Human exposure to new environmental contaminants through high-resolution MS

Department of Water and Environment

Doctoral program subject:

Environmental Analysis, specializing in Environmental Chemistry

Description of the doctoral project:

This doctoral project aims to develop an analytically robust strategy to identify, measure, and interpret new environmental contaminants (contaminants of emerging concern, CECs) that are relevant to human exposure via water. The project will use existing information from pan-European monitoring campaigns stored in the NORMAN database for chemical occurrences to identify substances that may occur in water resources and contribute to human exposure.

Based on this knowledge, the doctoral student will develop and validate analytical methods for selected new contaminants and apply these to water-related samples collected at national or international levels. The results will be interpreted using indicators for hazard, exposure, and risk to support the prioritization of substances for future monitoring. Additionally, suspect screening and non-target screening will be used to identify new substances that can contribute to early warning systems for emerging chemical risks.

The project includes: i) selection and prioritization of new environmental contaminants using European monitoring data and information on the chemical properties of the substances; ii) development and validation of an LC-HRMS-based targeted method for selected substances; iii) application of the method to water-related samples, such as drinking water and precipitation; iv) comparison between LC-HRMS and LC-MS/MS for selected compounds to evaluate sensitivity, linearity, precision, and suitability for monitoring; and v) interpretation of the results in relation to human exposure.

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 water-related exposure pathways for humans, with a particular focus on analytical method development and high-resolution mass spectrometry.

To achieve this goal, you will develop and apply analytical workflows for the determination of selected new contaminants in water-related samples collected at national or international levels. The selection of substances will be based on existing knowledge and available monitoring data.

A central part of the project is the use of liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) for sensitive and reliable chemical analysis. Analysis of polar substances may require the use of specialized chromatographic columns. The project may also include comparisons between LC-HRMS and LC-MS/MS for selected substances to assess the sensitivity, linearity, precision, and suitability for monitoring of the methods.

Selected samples may be analyzed using effect-directed analysis (EDA) to link chemical occurrence to biological effects. Tasks also include sample preparation, extraction, and analysis of contaminants, processing of HRMS data, quality assurance, data analysis, visualization, and interpretation of results using indicators for hazard, exposure, and risk, collaboration with national and international partners, as well as 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 credits, of which at least 60 credits are at an advanced level, or who have otherwise acquired substantially equivalent knowledge within or outside the country (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 with knowledge in aquatic ecology, aquatic biogeochemistry, statistics, or ecotoxicology. The undergraduate education must include independent work.

Additionally, you are required to 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, environmental science, toxicology, or equivalent. Specialization in the chemical analysis of water contaminants as well as experience with LC-MS or LC-HRMS is meritorious. Previous experience in laboratory work, sample preparation, extraction, and analysis of organic contaminants is an advantage. Experience in method development, method validation, quality assurance, or analysis of water-related matrices is also considered meritorious. Experience with workflows for suspect screening and non-target screening is particularly desirable. Skills in data processing using statistical computing and visualization tools (e.g., R, Python, or equivalent) are also meritorious. The ability to handle large analytical datasets and to work in a structured and reproducible manner is important for the project. Great importance will also be placed on personal qualities such as good collaborative skills, analytical ability, 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/doktorand2/

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

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) plays a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interactions 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. Main locations are Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, but operations are also conducted 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 dialogue between people with different experiences lays the foundation for scientific rigor, creativity, and development.