Postdoc position in contaminant hydrogeology

Reference number PAR 2023/1107

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 56 000 students and 6 600 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

The Department of Earth Sciences has around 80 employees. We have bachelor and master programs in Earth Sciences and in Geography as well as third-cycle education in several Earth Science subjects. Our main research themes are “Climate and Climate Change”, “Earth Surface Processes” and “The Geosphere” and the research strategy of the department emphasizes further development of Earth System Science. For more information see https://gu.se/en/earth-sciences

The Contaminant Hydrogeology Research Group led by Dr. Philipp Wanner (https://www.gu.se/en/about/find-staff/philippwanner), belongs to the “Geosphere” theme in the Department of Earth Sciences and is involved in fundamental research, addressing the behaviour of legacy and emerging contaminants such as chlorinated solvents, plastic particles, pesticides, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in aquatic systems. The Contaminant Hydrogeology Group has strong relations with international research groups and stakeholders in Germany, Switzerland, Canada, USA and France. The group also hosts a large pool of state-of-the-art equipment for stable isotope and elemental analyses.

Job assignments

The Contaminant Hydrogeology Group at the Earth Science Department aims to recruit a postdoctoral researcher, who will contribute to a Swedish Research Council (VR) project aiming to determine the behaviour of nanoplastic particles in agricultural soils and how nanoplastic particles interact with pesticides. The successful postdoc candidate will particularly investigate 1) the migration of nanoplastic particles through agricultural soils by using a novel plastic particle tracer method, and 2) how plastic particles impact the transport of pesticides into underlying aquifer systems. The research will mainly focus on laboratory work including column experiments, soil sample and tracer analysis, field work, and numerical modelling.

The interviews for the postdoc position will be held on November 23/24 and the candidate will be selected right afterwards.

Qualifications

To be successful in this position the applicant will need:

  • A PhD degree in environmental geology, contaminant hydrogeology, environmental chemistry or in a related field.
  • Experience in carrying out laboratory and field work
  • Basic knowledge in numerical modelling
  • Excellent oral and written English skills including the ability to publish research results and to present them at international conferences.
  • Open-minded, capable of working in an international and multi-disciplinary team

Employment

The postdoc position is temporary for two years, full-time (100%) at the Earth Science Department of the University of Gothenburg.

First day of employment: On agreement.

For further information regarding the position

For further information regarding the position, please contact Dr. Philipp Wanner, philipp.wanner@gu.se

Unions

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg: https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/work-at-the-university-of-gothenburg/how-to-apply

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/

How to apply

In order to apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to register an account in our online recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline. The selection of candidates is made on the basis of the qualifications registered in the application.

The application should include:

A cover letter with a motivation that describes the applicant’s suitability for the position (maximum one A4 page)

A Curriculum vitae including education, qualifications, and previous experience

A copy of examination certificates

A publication list

A copy/link of/to the PhD thesis,

Other documents deemed important by the applicant

Contact information for at least two references that are familiar with the applicant’s qualifications.

Closing date: 2023-11-10

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.