with complex biological, food, biota, soil, or sediment matrices, is an advantage. Knowledge of new environmental contaminants, bioaccumulation, biomagnification, trophic transfer, or time-series analysis is considered meritorious. Skills in data processing using statistical computing, visualization, and data analysis tools (e.g., R, Python, or similar) are also meritorious. Great importance is also placed on personal qualities such as good collaborative ability, analytical and problem-solving skills, accuracy, motivation, and the ability to work both independently and in collaboration with others.

Read more here: https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/lediga-jobb/doktorand3/

Terms of employment and salary: Employment as a doctoral student (4 years of education).

The salary for the doctoral position follows local collective agreements with fixed salary steps.

Extent: 100%

Location: Uppsala

Start date: According to agreement.

Application and selection: Welcome with your application via the application button below no later than 2026-08-28.

Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, founded in science and education. Through our focus on the interactions between humans, animals, and ecosystems and a responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Main locations are Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, but activities are also carried out at research stations, experimental parks, and educational sites throughout the country. SLU has over 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and doctoral students, and a turnover of over 4.5 billion SEK. The university invests in attractive environments on its campus areas. We work for an equitable and inclusive work environment where open conversations between people with different experiences lay the foundation for scientificity, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome people with different backgrounds and perspectives to apply for the position in question.