Doctoral student in Environmental science with specialization in Geochemistry

Welcome to Linnaeus University! Here you'll meet 2 200 staff members and 40 000 students, all united in following the vision to set knowledge in motion for a sustainable societal development. With us, research and education are conducted with an eye towards the future. Our proximity to the business world, both locally and globally, gives us a wide reach and the ability to create change that makes an impact. All that's needed is a place where ideas have the space to meet and grow. That's what we've created – and you are invited.

Change starts here!

This position is based at the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, at the Department of Biology and Environmental Science. The research profile at this department is multidisciplinary and includes e.g. aquatic ecology, cell- and organism biology, evolutionary biology, microbiology, zoonotic ecology and epidemiology, environmental science, climate research, environmental chemistry, environmental risk assessment and paleoecology.

Field of subject for the appointment: Environmental science.

Admission subject: The studies carried out in the project are designed to lead to a PhD in Environmental science.

Placement city: Kalmar, Sweden.

Employment: Employment as a doctoral student is limited according to HF chapter 5 § 7. The total employment period may not be longer than the equivalent postgraduate studies full-time for four years.

Start date: As agreed, but preferably in January/February 2026.

 

Job description

Our latest research has, for the first time, geochronologically confirmed microbial colonization within a meteorite impact structure. Using advanced isotope analysis and radioisotopic dating, we demonstrated that microbial sulfate reduction occurred in hydrothermal systems formed after the impact, at temperatures around 47 °C. Life not only survived the catastrophe—it thrived in the environment that emerged.

This PhD project aims to build on these groundbreaking findings by investigating whether other meteorite impact structures also bear traces of microbial life. The project will address the following key research questions:

• Do other impact structures contain biosignatures?
  By applying similar isotopic and geochronological methods as in the Lappajärvi study, we will examine other craters with preserved hydrothermal systems.
• What are the astrobiological implications of these findings?
  Can impact structures serve as analogs for the origin of life on Mars or other celestial bodies? How do these findings influence our understanding of panspermia and the spread of life?
• Are there high-temperature mineral precipitates with biosignatures?
  We will analyze mineral infillings in fractures and vugs to identify microbial processes at various post-impact temperature stages.
• Organic material present?
  Through organic geochemistry and molecular analysis, we will investigate whether organic compounds (of possible extraterrestrial origin) are preserved in impact structures.
• Is there a link to the impactor itself?
  Can we identify trace elements or isotopic signatures suggesting that the impactor contributed building blocks for life?
  
  

Methodology
The project will integrate:

• Isotope analysis (S, C, O)
• Radioisotopic dating (U-Pb)
• Petrographic and microscopic analysis
• Organic geochemistry
• Fieldwork at selected impact structures
  
  

The research group in Environmental Science at Linnaeus University, affiliated with the CENWIN research environment, consists of six professors and lecturers with expertise in geochemistry, geology, microbiology, and risk analysis. The PhD candidate will be part of this interdisciplinary team.

We are now seeking a motivated PhD student to join our collaborative research environment. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a deeper understanding of complex biogeochemical signatures in impact structures and their potential links to astrobiology. You will gain hands-on experience in field sampling, laboratory analyses, and interdisciplinary collaboration across geochemistry, geology, and microbiology.

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, a person appointed to a doctoral studentship should primarily devote himself/herself to his/her own studies. An appointee may, however, work to a limited extent with education, research, artistic development, and administration. However, before a doctoral degree has been awarded, duties of this kind may not comprise more than 20% of a full-time post.

Requirements

A person fulfils the general entry requirements if he/she:

• has been awarded a degree on second-cycle level
• completed the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits, of which 60 credits on second-cycle level, or
• in other way, in Sweden or abroad, has acquired principally equivalent knowledge.
  
  

Specific requirements to this position are:

• Has completed at least 90 credits in courses within geochemistry, geology, or other relevant fields (e.g. geomicrobiology), or other related areas, of which at least 30 credits are at the advanced level, or has equivalent knowledge acquired in other ways, in Sweden or abroad.
  
  

Assessment grounds

The assessment will focus on the applicant's ability to successfully complete the doctoral program. Particular emphasis is placed on the candidate’s motivation, ability to conduct doctoral studies, as well as the breadth and composition of previous education.

It is of benefit to show:

• Excellent proficiency in both written and spoken English, as well as strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively within a research team.
• Experience with microscopy, e.g. scanning electron microscopy.
• Documented knowledge and experience in fieldwork (e.g. rock sampling) and laboratory work.
• Experience in scientific writing and data management.
• Demonstrated interest in interdisciplinary research.
• Personal suitability will also be considered in the assessment.
  
  

Please note that photo identification must be presented at the time of the interview.

For more information, please contact:

Deputy head of department: Andreas Svensson, (andreas.svensson@lnu.se)

Research leader: Henrik Drake, (henrik.drake@lnu.se), +46-(0) 480-447319

HR partner: Victoria Simonsson, (victoria.simonsson@lnu.se), +46 (0) 470-708081

Would you like to learn more about the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences? Read more here.

We look forward to receiving your application no later than 15 November 2025.

The application must be written in English and include a CV (with the applicant’s personal identity number, phone number, and email address, as well as contact details including phone number and email address for two referees), a personal letter explaining your motivation for applying and how the research project aligns with your interests and educational background, a copy of your passport, transcripts and certificates, as well as any other relevant documents. Linnaeus University strives to harness the qualities that a gender balance and diversity bring to the organization. Submit your application via the “Apply” button at the bottom of the advertisement. All documents must be attached digitally to the application. All documents referred to must be received by the university no later than 11:59 p.m. on the final application date. We kindly decline calls from advertisers regarding job postings.