We are looking for a highly motivated candidate willing to contribute to our on-going efforts in elucidating molecular-scale reactions at clay mineral surfaces, involving a variety of experimental (FTIR, TPD, PXRD, XPS, electrochemistry) and/or computational (molecular dynamics, quantum chemistry, thermodynamics) methods.
The successful candidate will also have access to excellent experimental and computational research facilities that are supported by competent scientific staff, and will also benefit from attractive working conditions (4-year salary, no tuition fees, comprehensive health care, and ergonomic working environment).
Project Description
Our research activities are focused on gaining a fundamental understanding of various minerals in natural and technological processes. We resolve, for example, mechanisms through which naturally occurring or synthetic mineral particles interact with water and contaminants, in either gas or aqueous phase. Our research is predominantly focused on iron oxides (rust) as well as clay mineral particles due to their reactivity and widespread occurrence in nature and/or use in industrial processes.
Admission requirements
The general admission requirements for third-cycle study programmes are a second-cycle degree and completed courses carrying at least 240 higher (ECTS) education credits, at least 60 of which were awarded in the second-cycle, or substantially equivalent knowledge otherwise acquired in Sweden or abroad. The Faculty Board may grant an exemption from the general admission requirements for an individual applicant if there are special grounds for doing so (Higher Education Ordinance, Ch 39).
Anyone who, prior to July 1, 2007, had acquired qualifications meeting the general admission requirements for third-cycle studies then in force, i.e. first-level studies comprising at least 120 credits, or substantially equivalent knowledge acquired in Sweden or abroad, shall be deemed to meet the current general entry requirements, but no later than until the end of June 2015 (Higher Education Ordinance, Ch. 12, item 11).
The specific entry requirements for third-cycle studies in chemistry are studies in chemistry, or some other subject deemed to be directly relevant for the specialisation in question, comprising at least 90 higher education credits, including one or more second-cycle courses carrying at least 15 credits, or equivalent qualifications. Applicants must be proficient in both oral and written communication in English.
Application
You apply through our recruitment system. Log on to the system and apply via the button at the bottom of the web page.
Closing Date: May 15, 2015
The application must consist of a curriculum vitae, academic records including diplomas and report cards of all University-level classes. The application must also contain a cover letter describing the applicant’s motivation to apply for the position. Contact information of a least two references with academic positions must also be included.
All electronically submitted material should be in MS Word or PDF format.
Further information can be obtained from Assistant Professor Michael Holmboe, 090-786 52 48,michael.holmboe@umu.se, and Professor Jean-François Boily, jean-francois.boily@chem.umu.se
More about us
The Department of Chemistry at Umeå University employs over 230 academic and support staff (www.chemistry.umu.se). Inorganic Chemistry has long been one of the cornerstone research areas of the department, and predominantly entails research on mineral/water and mineral/gas interfaces, as well as aqueous solutions. The Department of Chemistry now invites applications to fill a new Ph.D student position in the area clay mineral chemistry in particular. The student will be working under the supervision of Assistant Professor Michael Holmboe and Professor Jean-François Boily.