PhD student in Radioecology and Environmental Radiochemistry

We are looking for a PhD student in Radioecology and Environmental Radiochemistry

Your work assignments

As a PhD student, you will explore one of today’s environmental challenges, namely, how climate change affects the mobility of radioactive contaminants in the ocean. The project focuses on the Baltic Sea and combines fieldwork, laboratory experiments, advanced radiochemical analysis, and environmental modeling to understand how changing redox conditions (such as hypoxia and re-oxygenation) influence the behavior of actinides like plutonium (Pu) and americium (Am) in sediment and seawater.

You will:

• Collect sediments and seawater samples for analysis in the Baltic Sea for analysis of redox-sensitive radionuclides and geochemical parameters.
• Perform laboratory microcosm experiments that simulate anoxic and oxic conditions to quantify radionuclide remobilization under climate-driven changes.
• Develop and apply advanced radiochemical and mass spectrometric methods (alpha spectrometry, ICP-MS, Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) ) for ultra-trace detection of actinides.
• Integrate experimental results into dynamic geochemical and transport models to predict future radionuclide behavior under different climate scenarios.
• Collaborate closely with international partners and participate in research visits to world-leading laboratories, such as the IAEA Marine Environment Laboratories in Monaco, University of Gdańsk (Poland) and Centro Nacional de Aceleradores (CNA, University of Seville, Spain), to gain hands-on experience in marine radioecology and advanced radioanalytical techniques.
• Present your results in peer-reviewed journals and at international scientific conferences, and contribute to Sweden’s expertise in climate-adaptive radiological protection.

The position offers an exceptional opportunity to develop interdisciplinary skills in marine radioecology, radiochemistry, and environmental modeling, while working in a dynamic and internationally connected research group at Linköping University.

As a PhD student, you devote most of your time to doctoral studies and the research projects of which you are part. Your work may also include teaching or other departmental duties, up to a maximum of 20% of full-time.

Your qualifications

You have graduated at Master’s level in radiation physics, environmental science, chemistry, marine science, Nuclear Physics or a related field, or have completed courses amounting to at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 are at the advanced level, in a relevant subject area. Alternatively, you have gained essentially corresponding knowledge in another way.

We consider it important to have expertise in at least one of the following areas: radiochemistry, environmental radioactivity, marine geochemistry, or analytical chemistry. It is considered a merit if you have:

• Experience in environmental modeling, laboratory work involving trace analysis, radiochemical separation, or mass spectrometry (e.g., ICP-MS or AMS).
• Knowledge of programming languages or the use of environmental modeling tools (e.g., PHREEQC, MATLAB, or Python).
• Experience in international collaborations or fieldwork in marine or environmental studies.

We are an international research group and publish articles in English, so it is important that you have excellent proficiency in both spoken and written English. Much of the supervision during your doctoral studies will also be conducted in English.

We are looking for someone who is motivated and curious about pursuing doctoral studies, who enjoys working both independently and in a team. You should have strong analytical skills, problem-solving ability, and attention to detail, as well as the ability to manage experimental work and data analysis simultaneously. Since the project involves international collaboration and fieldwork, good communication skills and an open, collaborative attitude are essential.

Applicants are encouraged to attach a short document (maximum one page) describing your motivation for pursuing research studies in this field, relevant background and skills, and how you envision your role in the implementation of the project.

Your workplace

You will belong to the Unit of Radiological Sciences at the Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences (HMV), Linköping University. The unit conducts research and education in medical radiation physics, radiation protection, radiochemistry, and radioecology, spanning both medical and environmental applications of ionizing radiation.

Our research group has a leading national and international profile in environmental radioactivity and radiochemical method development, including collaborations with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the University of Gothenburg, University of Gdańsk, and the University of Seville. The group offers a stimulating environment that integrates laboratory radiochemistry, environmental fieldwork, and advanced modeling approaches.

The Ph.D. student will work closely with these partners and participate in joint fieldwork and research visits abroad, including to the IAEA Marine Environment Laboratories in Monaco, University of Gdańsk and the University of Seville, Spain.

The employment

When taking up the post, you will be admitted to the program for doctoral studies. In connection with your admission to the doctoral program, your employment as a PhD student is handled. More information about the doctoral studies at each faculty is available at Doctoral studies at Linköping University

The employment has a duration of four years’ full-time equivalent. You will initially be employed for a period of one year. The employment will subsequently be renewed for periods of maximum duration two years, depending on your progress through the study plan. The employment may be extended up to a maximum of five years, based on the amount of teaching and departmental duties you have carried out. Further extensions can be granted in special circumstances.

Starting date by agreement, but preferably first quarter of 2026.

Salary and employment benefits

The salary of PhD students is determined according to a locally negotiated salary progression.

More information about employment benefits at Linköping University is available here.

Union representatives

Information about union representatives, see Help for applicants.

Application procedure

Apply for the position by clicking the “Apply” button below. Your application must reach Linköping University no later than December 15 2025.

Applications and documents received after the date above will not be considered.